Understanding Delaware Senate Bill 10: A Step Forward for Compassion, Justice, and Second Chances

 

In the work of advocacy, community restoration, and second-chance leadership, staying informed about changing laws is essential. Policy shapes lives. Legislation impacts families. And reforms—when done well—open doors for hope, healing, and new beginnings.

One recent change in Delaware that deserves attention is Senate Bill 10, known as the Richard “Mouse” Smith Compassionate Release Act. For those of us who serve returning citizens, incarcerated individuals, and families navigating the criminal justice system, understanding this bill is not just informational—it is transformational. 

What Is Senate Bill 10?

Senate Bill 10 is a law designed to expand compassionate release options for people who are incarcerated under certain circumstances. It reflects Delaware’s continued efforts to strengthen justice while recognizing the humanity and rehabilitation of individuals behind the walls.

The bill is named in honor of Richard “Mouse” Smith, a longtime advocate and leader whose legacy continues through this legislation. 

What SB 10 Actually Does

The law makes several significant changes that impact incarcerated individuals and their families:

1. Expands Eligibility for Compassionate Release

A person may now apply for sentence modification if they fall under one of these categories:

• They have a serious medical condition or infirmity

• They are age 60 or older and have served at least 15 years

• They have served 25 years or more and shown clear rehabilitation

This reflects a growing recognition that age, illness, and demonstrated transformation should be considered in long-term sentencing. 

2. Allows Individuals to Petition the Court Directly

Previously, incarcerated individuals had to rely on the Department of Correction to initiate the recommendation process. SB 10 changes that.

Now, individuals (or their legal counsel) can directly request a sentence modification from the court.
This empowers people to advocate for themselves and gives the courts more direct responsibility in evaluating rehabilitation. 

3. Ensures a Careful, Safety-Focused Review

Before any release is granted, the court must consider:

• The safety of the public

• The wellbeing of victims and witnesses

• Whether the individual poses a significant risk to themselves

This balance maintains community safety while still offering a fair pathway to compassionate release. 

Why SB 10 Matters for Our Work

At the heart of my ministry and leadership work is the mission to help people recover from hurts, habits, and hang-ups—to rebuild lives and restore families. Legislation like SB 10 directly connects to that mission.

This bill matters because:

• Rehabilitation should count. When someone has changed their life, the system should acknowledge it.

• Aging and sick inmates deserve humane consideration. Compassion is not weakness; it is wisdom.

• Families deserve hope. Many have waited decades for the possibility of restoration.

• Second chances strengthen communities. When people return home stable, supported, and transformed, entire neighborhoods benefit.

SB 10 reminds us that justice and compassion can work together. It challenges us to rethink what restoration looks like and to continue advocating for fair, humane policy. 

A Call to Keep Leading Forward

As leaders, pastors, advocates, and community partners, we must stay educated, stay engaged, and stay committed to systems that uplift rather than destroy. SB 10 is not the end—it is a beginning. A step forward. A sign that transformation is possible at every level.

Let’s keep doing the work.
Let’s keep fighting for dignity.
Let’s keep believing in the power of second chances.

Focus Forward—and lead with compassion.  

Dr. Ira Roach III is the founder of Focus Forward Global Civility Movement and the Senior Pastor of the City of Refuge Church Inc. He is also a Vice- Chancellor at United Graduate College and Seminary International and founder  of Ubuntu Graduate College and International Seminary,  He holds a Doctorate in Christian Counseling, Christian Education and a Certified Christian Coach.