DOVER, Del. — Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R – Georgetown) and Representative Kim Williams (D – Stanton) have introduced two significant pieces of bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting Delaware families and strengthening legal safeguards against sexual extortion.
These bills address critical issues affecting vulnerable populations and reflect Delaware’s commitment to adapting laws to modern challenges.
“By updating our laws to reflect the realities of the digital age and the growing threat of sexual extortion, we’re taking proactive steps to protect our communities,” Senator Pettyjohn said. “These measures send a clear message: Delaware stands with victims and their families, and we will act swiftly to ensure justice and support.”
The first bill, Senate Bill 142, strengthens penalties for sexual extortion and mandates educational outreach. Modeled after South Carolina’s “Gavin’s Law,” it elevates sexual extortion to a Class B felony when the victim is a child, vulnerable adult, and suffers serious injury or death. Additionally, the legislation integrates sexual extortion awareness into Delaware’s Erin’s Law curriculum, requiring school districts and charter schools to educate students, employees, and parents about this crime.
The second, Senate Bill 143, enhances fiduciary access to digital assets and accounts, particularly for parents of deceased minors. Inspired by Ohio’s “Braden’s Law,” this legislation requires courts to expedite applications from parents or legal guardians seeking access to a deceased minor’s digital assets, aiming to resolve such cases within 30 days. This change ensures timely access to critical digital information, alleviating prolonged distress for grieving families.
“These two bills address real-world tragedies and aim to prevent further harm,” said Representative Williams. “No family should endure unnecessary delays in accessing a loved one’s digital accounts, and no child should face the horrors of sexual extortion without robust legal and educational protections. These laws provide Delawareans with the tools to combat these issues in the years ahead.”
SB 142 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and SB 143 will be heard in the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee. Both are expected to receive committee consideration in the coming weeks.
###