A unique method of death by self-administered medication that has been discussed by the General Assembly for several years has once again made into this year’s legislative session. And, once again, the Republicans pushed back in full swing, with a myriad of concerns with both logistical and moral concerns. The concept made Rep. Rich Collins, R-Milsboro, question the religious morality …
After pushback about how Delaware will pay for it, a bill creating a rebate program to help residents buy electric vehicle charging equipment was approved unanimously in a House committee Tuesday. The lower the buyer’s income, the larger the rebate would be, according to House Bill 13, sponsored by Rep. Sophie Phillips, D-Christiana. The bill did not have a financial …
A bill that would alter Delaware’s tax code in a way the sponsor says would ultimately lower tax payments for everyone was put to death Tuesday by the House Revenue and Finance Committee. Another was delayed for consideration until the next meeting. Votes for House Bill 233, sponsored by Majority Leader Mike Ramone, R-Newark/Pike Creek, split along party lines in …
Delaware state senators and representatives didn’t revolt when they got their first bite at recommendations for higher educator pay that would cost the state hundreds of millions in coming years. But questions did arise in Thursday’s joint House And Senate Education committees meeting that lasted about 1 ¼ hours. They included concern about poorer districts’ ability to pay their 30% …
A piece of proposed legislation that would give the Delaware Public Service Commission more power over the sources of energy in the First State is drawing fire from a state representative. The legislation, which popped up in a recent energy stakeholders meeting, would support Delaware’s Climate Action Plan. It does not yet have a sponsor attached. “They’re pushing forward with …
As the General Assembly is in its last week of session this week, the state House went into the late hours of Tuesday night with discussion around several bills addressing paid leave. House Bill 65, sponsored by Rep. Debra Heffernan, D-Brandywine Hundred South, provides state employees who suffer a miscarriage, stillbirth or other loss, a maximum of five days of …
Two laws restricting the presence of guns in school zones and election polling places passed the House and are headed to a Senate committee for debate. House Bill 201, sponsored by Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, aims to enable a police officer to act immediately when they see or suspect a person with a gun in …
A busy day in the House Education Committee Wednesday – headlined by a law that would give students mental health days – ended with five bills sent to the full House. House Bill 3, sponsored by House Majority Leader Rep. Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear, provides for excused absences for the mental or behavioral health of a student. It requires any student …
A bill that would increase funding for preschool students with disabilities was released by the House Education Committee Wednesday, but not without some concerns. House Bill 33, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams, D-Marshallton, would increase funding for those students by revising the current ratio of 12.8 students per education unit to 8.4 students per unit for preschoolers 3 years and …
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, …
