WPBN: Delaware has seen significant changes every year since it became the first state to ratify the Constitution. 2025 is no exception.
A higher minimum wage, insurance for reproductive care, and the start of the state’s paid leave program are among the new legislation that go into effect on January 1.
Some of the new laws are listed here.
Significant modifications to the state’s access to abortion
Costs associated with ending a pregnancy must be covered by all medical insurance plans. After being introduced in April of 2024, this bill was signed in September of the same year.
The Supreme Court’s 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, which had upheld the constitutional right to obtain abortion, left the matter to the states. Compared to other restrictive states across the country, this law provides additional protection for access to abortion.
The cap is set at a maximum of $750 per year and will take effect on January 1, 2025. If an employer has sincere religious convictions and gives prompt notification of the lack of coverage, there are also religious exemptions. However, if the life of a covered individual is in danger, such exemption does not apply.
Any Delaware university must offer emergency access to abortion and contraception beginning in July 2025. A potential patient must be referred to another institution if the university lacks the necessary resources or capabilities. They have an obligation to protect that patient’s privacy.
Charges upfront for the paid family and medical leave program
In May 2022, Delaware’s initiative that is paving the way for a strong paid leave system was enacted into law. Employers who take part in the scheme will now start to notice payroll deductions in 2025 if workers are paying for paid leave.
Prior to the program’s payments starting on January 1, 2026, paid leave contributions must be submitted by April 30, 2025.
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The minimum wage increases
On New Year’s Day, Delaware will make a final effort to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. The rise mostly does not apply to government, agricultural, volunteer, or tip employees. The minimum wage for the upcoming week is $13.25.
This year marks the conclusion of a 2021 law that permitted gradual increases in the minimum wage. Delaware’s New Year’s minimum wage is the same as that of Maryland and New Jersey.
The minimum wage in Pennsylvania remains at $7.50 per hour, which is the same as the federal minimum wage.
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Short-term rental lodging taxes go into force.
As the clock strikes midnight, a new tax will be applied. Beginning on or after January 1, 2025, short-term rentals in the entire state of Delaware will be subject to a 4.5% lodging tax.
According to the law, a short-term rental is any residential dwelling unit—a home, duplex, multiplex, apartment, condominium, houseboat, trailer, or other—where a tourist or temporary visitor leases sleeping or living quarters for a maximum of 31 nights in a row.
Hotels, campgrounds, dorms, and medical facilities are not included. Additionally, homes that are not rented out for fewer than ten nights annually are not included.
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