LegHallEvening

Bill to stop school boards hiking property tax is tabled

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

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, …

Leaders of three Sussex County charter schools highlighted their programs and needs during a legislative breakfast Thursday. (Jarek Rutz/Delaware LIVE News)

3 Sussex charters ask for more legislative help

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Officials from three Sussex County charter schools told state representatives Thursday they need more legislative support to best support their students and communities. “We don’t have the available resources for a wellness center,” said Eric Anderson, head of Sussex Academy. “Our kids are like any other, and they need these supports.” His school hosted a joint breakfast that included Sussex …

HB 30 would expand the school property tax credit for all veterans considered 100% disabled. (iStock)

Disabled veteran tax bill passed to House amid concerns

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

A bill that would remove the three-year residency requirement to qualify for the Disabled Veteran Tax credit drew concerns in the House Education Committee Wednesday. Some members wanted an income limit or means test included in the bill. After a motion to table the bill failed, House Bill 30 was eventually released to the House floor. If passed, First State …

Sleepy Cat

Bill to outlaw cat declawing advances to Senate

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

It could soon be illegal to declaw cats in Delaware under a bill passed by the House of Representatives Thursday. House Bill 333, sponsored by Rep. Andria Bennett, D-Dover, would impose a fine of up to $1,000 for those who have the procedure performed for non-therapeutic purposes. The bill also specifies that a veterinarian who is found to have declawed …

Energy

Energy bills about council, net metering head to House floor

Jarek RutzGovernment, Headlines

Energy bills pertaining to the Governor’s Energy Advisory Council and how much those who own solar panels can claim back on month power bills were both released by the House Natural Resources Committee Thursday. Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, wasn’t happy with either. Senate Bill 310: Governor’s Energy Advisory Council Sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Newark, SB 310 updates the Governor’s …

Leg Hall

House votes to ban most guns for citizens under 21

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Delawareans under the age of 21 would be prohibited from purchasing, owning, possessing or controlling a firearm or ammunition under a bill passed by the House of Representatives Tuesday. The move comes just days after the House voted to ban most semi-automatic firearms. Exceptions include if the person is an active member of the armed forces or a qualified law-enforcement …

Bill to study, encourage early childhood workforce heads to House floor

Betsy PriceEducation, Headlines

    A bill requiring the state to conduct an annual workforce study of early childhood professionals and help the pool of workers earn more unanimously passed the House Education Committee.  House Bill 377, sponsored by Sherae’a Moore, D-Middletown, would have the Department of Education do the annual study, with the first due by Nov. 15, 2022, along with a …

Paid leave bill to be walked through House committee

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The Healthy Delaware Families Act is expected to proceed to the House Appropriations Committee despite not receiving the requisite number of votes in the House Health and Human Development Committee Wednesday. Photo/Getty Images. The bill to create a statewide paid family and medical leave program faced a slight hiccup on its journey to becoming law Wednesday. The Healthy Delaware Families …

Bill ordering K-12 mental health curriculum on way to Senate

Jarek RutzEducation, Headlines

A bill that would require a statewide mental health curriculum has passed the House. Photo by Unsplash     A bill that will require the state to provide mental health education in every grade level passed the House and is headed to the Senate Education Committee. House Bill 301 would require the Delaware Department of Education to establish a statewide  …

Republican lawmakers to Carney: ‘End the mandates, restore normality’

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Twelve Republican state representatives on Tuesday sent an open letter to Gov. John Carney asking that he reconsider mask mandates in state buildings and schools and stop advocating for COVID-19 booster shots. They encouraged the Democratic governor to promptly end all pandemic-related restrictions, return state workers to their normal places of employment, and “restore normality” for all Delawareans. The legislators …