DELAWARE - As the calendar turns to 2026, Delawareans are facing a significant shift in state policy. From a historic expansion of worker rights to innovative healthcare mandates, the "First State" is implementing several laws on January 1, 2026, that will directly impact your family, your paycheck, and your medical care.
Here are the five most impactful new Delaware laws taking effect on New Year's Day.
1. The Healthy Delaware Families Act (Paid Leave Begins)
After years of preparation, Delaware's landmark Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program officially begins providing benefits. This is a game-changer for the State workforce.
- The Benefit: Eligible workers can receive up to 80% of their average weekly wages (capped at $900/week).
- What's Covered: You can now take paid time off to bond with a new child (up to 12 weeks), care for a family member with a serious health condition, or recover from your own major illness.
- Who Qualifies: Generally, employees who have worked at least 1,250 hours for their employer over the last 12 months. Businesses with 10–24 employees are required to provide parental leave, while those with 25+ must offer the full range of benefits.
2. The Early Allergen Introduction Law (House Bill 274)
Delaware is becoming the first state in the nation to require health insurance companies to cover supplements designed to introduce infants to allergens fully.
- The Law: All health insurance plans in Delaware must now cover the cost of supplements that introduce infants to potential allergens such as peanuts, eggs, and tree nuts as early as 4 to 6 months.
- The Goal: Scientific research suggests that early introduction can reduce the risk of developing food allergies by up to 80%. By removing the financial barrier, the state hopes to lower the rate of childhood food allergies significantly.
3. Medical Aid in Dying (The End of Life Options Act)
Following a high-profile legislative battle, Delaware's Medical Aid-in-Dying law is scheduled to take effect.
- The Detail: This law allows terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request and self-administer medication to end their life peacefully.
- Strict Safeguards: The process requires two separate physicians to confirm the patient's diagnosis and mental competency. While currently facing some legal challenges, the law remains on the books for a January 1 start.
4. Salary Transparency in Job Postings
Applying for a job in Delaware is about to become much more straightforward. A new Wage Transparency law goes into effect to help close the gender and racial pay gaps.
- The Change: Employers are now required to include a salary or wage range and a general description of benefits in all public job postings.
- Your Rights: This prevents the "guessing game" of compensation and ensures that applicants have clear access to pay information before an offer is even discussed.
5. Expanded Access to Dental Care (Senate Bill 131)
If you've struggled to book a dental appointment, relief is on the way. Delaware was previously the only state that prohibited dental hygienists from administering local anesthesia—but that changes on January 1.
- The Law: Licensed dental hygienists can now administer local anesthesia under the direct supervision of a dentist.
- The Impact: This expands the "scope of practice" for hygienists, allowing them to perform deep cleanings and periodontal care more efficiently, which is expected to reduce wait times at dental offices across the state.
Honorable Mention: New Protections Against "Unconsented" Towing
Starting in January, the state is also cracking down on predatory towing practices. A new law requires tow companies to take photographic evidence of an unauthorized vehicle before towing it and mandates that they accept credit cards for payment. It also caps "drop fees" if you return to your car while the tow truck is still on-site.
