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 customers’ 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 …
Bill aims to reduce regulatory burden on small businesses
A proposed bill in the House of Representatives would require state agencies to consider the burden new regulations would impose on businesses and take steps to minimize those impacts. Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, before adopting a new regulation, state agencies would be required to complete an economic impact statement. The statement would identify affected businesses, determine the cost of …
State Rep. calls $300 relief check a bribe
The bipartisan proposal to give every adult Delawarean $300 in direct relief was formalized Friday after lawmakers filed the bill, which they dubbed the 2022 Delaware Relief Rebate Program. House Bill 360 will result in the issuance of a one-time payment to every Delaware resident taxpayer who filed personal income tax returns for tax year 2020, and adult residents who …
House to hold committee hearings in hybrid format indefinitely
The Delaware House of Representatives will conduct committee hearings in hybrid format indefinitely, Democratic leaders announced Thursday. The hybrid format allows members of the public to attend hearings and offer comments in-person, or from the comfort of their homes. During the pandemic, the General Assembly conducted the majority of its committee meetings and floor sessions virtually. The House and Senate …
Lawmakers work to ensure low-income, disabled get relief checks
When Bridgeville resident Debra Dawson learned that Delaware lawmakers had announced a plan to give every Delawarean $300 in direct financial relief, she was elated. Dawson, 61, relies entirely on Social Security Disability Insurance to live. She worked since she was 16 and paid into the system for decades. In 2012, a series of debilitating health events forced Dawson into …
Smith, Kowalko both draft bills to create inspector general
Two bills set to be filed in the General Assembly would create an inspector general’s office in Delaware to investigate claims of waste, fraud, abuse and corruption within state government. Rep. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek, said while Delaware already has a state auditor and attorney general, the inspector general’s office would “fill a gap in their coverage.” “The inspector general …
General Assembly votes to remove earnings cap on police, fire disability pay
The State Senate unanimously passed a bill Thursday to remove the cap on the amount of money a police officer or firefighter can earn when out of work on disability. All 21 senators signed on as co-sponsors. Under current law, when an officer or firefighter is out on disability, any earnings greater than that which they collected at the time …
Lawmakers announce plan to give every Delaware taxpayer $300
Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Thursday announced a plan to give every Delaware taxpayer $300 in direct economic relief. The relief plan, which would send direct payments to every Delawarean who filed a 2020 tax return, has the backing of Gov. John Carney. Legislation is currently being drafted to enable relief payments. A bill is expected to be introduced during …
Chiefs oppose new version of police bill of rights
Police officers are not on board with a revised bill to amend Delaware’s Law Enforcement Officer Bill of Rights. The bill would open police misconduct records for the public to view and create two tiers of community review boards, each with the power to examine law enforcement agencies’ handling of officer misconduct cases and make recommendations for improvements. Police misconduct …
Bill to remove double registration requirement passes Senate
A bill to require Delaware cities and towns to use the state’s voter registration system for local elections passed in the State Senate Tuesday. Under Senate Bill 233, voters who live within town limits would be able to vote in municipal elections without having to register separately with both the state and the town. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tizzy …