DOVER — On Wednesday, the Delaware House of Representatives’ Housing & Community Affairs Committee voted to advance Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 101 out of committee and onto the full House. The legislation would provide renters who fall below 200% of federal poverty guidelines fairness during eviction proceedings by guaranteeing a right to representation in court.

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Bryan Townsend, D-Newark; Sen. Marie Pinkney, D-Bear; Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, D-New Castle; Rep. Larry Lambert, D-Claymont; and Rep. Kendra Johnson, D-Bear.

Since the bill’s introduction in 2021, advocates have listened to concerns from landlords and lawmakers. Changes to the proposed law reflect a desire to build consensus, while keeping a strong bill for renters, who will significantly benefit from it.

SS 1 for SB 101 also introduces a post-filing mediation program and mandatory referrals to the Delaware Housing Assistance Program, which create more opportunities for amicable, quick and satisfactory resolutions of disputes in ways that keep families housed and landlords paid.

Now that the bill has advanced out of committee, it will go to a full vote on the House floor then will need to advance through the Senate.