Leg Hall

Senate OKs mail-in voting despite claims it violates Constitution

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The Delaware Senate on Thursday passed a controversial bill to cement mail-in voting as an option for voters in all future elections. Senate Bill 320, sponsored by Sen. Kyle Evans Gay, D-Ardens, passed 13 to 8 just before midnight with a last-minute amendment from Sen. Colin Bonini, R-Dover. “While vote by mail is particularly helpful for those who may find …

Sleepy Cat

Bill to outlaw cat declawing advances to Senate

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

It could soon be illegal to declaw cats in Delaware under a bill passed by the House of Representatives Thursday. House Bill 333, sponsored by Rep. Andria Bennett, D-Dover, would impose a fine of up to $1,000 for those who have the procedure performed for non-therapeutic purposes. The bill also specifies that a veterinarian who is found to have declawed …

High-capacity magazine

High-capacity magazine ban heads to Carney

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

A bill aimed at restricting the capacity of firearm magazines passed in the House of Representatives Thursday by a vote of 23 to 18. The bill now heads to Gov. John Carney, who is expected to sign it into law. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Rep. Larry Mitchell, D-Elsmere, bans the possession, sale, purchase, receipt or …

Energy

Energy bills about council, net metering head to House floor

Jarek RutzGovernment, Headlines

Energy bills pertaining to the Governor’s Energy Advisory Council and how much those who own solar panels can claim back on month power bills were both released by the House Natural Resources Committee Thursday. Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, wasn’t happy with either. Senate Bill 310: Governor’s Energy Advisory Council Sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Newark, SB 310 updates the Governor’s …

IMG 0505

McGuiness trial day 3 features daughter’s friend, accounting director

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Prosecutors continued calling witnesses during the third day of the trial against State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness.  First to take the stand was Virginia Bateman, a friend of McGuiness’ daughter, both of whom were employed by the Office of the Auditor as casual seasonal employees in 2020. Much of Bateman’s testimony surrounded a recorded tape of a June 2021 phone conversation …

Kathy McGuiness Trial

After months of waiting, McGuiness trial off to a slow start

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

State prosecutors called on three witnesses Wednesday to detail Auditor Kathy McGuiness’ alleged habit of surveilling employees’ emails, as well as the lack of emails sent to and by her daughter who worked in the office, and the way a consulting group was paid. McGuiness is charged with two felonies and multiple misdemeanors alleging conflict of interest, felony theft, non-compliance …

2022 06 15 1

Mail-in, same-day registry election bills go to Senate floor

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

  Election bills that would allow mail-in voting and  registering at the polls both passed out of committee to the Senate floor Wednesday. Both would take effect as soon as the governor signs them, meaning they would be in effect for the 2022 primaries and general election. The two bills, House Substitute for 1 for House Bill 25 on same-day …

IMG 0444

Prosecutors continue calling witnesses in McGuiness trial

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Prosecutors continued to call witnesses Wednesday on day two of testimony in the trial of State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness. The jury entered the courtroom more than an hour behind schedule because of technological difficulties. RELATED: Trial of Auditor Kathy McGuiness begins in Dover McGuiness sat quietly at the defense table while employees from the Department of Technology and Information detailed …

Leg Hall

House votes to ban most guns for citizens under 21

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Delawareans under the age of 21 would be prohibited from purchasing, owning, possessing or controlling a firearm or ammunition under a bill passed by the House of Representatives Tuesday. The move comes just days after the House voted to ban most semi-automatic firearms. Exceptions include if the person is an active member of the armed forces or a qualified law-enforcement …

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Tax credit for those making $35K or less dies in committee

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

A bill that would have given a $280 tax credit to Delawareans with a 2022 income of $35,000 or less blew up Tuesday in the House Revenue and Finance Committee. Partly a victim of the end-of-the-year rush and partly a victim of not being written well, House Bill 393 will need to be reintroduced in January, when the 152nd session …