Leg Hall hospital board CPI

Senate Dems pick up committee seats with larger majority

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Leaders in the Delaware Senate have revealed the body’s committee assignments for the 152nd General Assembly which begins in January. Senate President Pro Tempore-Elect Dave Sokola announced the assignments Monday. “Legislative committees are an essential part of the legislative process where senators gather public input and determine which bills should move forward,” Sokola said in a news release. “The assignments …

Mennella

State Senate candidate says she received death threats online

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

A Republican Delaware state Senate candidate has filed reports with the New Castle County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation alleging that she received death threats on Facebook. Brenda Mennella, a U.S. Army veteran and elementary school teacher running for the 9th Senate District, said she was shocked and upset that someone would threaten harm against her. In screenshots …

Bonini Buckson

Goodbye Bonini, Hello Buckson

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Longtime conservative state Senator Colin Bonini, R-Dover, has lost re-election to Kent County Levy Court Commissioner Eric Buckson. Because no Democratic candidate filed to run for the 16th Senate District, Buckson will be that district’s next senator.  First elected to the Delaware Senate in 1995, Bonini, who serves on the powerful Bond Bill Committee, has infamously never once voted for …

Leg Hall hospital board CPI

Senate to convene Monday to start removal of state auditor

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The Delaware Senate will reconvene in a special session Monday to consider a resolution to initiate the removal of State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness, its Democratic leadership announced Thursday. Senate Republicans indicated a few hours after the announcement that they were opposed to the idea until her trial had run its course. The auditor’s was convicted of three misdemeanors including abuse …

Leg Hall Night 1

General Assembly may end long-standing June 30 tradition

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The Delaware House of Representatives on Thursday unanimously passed a measure aimed at ending the tradition of extending legislative business beyond midnight on June 30 of each year. Under House Bill 411, the General Assembly would only be constitutionally mandated to stay until 5 p.m. on the last day of June.  “Five o’clock becomes the new twelve o’clock, basically,” said …

Bed Bugs 1

Senate passes bill banning rental of units with bed bugs

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The State Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill to prohibit landlords from renting units with known bed-bug infestations. The bill outlines the steps landlords must follow when an infestation is discovered. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 240 requires landlords to eradicate any bed bugs discovered within 60 days of initial occupancy. They must have their units inspected for …

a man wearing a suit and tie smiling at the camera

Sen. Darius Brown’s committee positions reinstated

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Sen. Darius Brown, D-Wilmington State Sen. Darius Brown has been reinstated as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and member of the Senate Capital Improvement Committee. Brown, D-Wilmington, was removed from the Judiciary Committee in May 2021 after being arrested on misdemeanor offensive touching and disorderly conduct charges. He was removed from the Capital Improvement Committee in Nov. 2021 after …

a close up of a sign

Voter registration bill clears Senate committee

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

A bill to require Delaware cities and towns to use the state’s voter registration system for local elections overcame its first legislative hurdle Wednesday.  Under Senate Bill 233, sponsored by Sen. Tizzy Lockman, D-Wilmington, voters who live within town limits could vote in their municipal elections without having to register separately with both the state and the city.  The bill …

a group of people standing in front of a building

Female lawmakers launch Delaware Legislative Women’s Caucus

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

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 …

Marijuana Legalization 4

Dems won’t need GOP votes to pass recreational marijuana bill

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

House Bill 305, also known as the Delaware Marijuana Control Act, seeks to legalize the cultivation, sale and possession of marijuana. (Getty Images) A new bill to legalize the cultivation, sale and possession of marijuana in Delaware is likely to make its way before the General Assembly this year. House Bill 305 — also known as the Delaware Marijuana Control …