Governor Meyer Signs Legislation Strengthening Accessible Parking, Towing Restrictions

The Governor also signed legislation to help electrician apprentices move forward to licensure

WILMINGTON -Governor Matt Meyer yesterday signed three pieces of legislation into law that improve accessibility for Delawareans with disabilities, enhance consumer protections in the towing industry, and strengthen workforce standards for licensed electricians.

"Accessible and fair transportation is essential to opportunity and independence," Governor Meyer said. "By strengthening enforcement of accessible parking laws and providing new protections against predatory towing, we are making sure Delawareans can move safely and confidently in their communities."

House Substitute 2 to House Bill 48, sponsored by Rep. Neal and Sen. Poore, streamlines and strengthens Delaware's accessible parking laws. The Act requires county or municipal authorities to issue permits for accessible parking spaces, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local codes. It authorizes counties and municipalities to issue civil penalties of up to $500 for noncompliance and increases fines for unlawfully occupying an accessible parking space.

"Accessible parking spots exist for a reason," Rep. DeShanna Neal said. "As a disabled person, I can assure you that myself and my fellow community members are not asking for anything special. We simply want to be seen as any other Delawarean and given the ability to access all that our able-bodied neighbors can access."

"Accessible parking ensures that people with disabilities can safely and reliably get where they need to go," Sen. Nicole Poore said. "This bill will strengthen enforcement of these standards so that all Delawareans can fully access our shared spaces. While enforcement has not always been as consistent as we would like, HB 48 gives us the tools to address that. Thanks to Rep. Neal's leadership, we can finally make this right."

House Bill 67, sponsored by Rep. Osienski and Sen. Hansen, creates a new chapter in Title 21 governing the towing of vehicles without the owner's consent. The legislation makes violations of the chapter an unlawful practice enforceable by the Consumer Protection Unit of the Department of Justice, providing new protections for Delaware consumers.

"Towing vehicles without the owner's consent is sometimes necessary, but they should not be unduly punished for it," House Majority Whip Ed Osienski said. "Unfortunately, many constituents have come to my colleagues and I with concerns about blatantly unfair towing practices. HB 67 will help to address this issue by creating a set of standards for tow drivers and companies to follow so that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the process and the ability to recover their car and belongings without unnecessary obstacles."

Senate Bill 102, sponsored by Sen. Walsh and Rep. Osienski, limits how long someone can remain a licensed apprentice electrician after completing an approved apprenticeship program. It ensures apprentices move forward toward advanced licensing instead of staying at the entry level indefinitely, addressing concerns about supervision capacity, public safety, and consumer protection. The bill also makes technical corrections to align with the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

"Apprenticeships are only the first step in a long and successful career in the trades," Sen. Jack Walsh said. "As a career union electrician, I know firsthand the importance of supporting tradeswork and the workers who keep our communities running safely. This legislation is not just about strengthening the pipeline of workers, but about safeguarding opportunity, raising standards, and supporting blue collar workers. Thank you to Gov. Meyer for signing this bill, and to my colleagues in the House and Senate for standing behind our tradespeople."

"Delaware's workforce thrives when we set clear, fair standards that prepare people for long-term success," Governor Meyer said. "This legislation supports apprentices as they move into full licensure and helps ensure we have a strong, skilled workforce to meet the needs of our state."

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