DE HB384

Amends Section 404 of the Newark City Charter to authorize the city to levy a tax on colleges and universities offering in-person classes within city boundaries.

Imposes a tax of up to $50 per fall and spring semester on each full-time or part-time undergraduate or postgraduate student enrolled in classes within Newark.

Tax applies to all colleges and universities, including tax-exempt organizations and subdivisions of the State of Delaware, specifically including the University of Delaware.

Annual tax amount adjusts each January 1st beginning in 2026 using the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U), with increases capped at the previous 12-month CPI-U percentage change.

Requires tax payments to be processed through Automated Clearing House (ACH) network or other approved methods directed by the City Manager, prohibiting credit card payments.