Two bills pending in House committees would mandate stricter punishment for those that endanger first responders or damage their equipment. State Rep. Jeff Hilovsky (R-Long Neck/Oak Orchard) is sponsoring House Bill 329, aimed at motorists who fail to yield the right-of-way of an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens. State Rep. Jesse Vanderwende (R-Greenwood/Bridgeville) said he decided to offer …
Bill adding asexuality, pansexuality into law moves to House
A move to add asexuality and pansexuality to the state definition of sexual orientation led to conversations about what those terms mean — and a warning that adding them could one day lead to adding pedophiles, too. Rep. Eric Morrison, D-Newark/Bear, said the idea for House Bill 275 came from a member of Delaware’s LBGTQ+ community who identifies as pansexual. …
Neal introduces new bill to protect gender-affirming care
A day after killing her first bill dealing with protections for medical professionals dealing with gender-affirming care, Rep. DeShanna Neal introduced a new version Wednesday. The Elsmere/Newport representative’s House Bill 346 would expand protections for individuals seeking, receiving and providing gender-affirming health care. “As a mother to two beautiful transgender daughters, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of gender-affirming care. …
Bipartisan bill would see Inspector General at work by 2025
A much-debated Office of Inspector General would be up and running by early 2025, if a new bill passes the Delaware Assembly by the end of June. Sen. Laura Sturgeon, D-Hockessin, would create the Office of Inspector General, an independent watchdog agency empowered to investigate waste, fraud,and abuse in the executive and legislative branches of state government with Senate Bill …
Neal strikes gender-affirming care bill; will introduce new one
A Delaware legislator who identifies as nonbinary on Tuesday asked to strike a proposed bill that would protect medical professionals who provide general-affirming medical care. Rep. DeShanna Neal, D-Elsmere/Newport, introduced House Bill 230 in June 2023 and asked on Tuesday for the bill to be dropped from consideration. Neal didn’t give a reason during the session. Efforts were unsuccessful to …
9 appointed to New Castle County Arts Commission
An artist, a landscape architect, the head of the Delaware Art Museum, and a downtown nonprofit exec who’s led the installation of outdoor art are among nine people who have been appointed to the New Castle County Arts Commission. The new county board was inspired by the Philadelphia’s 1% for Art program, which requires new city construction or major renovation projects …
Delaware’s DNA life sciences conference returns after boffo debut
A wildly successful state biosciences conference returns this year when Delaware’s DNA returns May 9. Sponsored by Delaware BIO, last year’s conference was notable for its energetic vibe, notable speakers and visible networking. “That was the first time we’d ever put on a full day event like that, focused on really highlighting and showcasing the depth and breadth of the …
GOP senators: Hecklers, smirking legislators ’embarrassment’
Republican senators said Tuesday they were disappointed at the hecklers interrupting Gov. John Carney’s last State of the State speech — and even more disappointed in the members of the legislature smirking during the heckling. A video shows the first heckler, a woman in the gallery wearing a pink hajib, start shouting and asking for a moment of silence. As …
Carney’s State of State, despite hecklers, focuses forward
Gov. John Carney’s last State of the State speech, meant to be a review of his administration’s achievements and a push for the state to tackle thorny issues, was interrupted four times by hecklers who seemed to be referencing the Israeli invasion of Gaza. The first heckler started shortly into the speech and was removed, and a few minutes later …
Nonprofits seek boost during Do More 24, starting March 7
A busload of Dover students last year were treated to a tour of public art as experts talked about the thought processes behind choosing designs to fit those memorials and displays. A Wilmington mom helps 2,000 low-income and homeless children receive name-brand athletic shoes each year so they could better participate in school activities. And the Food Bank of Delaware …