A bill that would help cannabis-related businesses with financing and accounting was passed unanimously by the state House Thursday. House Bill 355, sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski, D-Newark, provides legal protections for financial institutions and other entities that provide financial or accounting services to cannabis-related businesses that are licensed or registered under Delaware law. It clarifies that banks, credit unions, …
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 …
Reps share personal experiences with doulas as bill passes House
Two Delaware House of Representative members talked up the benefits of their doulas before a bill requiring Medicaid to cover their services passed unanimously Thursday. A doula is someone who provides physical and emotional support to pregnant women. The bill would require the state to cover their services for three prenatal and postpartum visits, both up to 90 minutes, as …
Bill to stop school boards hiking property tax is tabled
A bill that would ban a local school tax increase after the statewide property reassessment is completed was tabled Wednesday in the House Educaiton Committee after a lengthy discussion. House Bill 42, sponsored by Rep. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek, would remove the up-to-10% increase in school property taxes that current law would allow schools boards to levy. Rep. Rich Collins, …
Oaths of office open most diverse General Assembly ever
Delaware’s 152nd General Assembly officially began Tuesday, as Delaware’s 62 representatives and senators were sworn into office in what is the most diverse legislature yet. “We’re finally looking like Delaware’s population,” said Rep. DeShanna Neal, D-Wilmington. The first nonbinary and first Buddhist to serve in Delaware’s legislature, they are starting their first year in office. “One of the most amazing …