SB58

An Act To Amend Title 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Postconviction Remedy.

Introduced·5/14/26

SB58 amends Delaware's postconviction remedy laws to allow convicted individuals to petition for relief based on new forensic scientific evidence.

SB58 amends Chapter 45, Title 11 of the Delaware Code to allow convicted individuals to petition for postconviction remedy based on new forensic scientific evidence. The bill defines "forensic science" and "forensic scientific evidence" and outlines the process for filing a petition. A convicted person may petition if the evidence was not ascertainable through reasonable diligence before or during trial or before the date of entry of a plea. The court must hold a hearing on the petitioner's claims and may grant relief, including vacatur of the conviction, if certain conditions are met.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Finance Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Mar 19, 2025

12:00 PM

Corrections & Public Safety

History

May 14

Senate

Adopted in lieu of the original bill SB 58, and Assigned to Finance Committee in Senate