Posts Tagged ‘delaware general assembly’
New Del. Laws Address Mental Health of Children, Adults
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…
Read MoreDel. State Sportsmen’s Association Goes to Court Over Gun Bills
The Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association said Wednesday it has filed the first of what will likely be three court challenges to gun-related bills that were signed by Governor John Carney on the final day of the Delaware General Assembly Session June 30th. The target is House Bill 450, which the DSSA said bans a “long…
Read MoreVIDEO | “We Are Not Waiting To Do What’s Right” – Gov. Carney Signs 6 Gun-Related Bills
As he was surrounded by lawmakers, Cabinet members, Delaware community leaders and advocates, Governor Carney delivered a message Thursday as he signed six gun-related bills into law: 鈥淲e have an obligation to do everything we can to prevent tragedies like we鈥檝e seen around the county from happening here in Delaware. We are not waiting to…
Read MoreVote-by-Mail Legislation Gets Final Approval in Del. General Assembly
Delawareans will be able to vote by mail, if they choose to do so and request a ballot, under legislation that’s been given final approval by the Delaware General Assembly (Senate Bill 320).Voters would send back the application, either online or by mail, and would receive a ballot that could be mailed, deposited in a…
Read MoreDel. Legislation Addresses Concerns Following US Supreme Court Dobbs Ruling
In the wake of the US Supreme Court Dobbs decision that overturns Roe v. Wade, Delaware lawmakers have passed legislation that would expand access to abortion services and enhance protections for abortion providers and patients who seek an abortion.Under House Bill 455, advanced practice registered nurses would be able to perform abortions, in alignment with…
Read MoreBill to Increase Minimum Age to Buy a Gun Passes Del. State Senate, House
Legislation that would increase the age to legally purchase any firearm from 18 to 21 has passed the Delaware State Senate by a vote of 14-7. The measure (House Bill 451) also passed in the House. Delaware’s current law mirrors federal requirements that a handgun buyer be at least 21 years old, while someone who…
Read MoreUpdate: More Gun Bills Advance In Del. General Assembly
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. 鈥淭oday was a victory for the vast majority of Delawareans who demanded…
Read MoreDel. House Passes Large-Capacity Magazine Ban Legislation
The Delaware House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban the sale of large-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 17 rounds. The vote in the House Thursday on SB 6(s) was 23 in favor, 18 against. The measure goes to the State Senate for consideration. Under the bill, penalties would be enhanced…
Read MoreNew Del. Law Would Enhanced Penalties For Assault Against Healthcare Workers
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…
Read MoreDel. Constitutional Amendment To End June 30th All-Nighter Moves Forward
Delaware’s annual tradition of meeting at all hours of the night on the final day of the General Assembly session is a step closer to becoming a part of First State history.The Delaware State Senate has passed legislation to amend the state Constitution to end the requirement that the General Assembly stay in session until…
Read MoreDel. Abortion Rights Protections Strengthened Under House-Passed Bill, Say Sponsors
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. 鈥淎s a nurse,…
Read MoreDel. General Assembly Passes Age Restriction For Buying Most Firearms, Adjusting Background Check Program
A bill to increase the legal age for buying most firearms in Delaware from 18 to 21 has passed in the House of Representatives.Currently, state law mirrors federal law which does allow someone who is 18 to purchase long guns, including rifles and shotguns. Someone must be 21 to purchase a handgun. 鈥淲e already prohibit…
Read MoreDE Climate Change Measure Passed in State Senate
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…
Read MoreDel. 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…
Read MoreDel. House Passes Bill That Restricts “Assault-Style” Weapons
The Delaware House of Representatives voted 22-19 Thursday in favor of legislation that would, according to its sponsors, effectively prohibit the buying, selling, and possession of assault-style weapons. Such weapons would be legally defined and would include the AK-47, AR-15, UZI and similar firearms. The legislation, House Bill 450, would “grandfather” existing weapons and protect…
Read MoreDoes Del. Bill Intend To Usurp Parental Oversight?
Delaware House Republicans are stepping up their opposition to a measure they say would usurp parental oversight over sensitive matters regarding their children, such as abortion or gender identity.House Bill 400, sponsored by Democratic Representative Krista Griffith, D-Wilmington area would allow dependents to receive health care services without the knowledge of the policy-holder. Griffith has…
Read MoreSame-Day Voter Registration Bill Approved By Del. House
Legislation that would allow same day registration in Delaware has cleared the State House of Representatives.House Bill 25(s) would do away with the current deadline to register to vote, which is almost a month before elections (the fourth Saturday before Election Day).The voter would be required to show a valid and current government-issued photo or…
Read MoreGov. Carney’s Veto Of Recreational Marijuana Bill Stands
A move to override Governor John Carney’s veto of legislation that would have removed any penalties for adults in Delaware who possess one ounce or less of marijuana falls short in the House of Representatives.The vote was 20 in favor an override, 20 against, and one ‘not voting.’ A three-fifths majority, or 25, would have…
Read MoreDel. Legislation Touted As Strengthening Abortion Rights Protections
New legislation in the Delaware General Assembly would make ‘safe and accessible reproductive healthcare services’ more widely available, according to its sponsors.The measure includes protections for providers and out-of-state residents who seek or receive reproductive health care services such as an abortion in The First State. Matters such as medical privacy, limitations on extradition to…
Read MoreDel. School Bus Drivers May Get More Pay
Delaware school bus drivers and related school transportation programs will likely get a boost.The Delaware General Assembly’s Joint Finance Committee has voted to allocate $11.7-million to fund an increased minimum hourly rate for bus drivers. A few million more dollars would go toward administrative expenses and increasing the basic maintenance allowance.The recommendations came from the…
Read MoreDel. Budget-Writers Boost Rates For Direct Service Professionals
Direct support professionals who serve Delawareans with intellectual and developmental disabilities would be paid more starting in the new fiscal year.The Joint Finance Committee has voted to increase state funding by $16.5-million, which would result in the federal government providing an additional $27.5-million in matching funds. The appropriation in the operating budget would allow the…
Read MoreDel. Budget-Writers Restore $500 Senior Tax Credit
Delaware’s senior tax credit will be restored to $500 for the first time in five years, after it was reduced by $100 to help the state address a budget shortfall.The General Assembly’s Joint Finance Committee has voted to restore the $500 senior tax credit. Under the program, homeowners age 65 or over are eligible for…
Read MoreRaises Approved For Del. State Employees, Retirees
Members of the Delaware General Assembly’s Joint Finance Committee have approved pay increases for state workers and retirees.State employees on the lower end of the pay scale could receive raises of up to 9%. Raises are at least 2.3%. Education employees would receive a 2% increase.Also, state pensioners would receive an increase of 2-to-3%, depending…
Read MoreDel. State Senate Advances Protections For Manufactured Home Community Residents
Delawareans who live in manufactured housing communities would get new legal protections, under legislation (Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 9) that has passed the State Senate.One part of the measure would close a loophole that allows owners of manufactured home communities to increase rents, even when they refuse to address outstanding health or safety…
Read More2nd Del. Recreational Cannabis Bill Stalls In House
Legislation to set up the regulatory and operations framework for legalized sales of marijuana in Delaware failed to pass in the House of Representatives. It is the second of two bills that are designed to clear the way for legalized recreational use of marijuana by adults.The measure (House Bill 372) requires a three-fifths vote of…
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