New Delaware Law Limits When Police Can Release Mugshots
State of DE - Delaware has a new law on the books that changes how police can share the names and photos of people accused of crimes. Governor Matt Meyere signed House Bill 59 on July 23, 2026 and it takes effect on October 21, 2026.
Before this law, Delaware already limited when police could release a juvenile's name or photo. Officers could only do so if the juvenile was charged with a violent felony and releasing the information was necessary to protect public safety.
House Bill 59 now extends those same protections to adults. Effective October 21, 2026, law enforcement agencies cannot release or publish the name or photo of an adult suspect unless the person is charged with a felony. Even then, the release also has to be necessary for public safety.
The law defines "publish" broadly. It covers not just traditional media, but also posting on social media pages and websites, which means agencies have to think carefully before sharing a mugshot anywhere online.
State Representative Sean Lynn and State Senator Kyra Hoffner sponsored the bill. Several other lawmakers signed on as co-sponsors, including Representatives Lambert, Morrison, Phillips, Snyder-Hall, Romer, Gorman, and Harris.
According to the bill's synopsis, the goal is to bring adult suspects the same kind of protection that juveniles already had under Delaware law. Supporters say it helps prevent people from being publicly named or pictured for lower-level offenses before they've even been convicted.
This is a real shift from how things have worked in the past. For many years, it's been common for police departments across Delaware to post booking photos for almost any arrest, no matter how minor the charge.
That would allow media outlets to write an article and publish the photo of the charged individual. Once this law takes effect in October, that will no longer be the case. Agencies will need to weigh whether a felony charge and a genuine public safety concern are both present before releasing a name or photo.
For our community, this means you will see fewer mugshots and suspect names shared publicly in our articles, in the months ahead. It does not stop police from making arrests or pursuing charges, it only limits what they can release to the public and when.
Please keep in mind that this is not a law enforcement requested policy, law or bill, this was created by state leaders and is ONLY relevant in Delaware.
