AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LEAD TESTING.

Plain English Breakdown

The source text states the bill was signed on May 21, 2026, but does not explicitly confirm if it became effective immediately or on a future date.

HB312: Updates Rules for Confirming Lead Levels in Children

This law changes how Delaware confirms high lead levels in children under 16 by allowing two finger-prick tests to count as proof instead of requiring a vein draw.

What This Bill Does

• Updates the definition of confirmatory blood lead testing for children younger than 16 years old.
• Allows a confirmed elevated lead level based on one venous test where blood is drawn from a vein.
• Allows a confirmed elevated lead level based on two capillary screenings collected within 12 weeks of each other.
• Requires that the tested levels meet or exceed the official lead reference value to be considered positive.

Who It Names or Affects

• Children under 16 years of age in Delaware who are being screened for lead exposure.
• Healthcare providers who perform blood tests to check for lead poisoning.
• State agencies that manage childhood lead poisoning prevention programs and must update regulations.

Terms To Know

Venous blood test

A test where a healthcare worker draws blood from a vein using a needle.

Capillary screening

A quick test that collects a small drop of blood, usually by pricking the finger or heel.

Limits and Unknowns

• The official effective date is not specified in the provided text.
• Specific details on how state agencies must update their regulations are mentioned but not detailed here.
• The exact lead reference value numbers used by Delaware are not listed.

Official Summary Text

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LEAD TESTING.
This Act amends the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act to update the statutory definition of confirmatory blood lead testing for children under 16 years of age. The Act allows a confirmed elevated blood lead level to be established either through a venous blood lead test or through two capillary blood lead screenings collected within 12 weeks of each other, provided that the applicable lead reference value is met or exceeded. Two positive capillary blood lead screenings yield an effective specificity of approximately 99.75% when properly collected. This change is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance case definition, reduces barriers to case identification and management, and requires conforming regulatory updates.

Current Bill Text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. K. Williams & Sen. Pinkney

Reps. Lynn, Berry

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 312

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LEAD TESTING.

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

Section 1. Amend § 2601, Title 16 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 2601. Short title; definitions.

(b) For purposes of this chapter:

(6) “Testing” means

a venous blood lead test where blood is drawn from a vein.

any of the following:

a. A venous blood test in which blood is drawn from a vein.

b. Two capillary blood screenings collected within 12 weeks of each other.

SYNOPSIS

This Act amends the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act to update the statutory definition of confirmatory blood lead testing for children under 16 years of age. The Act allows a confirmed elevated blood lead level to be established either through a venous blood lead test or through two capillary blood lead screenings collected within 12 weeks of each other, provided that the applicable lead reference value is met or exceeded. Two positive capillary blood lead screenings yield an effective specificity of approximately 99.75% when properly collected. This change is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance case definition, reduces barriers to case identification and management, and requires conforming regulatory updates.