Bethany Beach Joins Coastal Communities in Choosing Ban on Commerical Sale and Production of Marijuana Within Municipal Boundaries

The Bethany Beach Town Council is considering legislation prohibiting the sales and production of marijuana within municipal boundaries. The Town Council had a first reading of this proposed legislation at its most recent Town Council meeting on July 21st. There will be a second reading, and a possible vote, on the proposed legislation on August…

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Legislation Still Being Introduced in Dover – 2 Weeks Left of Session

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With just two weeks left in this General Assembly session in Dover, new legislation is still being introduced. HOUSE BILL 233 Last week Representative Michael Ramone introduced House Bill 233 which would raise the minimum income to be subject to income tax from $2000 to $2500. The measure would also collapse the current 6 income…

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Proposed Grant Program Would Help Make DE Roads & Communities Safer

A measure pending action in the Delaware House of Representatives proposes a $20-million one-time grant program to curtail the state’s rising traffic deaths, address crime concerns, and fully staff Delaware’s law enforcement agencies. Rep. Mike Smith says his proposal, House Bill 39, is not a solution but rather a way to help police agencies start…

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The 152nd Delaware General Assembly is in Session

Delaware lawmakers returned to Dover Tuesday. The first rule of business was swearing in all the newly elected and re-elected members of the General Assembly. The State House has re-elected Pete Schwartzkopf as the Speaker of the House. And the House has set the rules of procedure for ethics violations. The State Senate has also…

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New Del. Laws Address Mental Health of Children, Adults

Gov. John Carney signed several mental health-related bills Wednesday (photo shared by Delaware State House Democratic Caucus)

Improvements to mental health and mental health services are coming in Delaware.Governor John Carney has signed three bills passed by the Delaware General Assembly, which address concerns of children as well as adults.One measure (House Bill 300) allows middle schools to hire more counselors, social workers and school psychologists, building on a previous measure to…

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Update: More Gun Bills Advance In Del. General Assembly

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The Delaware State Senate has given final legislative approval to three gun-related bills, following a push by Democratic leaders and Governor John Carney just a few weeks ago. Two other gun bills have also been approved and sent to the House for consideration. “Today was a victory for the vast majority of Delawareans who demanded…

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New Del. Law Would Enhanced Penalties For Assault Against Healthcare Workers

Marcy Jack, Chief Quality Officer for Beebe Healthcare, an advocate for House Bill 324 is pictured with Senator Trey Paradee, the lead Senate sponsor of HB 324. Representative Bill Bush (not pictured) introduced HB 324 in the House. Photo submitted by Delaware Healthcare Association

Violence against more healthcare workers in Delaware would be a felony offense under legislation given final approval in the State Senate.Delaware Code already classifies assault against people in various professions as a second-degree crime, including physicians, nurses and EMT’s. However, it did not include numerous other employees in a health system who have close contact…

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Del. Abortion Rights Protections Strengthened Under House-Passed Bill, Say Sponsors

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The House of Representatives has approved a bill that its sponsor said would improve availability of safe and accessible reproductive healthcare services, while protecting patients and providers from facing legal action under abortion laws in other states. House Bill 455 passed with 24 yes votes, 13 no Tuesday. Four representatives were absent. “As a nurse,…

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DE Climate Change Measure Passed in State Senate

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Legislation regarding climate change (SB 305) has been passed in the Delaware State Senate by a 13 to 6 vote. This measure will adopt a comprehensive approach to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in Delaware by not less than 50% by 2030. According to the legislation, the Governor and DNREC will update the Climate Action…

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Del. Legislation Seeks To ban Single-Use Plastic Coffee Stirrers, Polystyrene Containers At Restaurants

Delaware restaurants would be prohibited from serving ready-to-eat food in polystyrene containers, under legislation that has been approved in the State Senate. Polystyrene is best known as Styrofoam. The bill, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 134, would also require restaurants to only provide single-use plastic straws if requested by a customer, and single-use plastic…

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