Committee advances bill to modernize Delaware's STD/STI code and remove mandatory exams

Chair Pinckney introduced House Bill 346 as a statutory cleanup to align Delaware law on sexually transmitted diseases and infections with modern public-health practice. "Overall, HB346 modernizes the chapter of Delaware code pertaining to STDs and STIs by aligning it with current division practices," Pinckney said during the committee hearing.

The bill removes longstanding authorities that allowed forced testing, forced examinations, isolation or quarantine, and mandatory specimen collection from pregnant women at multiple points in pregnancy. Under the proposed changes, the Department of Health may issue cease-and-desist orders and require counseling or reporting, with legal consequences for noncompliance, but it would no longer have express authority to compel physical examinations or specimen collection in the statute.

Tyler Bridal, executive director of the Delaware HIV Consortium, testified in support, saying a non-punitive approach encourages testing and treatment. "Delaware prevents transmission most effectively when people feel safe seeking testing, treatment and support without fear of stigma or punitive consequences," Bridal said.

The bill also updates definitions to add "sexually transmitted infections," clarifies how correctional facilities handle cases for people in custody, revises reporting timelines and procedures, and permits trained non-clinician staff to work within the department's STD program when appropriate.

Committee members had no further questions recorded for HB346 during the hearing; staff invited public comment and reported no virtual speakers had raised hands.