Delaware 2023-2024 Regular Session

Delaware House Bill HB370

Introduced
4/11/24  
Introduced
4/11/24  

Caption

An Act To Amend Title 6 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Buyer Property Protection Act.

Impact

The proposed changes from HB 370 are expected to significantly impact state laws related to real estate transactions. By enforcing systematic water testing and required disclosures, the bill aims to promote transparency and protect buyers from potential health risks associated with contaminated water supplies. Additionally, this legislation would require sellers to comply with specific regulations outlined by the state’s Department of Health and other relevant bodies, thereby creating a standardized protocol for water quality assessments in real estate transactions.

Summary

House Bill 370 aims to amend Title 6 of the Delaware Code by enhancing protections for home buyers regarding water quality disclosures associated with residential properties. The bill mandates that sellers of real estate must provide documentation of water testing results before a sale can be finalized. Specifically, this involves water supplied by private wells being tested within three months prior to the sale, while properties connected to public water systems must supply results from tests conducted within the last year. This legislation is an effort to ensure that purchasers are well-informed about the safety standards of drinking water before completing their transactions.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 370 appears to be supportive, particularly among consumer advocacy groups and environmental health organizations. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in safeguarding public health and ensuring equitable access to potable water safety information for all homebuyers. However, there might be some opposition from sectors worried about the costs and administrative burdens placed on sellers due to increased regulation and potential liabilities.

Contention

Key points of contention involve concerns from real estate professionals about the feasibility and implications of enforcing such strict testing protocols. Critics may argue that the bill could unintentionally complicate the home buying process or deter sellers from listing properties that rely on private wells. There are also questions about how rigorously the enforcement of these new regulations would be implemented and monitored by the state agencies involved.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

DE HB203

An Act To Amend Title 14 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Equity And Inclusion In Financial Literacy For All High School Students In Delaware Act.

DE HB323

An Act To Amend Title 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Criminal Mischief.

DE HB361

An Act To Amend Title 14 Of The Delaware Code Relating To School Meal Programs.

DE HB29

An Act To Amend Title 14 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Delaware Public Education Profiles.

DE HB92

An Act To Amend Title 7 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Environmental Control By Repealing The Delaware Advanced Clean Car Program Under Regulation 1140 Of Title 7 Of The Delaware Administrative Code And Adopting The Delaware Low Emission Vehicle Program.

DE HB66

An Act To Amend Title 14 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Delaware Public Education Profiles.

DE SB49

An Act To Amend Title 20 And Title 21 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Driving Restrictions During A State Of Emergency.

DE HB80

An Act To Amend Title 26 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards.

DE HB127

An Act To Amend Title 9 And Title 25 Of The Delaware Code Relating To County Fire Protection Fees.

DE HB427

An Act To Amend Titles 6 And 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Home Construction Contracts.

Similar Bills

CA AB1317

Unbundled parking.

UT SB0058

Property Tax Administration Amendments

CA AB2898

Unbundled parking: exemptions: Housing Choice Vouchers.

CA AB1703

Residential real property: sale of rental properties: right of first offer.

CA AB2710

Residential real property: sale of rental properties: right of first offer.

NJ S3824

Establishes residential property wholesaler license.

NJ A3317

Establishes residential property wholesaler license.

CA AB919

Residential real property: sale of rental properties: right of first offer.