Governor Matt Meyer Ceremonially Signs Senate Bills Improving Child Safety

GEORGETOWN - On Friday, October 10, Governor Matt Meyer ceremonially signed Senate Bills 142 and 143 into law, which increase safeguards against exploitation and support parental access to children's digital accounts.

"In Delaware, we're committed to doing everything we can to keep our children safe and families well-informed," Governor Matt Meyer said. "These bills help bring our state up-to-speed with some of the risks that technology poses to our communities and kids, while equipping teachers, parents, and families with the knowledge and awareness they need to prevent abuse before it happens."

Senate Bill 142 increases penalties for sexual extortion in Delaware when the victim is a child or vulnerable adult, or when the offense causes serious injury or death, raising it from a Class E to a Class B felony. It also requires Delaware schools to include education about sexual extortion in their curriculum.

Also known as "Gavin's Law," Senate Bill 142 is modeled after a law passed in South Carolina, sponsored there by State Representative Brandon Guffey. In 2022, Rep. Guffey's son, Gavin, was a victim of sexual extortion and took his own life at just 17 years old.

Senate Bill 143 expedites court proceedings for parents or legal guardians seeking access to a deceased minor's digital assets and accounts. It also makes technical updates to ensure consistency with legislative drafting standards.

Both bills were sponsored by Senator Brian Pettyjohn and Representative Kim Williams.

"These bills represent another important step in Delaware's ongoing fight against sextortion and human trafficking," Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn said. "We've worked closely with survivors, advocates, and experts to strengthen our laws, improve training, and ensure victims have access to the support they deserve. I'm especially honored that South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey could join us today. His advocacy through Gavin's Law has inspired meaningful change across the country and reminds us all why this work matters."

"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," Rep. Kim Williams said. "As we become more reliant on technology in everyday life, these laws will provide Delawareans with the tools to combat these growing issues in the years ahead."

For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor Meyer, please email [email protected].