Posts Tagged ‘delaware general assembly’
Del. Plastic Bag Ban Loophole Addressed In New Bill
What’s called a loophole in Delaware’s five-month old ban on single-use plastic bags at many establishments would be addressed under a measure filed in the Delaware General Assembly. Some stores, in doing away with the thinner plastic bags, introduced slightly thicker plastic bags for customers. Now, Representatives Gerald Brady, D-Wilmington and Eric Morrison, D-Glasgow along…
Read MoreDel. GOP Lawmakers Propose Tax Relief Measures
Some Delaware lawmakers are proposing that the state share a portion of its growing revenues with Delaware taxpayers. The Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council recently calculated that state revenues have grown by $429.3- million in the last two months, and projections show revenue growth is expected to stay strong. Representative Rich Collins, R-Millsboro has…
Read MoreDel. Bill Would Mandate Recordings Of Police Interrogations
Recordings of police interrogations of adult criminal suspects or juveniles involved in a delinquent act would be required under House Bill 215 that has been introduced in the Delaware House of Representatives. The requirement is seen as a way to increase transparency and accountability when a suspect is being questioned. The measure is part of…
Read MoreDel. Senate Advances Black History Requirement In Schools
The State Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill that would require Delaware school districts and charter schools to teach Black history beginning in the 2022-23 academic year. Sponsors contended that the lessons encouraged under House Bill 198 would be used to provide an education to all students on the Black Experience in…
Read MoreDel. One Step Closer To Banning “Ghost Guns”
By a vote of 23-18, the Delaware House of Representatives has passed a bill that would outlaw possession and manufacturing of what are known as “ghost guns”- firearms made with untraceable components sometimes sold as kits. House Bill 125 was sponsored by House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, D- Bear. Supporters of the measure cited reports…
Read MoreGeorgetown Company Could Be Impacted By Large-Capacity Magazine Ban
A Delaware bill to outlaw large capacity magazines with more than 17 rounds of ammunition could be amended in the House. According to Representative Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, she was contacted by the owner of Atlantis Industries Corporation in Georgetown, a maker of firearms components that exceed the proposed cap on magazine size. Briggs King…
Read MoreDel. Bill Would End Incarceration Of Juveniles In Adult Prisons
Delaware would stop incarcerating juvenile offenders in adult prisons, under a bill given approval in the State Senate Tuesday. The measure would require any juvenile sentenced to prison in Superior Court to be held in the custody of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families until they reach age 18. Juveniles as…
Read MoreDel. Primary Date Could Shift
Delaware’s state primary elections would be held the same day as the presidential primary in April, under a bill approved in the House of Representatives Tuesday. The change would take effect with the 2024 presidential election year. The state primaries in non-presidential election years starting in 2026 would move to that same Tuesday in April.…
Read MoreDel. Bill Would Expand Virtual Meeting Option
Delaware cities and towns, boards of education, commissions and other public bodies would have the option of conducting their meetings virtually beyond the COVID-19 State of Emergency, under a bill approved in the State Senate. Rules would also be established to ensure that online meetings are in compliance with the Delaware Freedom of Information Act,…
Read MoreDel. Bill Would Require Background Checks For School Board Candidates
Two days after Delaware’s School Board Elections, the State Senate has passed legislation that would require candidates for Boards of Education to undergo background checks that are currently required of Delaware educators. Candidates who have been convicted of crimes against children could be disqualified. The bill (SB 78) also would require suspension of a sitting…
Read MoreDel. House Approves Bill To Repeal Youth / Training Wage
A special youth and training wage, 50-cents lower than Delaware’s minimum wage, would discontinue under a bill that has passed in the state House of Representatives. The program was negotiated as part of a last-minute agreement in 2018 to get the bond bill and grants-in-aid bill passed. “The youth and training wage discriminates against people…
Read MoreDel. Bill Targets Polystyrene Containers, Plastic Stirrers
Polystyrene containers and plastic straws are targeted in new legislation in the Delaware General Assembly. A bill (SB 134) has been introduced that would prohibit restaurants from serving food in containers made of what’s commonly branded Styrofoam. Also, establishments would not provide single-use plastic straws unless requested by the customer. Single-use plastic coffee stirrers, cocktail…
Read MorePermit-To-Purchase Handgun Requirement Goes Before Del. House Committee
Delaware lawmakers return to session this week, and another gun control or gun safety measure awaits. The House Judiciary Committee Tuesday will take up amended legislation (SB 3) that would require a permit to purchase a handgun, and completion of a training course. The committee hearing will begin at noon and it will a virtual…
Read MoreDel. GOP Lawmakers Unveil Election Integrity Measures
Election integrity is the focus of several bills introduced by Republicans in the Delaware General Assembly. A Senate concurrent resolution sponsored by State Senator Dave Wilson, R-Lincoln would establish a Registered Voter List Improvement Task Force. The panel would be directed to review current laws and practices and come up with recommendations for improving the…
Read MoreDel. Bill Addresses Looming Eviction Risk
Keeping Delawareans in their homes who are at risk of eviction is the goal of legislation introduced in the Delaware General Assembly. (SB 101) Tenants who are facing the greatest financial hardship could receive free legal counsel. Also, a diversion program would be created to resolve most landlord-tenant disputes before they go to court. 鈥淒elaware…
Read MoreDel. Legislation Would Mandate Police Body-Worn Cameras
A statewide body-worn camera mandate and a uniform policy for their use by law enforcement officers would be the result of legislation introduced in the Delaware General Assembly. The bill filed Thursday (HB 195) would require law enforcement officers and certain employees of the Department of Correction and the Department of Services for Children, Youth…
Read MoreBill Would Grant Delawareans 12 Weeks of Paid Family, Medical Leave
The Healthy Delaware Families Act (SB 1) has been introduced in the Delaware General Assembly – a bill that would make up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave available for workers. The measure sponsored by State Senator Sarah McBride, D-Wilmington / Claymont, would make leave available if a worker experiences a serious…
Read MoreDel. Bond Bill Committee Examines Capital Budget
Delaware lawmakers are shifting their focus to the capital budget this week. The Joint Committee on Capital Improvements is spending this week reviewing proposed capital projects for the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. Governor John Carney has proposed the largest capital bond in state history at $894-million. The hearings continue through Thursday of this week. A…
Read MoreBlack History Mandate In Schools Passes Del. House
Delaware students could get what’s termed a ‘more realistic and wholistic history of Black people’ under legislation approved in the House of Representatives Thursday. The measure would require Delaware school districts and charter schools to provide curricula on Black History, providing education on how Black people were treated throughout history in the US and on…
Read MoreDel. Police Accountability Task Force Releases Recommendations
Delaware’s law enforcement accountability task force has approved more than 20 recommendations, which range from requiring body cameras for all police officers to developing standard use-of-force policies, to amending the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights. The task force was established last year by the Delaware General Assembly at the behest of the Delaware Legislative…
Read MoreDel. Committee Releases Bill To Outlaw Large-Capacity Magazines
The House Judiciary Committee Tuesday released a bill that would ban magazines in Delaware that can hold 17 or more rounds. The panel held a virtual hearing that came close to reaching its four-hour time limit. About 50 people spoke and 280 people signed up to attend the hearing online. Supporters of Senate Bill 6…
Read MoreBill To Outlaw Large Capacity Magazines In Del. Gets Hearing Today
A bill to outlaw the sale of large capacity magazines in Delaware goes to the House Judiciary Committee today (Tuesday). The panel has set aside four hours for a virtual hearing that starts at noon. Senate Bill 6 also would establish a buy-back fund for owners who want to surrender large capacity magazines they already…
Read MoreDel. Bill Addresses Student Civic Engagement
Delaware students would be permitted one excused absence each academic year for civic engagement, under legislation introduced in the General Assembly. (HB 175) According to the sponsor, Representative Eric Morrison, D-27th -a former educator – allowable activities could include a visit to the state capitol – once it’s reopened – or attending a rally. A…
Read MoreDel. Bill Looks To Support Future Of Telemedicine
Delawareans could continue to have access to tele-medicine services even after the COVID-19 pandemic under a bill filed in the State House of Representatives. The Telehealth Access Preservation and Modernization Act would codify several provisions of emergency legislation that was enacted last year. Those provisions are set to expire July1st. Representative David Bentz, D-Newark area…
Read MoreDel. Lawmaker Wants More Numbers To Back Minimum Wage Discussion
The Delaware Controller General Office may be asked to develop a local economic impact analysis of legislation that would increase Delaware’s minimum wage. State Representative Bryan Shupe, R-Milford is introducing a bill that he says would help guide lawmakers and Delawareans. The economic analysis could be facilitated by the Controller General Office or contracted out.…
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