Scored 7/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Health & Addiction Bill
Delaware requires licenses for mental health and addiction treatment centers
An Act To Amend Titles 16 And 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Behavioral Health.
Good for everyday people ·
This bill requires mental health and addiction treatment programs to get a state license so they cannot operate without oversight.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
Right now, some behavioral health programs might slip through the cracks. This bill creates strict rules requiring treatment centers to be licensed by the state. It makes sure the people running these programs are qualified and holds them accountable if they recklessly harm patients. Individual therapists and support groups are exempt because they are already regulated or do not provide medical care. Overall, it is a solid step to protect vulnerable people seeking help.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- Requires behavioral health treatment programs to get a state license to operate.
- Makes it illegal for a program to advertise or provide treatment without a license.
- Exempts individual therapists in private practice since they already have professional licenses.
- Exempts non-medical support groups like recovery houses and peer support groups.
- Creates criminal penalties for programs that recklessly cause physical harm to patients.
How they voted
The actual floor vote, and who broke from their own party.
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- Richard Collins (R): voted against it, crossing most Republicans
- Bryan Shupe (R): voted against it, crossing most Republicans
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the Delaware Bill Book 2026
The best and worst Delaware bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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