Back to Delaware

HB254 • 2025

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

Labor
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Morrison
Last action
2026-05-21
Official status
Signed 5/21/26
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific details about updates to references or continued focus on certain responsibilities.

Changing the Name of a State Department

This act changes the name of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Delaware's Department of Human Resources to the Division of People and Culture.

What This Bill Does

  • Changes the name of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the Division of People and Culture.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Employees in Delaware's Department of Human Resources
  • State agencies working with the Division of People and Culture

Terms To Know

Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A part of the Department of Human Resources that focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in state government.
Chief Diversity Officer
The leader responsible for guiding efforts to ensure access, diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout state government.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify the exact date when the changes will take effect.
  • Does not provide details on how the name change will affect day-to-day operations or employee roles.

Bill History

  1. 2026-05-21 Delaware General Assembly

    Signed by Governor

  2. 2026-05-05 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

  3. 2026-03-25 Delaware General Assembly

    Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits

  4. 2026-03-10 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 4 ABSENT

  5. 2026-03-10 Delaware General Assembly

    Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in Senate

  6. 2026-01-21 Delaware General Assembly

    Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 5 On Its Merits

  7. 2025-12-18 Delaware General Assembly

    Introduced and Assigned to Administration Committee in House

Official Summary Text

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.
This Act changes the name of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the Division of People and Culture. Renaming the division from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to People and Culture signifies a broader, more comprehensive approach to cultivating an inclusive and engaging workplace. The new designation underscores the focus on the overall employee experience, organizational culture, and people-centered initiatives. This change positions the division as a key contributor to both cultural development and organizational success.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Morrison & Sen. Cruce

Reps. Lambert, Ortega, Harris; Sen. Hoffner

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 254

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend § 9006D, Title 29 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 9006D. Division of

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

People and Culture.

(a) The Division of

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

People and Culture

of the Department of Human Resources is hereby established having powers, duties and functions as follows:

(1) The Division shall assume all responsibilities and oversight previously assigned to the Governor’s Council on Equal Employment Opportunity.

(2) The Chief Diversity Officer shall have the following responsibilities:

a. Guide efforts to define, assess, and cultivate access, diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout state government.

b. Provide analysis of various forms of institutional data to benchmark and promote accountability for the diversity mission of state agencies.

c. Promote and provide education to foster an awareness and understanding of the various laws, regulations, and policies regarding nondiscrimination.

d. Collaborate with state agencies to identify policies and practices supporting the recruitment and retention of employees from historically underrepresented groups.

e. Develop diversity metrics and processes to assess diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

(b) The Chief Diversity Officer shall assume such other powers, duties and functions as the Secretary of the Department of Human Resources may assign that are not otherwise inconsistent with the laws of this State.

Section 2. Amend § 1314, Title 4 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 1314. Oversight Committee; annual report by the Commissioner.

(a) The Delaware Marijuana Control Act Oversight Committee is established to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the implementation of this chapter.

(1) The Oversight Committee shall consist of 15 members who possess the qualifications and are appointed as follows:

f. The Chief

Diversity

Officer of the Division of

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,

People and Culture,

or the Chief

Diversity

Officer’s designee.

Section 3. Amend § 9009D, Title 29 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 9009D. Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy.

(c) The Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy may collaborate with the Division of

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

People and Culture

or any other state agency for assistance, information or data that may be necessary to fulfill its responsibilities in subsection (b).

SYNOPSIS

This Act changes the name of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the Division of People and Culture. Renaming the division from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to People and Culture signifies a broader, more comprehensive approach to cultivating an inclusive and engaging workplace. The new designation underscores the focus on the overall employee experience, organizational culture, and people-centered initiatives. This change positions the division as a key contributor to both cultural development and organizational success.