gender-affirming

Gender-affirming bill draws GOP criticism; action postponed

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

A bill introduced Thursday adding protections for gender-affirming care in Delaware has drawn criticism from Republicans for the impact it would have on parental rights. House Bill 230, sponsored by Rep. Deshanna Neal, D-Elsmere, would protect medical providers in Delaware who provide gender-affirming care from being prosecuted by other states that ban the practice. Neal said in a statement Friday …

Ed Harvey, Republicans on EV

Republicans point out high costs, chance of fire in EV debate

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

Republicans led a charge Thursday to derail a bill that requires new homes and multi-family dwellings to be wired for electric vehicles, a move that Democrats say will help ensure the sale of more cars and help the environment. They failed. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 103, sponsored by Sen. Sarah McBride, D-Wilmington, would require all new single family …

climate bills, DNREC Facebook

New climate bill would increase scope of energy agency

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

With several climate bills moving through the Delaware General Assembly, a new bill proposes to increase the scope and power of a DNREC energy agency, sort of a state government version of Toklien’s “one ring to rule them all.” Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, would empower the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy to help oversee …

Jonas Gerlach

Senate passes ban on restaurant use of plastics

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

The Senate on Thursday passed the bill banning the use of single-use foam take containers and plastic items in restaurants, but it will allow customers to request a straw.  Senate Bill 51, sponsored by Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Dover, would ban the use of beverage, cocktail picks and sandwich picks made of plastic, but exempts straws attached to an item such …

Marijuana 1 1

Marijuana bills fly through Senate, head to Carney. Again.

Sam HautGovernment, Headlines

Bills that would legalize marijuana and set up a state-monitored legal sale industry passed the Delaware Senate and are headed to the governor. Only one Republican voted for House Bill 1, which would legalize marijuana use in Delaware. It passed 16 to 4. Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Dover, partially attributed his vote to his libertarian values of letting his neighbor relax …

Senate budget bills

Senate passes budget bills topping $5 billion

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

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 …

moneyhoney 1

Teacher compensation bill aims to strengthen educator pipeline

Jarek RutzEducation, Headlines

  Riding fears that COVID-19 drove teachers from classrooms and worries over Maryland saying it will pay starting teachers $60,000 by 2026, a bill designed to change teacher pay in Delaware sailed through the state Senate Thursday. It will go to the House Education Committee next. Sponsored by Sen. Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, SB 100 would create a 15-member Public Education …

a sandy beach next to the ocean

Fishermen, scientist praise increased dredging in Sussex waters

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

$16 million has been allotted to help DNREC dredge inland Sussex County waters. Archival photo courtesy of DNREC   Delaware’s inland bays, canals and waterways are about to become easier to navigate after the General Assembly last month authorized a record $16 million for dredging projects. The hope is that boaters will be able to enjoy more consistently navigable channels …