A joint resolution to declare gun violence a public health emergency passed along party lines in the Delaware House and Senate Tuesday. In a House voice vote for Senate Concurrent Resolution 12, there was an audible opposition from the Republican side of the aisle. In the Senate it passed 14 to six,.. Introduced by Sen. Marie Pinkney, D-Bear, today, March …
Senate sends gun, abortion bills to Carney
Delaware’s Democrat-majority Senate on Tuesday sent several controversial bills to Gov. John Carney for his signature. Most of the topics seemed ripped from headlines. The gun bill would bar anyone under 21 from buying or owning a gun, as well as controlling a firearm or ammunition. The abortion bill will increase the number of health professionals who can perform an …
Same-day voter registration bill heads to Carney
The Delaware Senate on Wednesday voted along party lines for a same-day voter registration bill. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 25, sponsored by Rep. Sherry Dorsey-Walker, D-Wilmington, will allow residents to register at the polls on election day and immediately vote. The bill already passed the House and now goes to Gov. John Carney for his signature. When he …
Senate passes budget bills topping $5 billion
The Delaware Senate on Tuesday passed 2023 budget bills including the largest state operating budget in Delaware’s history at $5.1 billion, reflecting a rise in spending of 6.9% in spending over the previous year. It also will increase Delaware’s Rainy Day Fund from $280 million to $316 million and the Budget Stabilization Fund from $287 million to $402 million. Both …
Legislators pass college livestream, school fingerprinting bills
A bill headed to the House after passing in the Senate would require state colleges to livestream trustee meetings and make that an an archive of them available to the public. Photo by Unsplash. Two education bills sailed unanimously through the General Assembly Tuesday. The Senate unanimously passed a bill requiring Delaware colleges to livestream meetings and maintain an …
Lawmaker proposes specific crimes for violent riots, looting, destroying monuments
Four bills aimed at increasing penalties for destructive and dangerous conduct during times of civil disorder will be heard by a Senate committee Wednesday. The first of the four bills – all sponsored by Sen. Dave Lawson, R-Harrington – would make it illegal to manufacture, transfer, possess or use Molotov cocktails or other incendiary or explosive devices during a riot. …
Permitless concealed carry bill fails in committee
A bill to allow Delawareans to carry concealed firearms without a permit failed to be released from the five-member Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday. The lengthy committee meeting drew dozens of public comments on either side of the issue, with some members of the public taking offense to Wilmington Sen. Sarah McBride’s characterization of permitless concealed carry as a “justice system …
Bill to strip state of ability to force vaccinations, quarantines, isolations killed in committee
The state’s right to enforce public health is based on 1905 U.S. Supreme Court case considered a legal landmark
Gun advocates oppose AG’s legislative agenda, including requiring a permit to buy
Sen. Dave Lawson said her agenda puts rural people at risk because they don’t have the same access to law enforcement.