Regulations
Delaware HB49 vs. Current Law: What Title 14 §2306 and SB 273 Actually Require
“HB49” is the bill number many older articles cite for Delaware school security glazing. The binding requirements today are in Delaware Code Title 14 §2306, as clarified by SB 273 — and several claims that circulated under the HB49 label do not match the current statute.
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Why you may have searched “HB49”
For several years, “HB49” was the shorthand vendors and articles — including earlier versions of pages on this site — used for Delaware's school security glazing rules. If you are planning a project today, the citation that matters is the current Delaware Code: Title 14 §2306, most recently clarified by Senate Bill 273, which was signed and effective June 24, 2026.
This page exists to correct the older framing. Read the statute-first explainer for the full breakdown; below are the specific points where common “HB49” claims and the current law part ways.
Where the requirement actually lives
Delaware Code Title 14 §2306 applies whenever a new school is constructed or a major renovation is undertaken — with “major renovation” defined in §2306(a) as a project at or above the Major Capital Improvement Program threshold under 14 DE Admin Code 401. For glazing, §2306(b)(2) requires ballistic-resistant glass, other ballistic-resistant material, or security film in all secured vestibule, lobby, and office areas used to screen visitors.
What SB 273 clarified in 2026
SB 273's official synopsis makes two clarifications: security film is distinct from ballistic-resistant materials, and §2306(b) can be satisfied when ballistic-resistant materials are used in the required locations. In other words, the statute treats security film and ballistic-resistant assemblies as separate, non-interchangeable product families — either can satisfy the requirement in the covered areas.
Common HB49-era claims the current law does not support
“Every Delaware school must comply.” Not what the statute says — §2306 applies to new construction and major renovations, not to every existing building.
“Every vulnerable opening must be hardened.” The statutory glazing requirement covers secured vestibule, lobby, and office areas used to screen visitors. Treating other openings is a project-specific risk decision, not a statutory command.
“There is a compliance deadline for existing schools.” The statute is triggered by qualifying construction projects; it does not set a retrofit deadline for buildings that are not undergoing one.
“Security film meets the ballistic requirement.” There is no blanket ballistic requirement, and SB 273 explicitly distinguishes security film from ballistic-resistant materials. Security film is one statutory option; ballistic-resistant assemblies are another.
What to do with an older HB49-based plan
If your district's planning documents cite HB49, the plan is not necessarily wrong — but it should be re-anchored to §2306 as amended, with the covered areas, the trigger, and the product options stated in the statute's own terms. Your project architect and Delaware's applicable state review process, including DSHS and the Department of Education, determine what a specific project requires.
Shore Tint & More does not determine statutory compliance. Project requirements and final compliance should be confirmed with the project architect, the authority having jurisdiction, and Delaware's applicable state review process, including DSHS and the Department of Education.
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Planning a Delaware school glazing project?
We survey every opening, document the product options — security film with engineered attachment or tested ballistic-resistant assemblies — and deliver a board-ready report with phased pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware HB49 still the school security glazing law?
The requirements people associate with “HB49” are codified today in Delaware Code Title 14 §2306, which was clarified by SB 273 effective June 24, 2026. When planning a project, cite the current statute rather than a bill number from older articles.
Does Delaware law require ballistic glass in every school?
No. §2306(b)(2) applies to secured vestibule, lobby, and visitor-screening office areas in new construction and major renovations, and it lists three options: ballistic-resistant glass, other ballistic-resistant material, or security film. It does not require ballistic glazing in every school or on every opening.
Do existing Delaware schools have a retrofit deadline?
The statute is triggered by new construction or a major renovation at or above the Major Capital Improvement Program threshold. It does not impose a retrofit deadline on existing buildings outside a qualifying project. Many districts still choose to harden entry areas voluntarily as capital planning allows.
Who can confirm what my project requires?
Your project architect, the authority having jurisdiction, and Delaware's applicable state review process — including DSHS and the Department of Education. A glazing or film contractor can survey openings and document products, but cannot determine statutory compliance.
Reviewed by
Cody Becker — School Security Glazing Consultant