HB235 Summary

• Establishes a "Bill of Rights for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness" in Delaware Code Title 6, Chapter 45A, guaranteeing equal rights and protections to homeless individuals regardless of housing status.

• Grants homeless individuals 12 specific rights including: free movement in public spaces, non-discrimination by government agencies, protection from housing discrimination, access to medical/dental care, voting rights, privacy protections, and ability to occupy vehicles for shelter.

• Creates enforcement mechanism through the State Human Relations Commission and Division of Human Relations to investigate complaints, attempt conciliation, and refer cases to the Attorney General for civil actions with penalties up to $15,000 for repeat violations.

• Requires political subdivisions to comply with the bill's protections and prohibits adoption of policies conflicting with these rights, with limited exceptions for gender-specific or federally-mandated shelters.

• Establishes a Special Administration Fund to collect civil penalties and litigation costs, administered by the Commission for enforcement of the chapter's provisions.