A new bill would remove the privileged secrecy that priests have in sacramental confession in cases related to child abuse or neglect. In response, the Diocese of Wilmington put out a statement that calls the idea ânon-negotiable.â House Bill 74 is sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison, D-Glasgow, with 10 other Democrats and Republican Rep Dave Wilson, R-Seaford, listed as additional …
Legislators call for means testing for property tax creditsÂ
Calls to consider means testing before granting veteran and senior housing tax breaks shocked a legislative committee last month. Delawareâs secretary of finance doesnât think an income-based means test for property tax breaks is likely. Even so, Rick Geisenberger did say that a means test based on property values not only could happen, but should. âSeniors get a lot of …
Oaths of office open most diverse General Assembly ever
Delawareâs 152nd General Assembly officially began Tuesday, as Delawareâs 62 representatives and senators were sworn into office in what is the most diverse legislature yet. âWe’re finally looking like Delawareâs population,â said Rep. DeShanna Neal, D-Wilmington. The first nonbinary and first Buddhist to serve in Delawareâs legislature, they are starting their first year in office. âOne of the most amazing …
Primary election starts with uneven crowds, few problems
Delaware’s primary election day seemed off to a slow start Tuesday, but with only a few problems reported. An early morning storm knocked power out to 1,500 people in Rehoboth Beach, including voting machines there, and machines wouldn’t work in Selbyville prompted poll officials to call for help. By 8:30, one machine was back online in Rehoboth Beach. Election officials …
What to know before Tuesday’s primary election
Just one statewide incumbent and eight sitting members of the Delaware General Assembly will have a primary opponent when the polls open Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Incumbent Auditor of Accounts Kathy McGuiness will face off against attorney and accountant Lydia York. Eight incumbent members of the General Assembly have primary opponents, including Sen. …
Transparency advocates push for campaign finance reform
With weeks to go before the first votes are cast in Delawareâs 2022 election cycle, advocates for government transparency are pushing for better campaign finance reporting. Common Cause Delaware, a nonprofit group that lobbies for open, honest and accountable government, has called for more frequent and detailed reporting of campaign funds collected when candidates run for office. âIt’s common knowledge …
Ruh-roh: Bill filed to fine barking dogs in Delaware
Image: Getty Images Pro Delaware dog owners could soon be slapped with barking tickets if their pups donât shut up. AÂ bill filed in the House of Representatives would ban dogs from terrierizing communities by barking, whining or howling for a period of 15 minutes â or intermittently for 30 minutes or more. The bill is set to be considered by …
Recreational marijuana moves one step closer to becoming legal in DE
A bill to legalize the cultivation, sale and possession of marijuana in Delaware was released from the House Health and Human Development Committee Wednesday by a margin of 10 to four. All 10 Democrats on the committee voted in favor of the billâs release. Rep. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek, was the lone Republican to support the bill. The bill will …
Dems, others call for McGuiness to resign or take leave of absence
State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives wonât pursue the impeachment of State Auditor Kathy McGuiness or encourage her to step down in the wake of her criminal indictment. That hasnât stopped mounting calls for her resignation from fellow elected officials, community members and party leaders. McGuiness was indicted Monday on a slew of felony …
151st General Assembly opens an era of virtual gatherings
Democrat McBride cites âinequities in our justice system, a climate crisis at our shores and a crisis of trust.â Republican Pettyjohn seeks âcommon ground.â