GEORGETOWN, Del. — Delaware is strengthening its protections for children and families with two new laws signed by Governor Matt Meyer that address online exploitation and access to digital accounts.
The governor held a ceremonial bill signing in Georgetown on October 10 for Senate Bills 142 and 143. Both measures were designed to modernize state law as technology continues to shape family safety and privacy.
Senate Bill 142, known as Gavin’s Law, increases penalties for sexual extortion when the victim is a child or vulnerable adult. The offense is now classified as a Class B felony if it causes serious injury or death. The law also requires Delaware schools to include education on sexual extortion and online safety within their curriculum. The legislation is modeled after a South Carolina law created in memory of Gavin Guffey, a 17-year-old who died by suicide in 2022 after being targeted by an online predator. His father, South Carolina Representative Brandon Guffey, attended the Delaware ceremony alongside state leaders and advocates.
Senate Bill 143 updates Delaware’s legal process for parents or guardians seeking access to the digital accounts of a deceased minor. The measure expedites court proceedings and clarifies procedures to align with current legislative standards. Both bills were sponsored by Senator Brian Pettyjohn and Representative Kim Williams. Lawmakers said the new laws are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Delaware’s response to sextortion, trafficking, and other technology-driven crimes.
“In Delaware, we’re committed to doing everything we can to keep our children safe and families well-informed,” Governor Meyer said. “These bills help bring our state up to speed with the risks that technology poses to our communities and kids.” Senator Pettyjohn said the legislation represents another step in the state’s work to support victims and prevent exploitation. Representative Williams added that the bills provide families with “the tools to combat these growing issues in the years ahead.”
Photos: Courtesy of the Governor’s office