In a 69-page decision that cited versions of Delaware constitutions dating back to 1776, the stateâs Supreme Court this week explained its ruling overturning mail-in voting and same-day voter registration laws passed by the General Assembly earlier this year. The stateâs highest court in October unanimously ruled the statutes unconstitutional but issued an abbreviated order due to time constraints imposed …
Transparency advocates: Update FOIA for 21st century
Government transparency advocates say thereâs no reason in 2022 that public information should be as difficult to access as it is in Delaware. âAt the root of democracy in Delaware and in the United States is citizens’ access to government information — and not just access, but easy access,â said Charlie Copeland, co-director of the Caesar Rodney Instituteâs Center for …
Senate OKs mail-in voting despite claims it violates Constitution
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 …
House bill aims to expand abortion protections
Democratic lawmakers filed legislation Thursday they say will improve the availability of abortions and protect patients and providers from facing legal action under other states’ abortion laws. Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, D-New Castle, Rep. Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear, and Sen. Kyle Evans Gay, D-Talleyville, announced the legislation in the wake of a leaked draft opinion suggesting the United States Supreme Court may …
Bill banning use of gender for car insurance rates passes Senate
A lengthy and heated debate on the Senate floor Tuesday preceded the passage of a bill that would make it illegal for car insurers in Delaware to use gender as a factor when determining customersâ premiums. Senate Bill 231, sponsored by Sen. Kyle Evans Gay, D-Talleyville, came at the recommendation of State Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, who said in a …
Proposed law would have car insurers turn a blind eye to gender
A bill filed in the General Assembly would make it illegal for car insurers in Delaware to use gender as a factor when determining customersâ premiums. Senate Bill 231, sponsored by Sen. Kyle Evans Gay, D-Brandywine Hundred, prohibits the use of gender, gender identity, or sex as a rating factor in personal automobile insurance policies. Gay cited a report from …
Female lawmakers launch Delaware Legislative Womenâs Caucus
Left to right: Sen. Kyle Evans Gay (D-Brandywine Hundred), Sen. Marie Pinkney (D-New Castle) Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown (D-New Castle South), Rep. Valerie Longhurst (D-Delaware City). Facebook/Rep. Valerie Maglio Longhurst A group of female legislators on Wednesday announced the formation of a new caucus to focus on issues affecting women. The Delaware Legislative Women’s Caucus will include lawmakers from both parties …
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