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HA1TOHB197 • 2025

This amendment removes the word "tracks" at line 25 and also updates the definition for a "course of conduct" to be in line with existing law that requires statements or communications under investigation be evaluated based on the subjective intent of the defendant rather than the objective intent.

This amendment removes the word "tracks" at line 25 and also updates the definition for a "course of conduct" to be in line with existing law that requires statements or communications under investigation be evaluated based on the subjective intent of the defendant rather than the objective intent.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Griffith
Last action
2025-06-30
Official status
Passed 6/30/25
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Amendment Changing How Threats Are Defined

This amendment changes House Bill No. 197 by removing one word and updating rules so that threats are judged based on what a person actually knew or meant.

What This Bill Does

  • Removes the word 'tracks' from line 25 of House Bill No. 197.
  • Deletes lines 26 and 27 entirely.
  • Adds new text defining threatening behavior as communicating with another person while consciously disregarding a substantial risk that the communication violates the law.
  • Updates the definition for a 'course of conduct' to match existing laws requiring evaluation based on subjective intent rather than objective intent.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People accused of making threats or unwanted communications
  • Courts reviewing cases under House Bill No. 197

Terms To Know

Subjective intent
What the person actually knew or meant in their own mind.
Objective intent
How a reasonable outside observer would see what happened, regardless of what the person thought.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The official text does not state when this change will officially start.
  • The source shows the bill passed in the House but does not show final action by other groups or officials.

Bill History

  1. 2025-06-30 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed In House by Voice Vote

  2. 2025-06-24 Delaware General Assembly

    Introduced and Placed With Bill

Official Summary Text

This amendment removes the word "tracks" at line 25 and also updates the definition for a "course of conduct" to be in line with existing law that requires statements or communications under investigation be evaluated based on the subjective intent of the defendant rather than the objective intent.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Griffith

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

HOUSE BILL NO. 197

AMEND House Bill No. 197 at line 25 by deleting “

tracks,

” as it appears therein.

FURTHER AMEND House Bill No. 197 by deleting lines 26 and 27 in their entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

“

2.

threatens,

Threatens

or communicates to or about

another,

another and consciously disregards a substantial risk that the actor’s threats or communications are a violation of subsection (a) of this section.

”.

SYNOPSIS

This amendment removes the word "tracks" at line 25 and also updates the definition for a "course of conduct" to be in line with existing law that requires statements or communications under investigation be evaluated based on the subjective intent of the defendant rather than the objective intent.