The leaders of the Delaware House of Representatives and Senate plan to open Legislative Hall to the public effective immediately, they said during a committee meeting Thursday. Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf and Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Dave Sokola plan to announce the building’s opening later Thursday or Friday. “My intent is open to building up, get …
Delaware House to return to Legislative Hall for hybrid April 29 session
Republicans in the legislature last week issued a press release calling for a return to in-person meetings.
Bonini faces 2 GOP challengers for seat he’s held 27 years
There’s a race to the right in central Delaware’s 16th Senate District, and incumbent Republican Sen. Colin Bonini’s 27 years of experience have become a focal point of the bitter challenge. Bonini has long been regarded as one of the most conservative members of the Delaware General Assembly, but that may not be enough to stave off primary challengers Kim …
GOP backs lawsuit challenging early voting
Left to right: Michael Mennella, M. Jane Brady, Noel Johnson The chair of the Republican Party of Delaware has filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery challenging the constitutionality of early voting and permanent absentee voting laws in Delaware. Jane Brady, who is a lawyer and former attorney general of Delaware, filed the suit on behalf of Michael …
Mail-in ballots, paid leave, police reform top 2022 legislative agenda
State legislators will be back in session in a little more than a month. Photo by Aimintang/Getty Images Signature In five weeks, Delaware’s 151st General Assembly will kick off its 2022 legislative session with many Democratic legislators looking to advance progressive causes that have previously struggled to gain traction. Democrats control both chambers of the General Assembly by wide margins. …
Legislative leaders spar over mask protests at school board meetings
Delaware legislators issued dueling press statements about people opposing the school mask mandate. Photo by Vera Davidova/Unsplash Democratic members of the Delaware Senate Education Committee lashed out Wednesday night, calling vocal protesters at school board meetings opposing the state mask mandate “immature and irresponsible.” “Our schools and our children’s education should not be held hostage by a vocal minority …
Gun advocates oppose AG’s legislative agenda, including requiring a permit to buy
Sen. Dave Lawson said her agenda puts rural people at risk because they don’t have the same access to law enforcement.
After loud rally, silent protestors stand in view during virtual hearing
The Patriots for Delaware protestors want Legislative hall reopened to the public.
Legislature returns Tuesday, will keep virtual format
Legislative leaders say not enough people have been vaccinated to open Legislative Hall.
Delaware lawmakers eye major state capitol expansion
Delaware’s state capitol building could be set for a major expansion. A bit of background: Between 1791 and 1933, Delaware’s General Assembly met in the Old State House, just down the road from the current capitol building, known as Legislative Hall. After 224 years of continuous use, the Old State House became cramped and uncomfortable, unable to meet the needs …