The cost of providing electric vehicle charging stations up and down Delaware popped up in a Joint Capital Improvement Committee meeting this week. Sen. Nicole Poore, D-Delaware City, asked if the Department of Transportation is considering the cost of adding more electric vehicle charging stations across the state and transitioning school districts to more electric vehicles. “Everybody wants to move …
Bill to curb aggressive medical debt collection goes to House
A bill that seeks to stop aggressive tactics for collecting medical debt easily passed the House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee meeting Tuesday. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 8, sponsored by Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, D-Elsmere, would forbid a medical creditor or medical debt collector from arresting someone, forcing someone into court for being in contempt, foreclosing on someone’s property …
Senate committee gives road safety bills a green light
A package of road safety bills are, well, moving on down the road. Four of the six proposed by Gov. John Carney and various Democrats puttered through the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee Wednesday with little opposition. All four bills have support from both Democrats and Republicans. House Bill 92, sponsored by Rep. Bill Carson, D-Smyrna, would require drivers …
Senate bill will define 911 dispatchers as first responders
A bill that defines 911 dispatchers as first responders drew no opposition Wednesday in the Senate Corrections and Public Safety Committee. The remarkably short Senate Bill 36, sponsored by Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, D-Elsmere, was also the first bill to be heard in the new committee. It is expected to pass, but the results won’t be known until the vote is posted …
Office of New Americans would help Delaware immigrants adjust
A bill that could create a state Office of New Americans to help immigrants better integrate into life in Delaware sailed through a General Assembly committee Wednesday. Senate Bill 44, sponsored by Darius Brown, D-Wilmington, cleared the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee on a vote of two yes and two on the merits. On the merits means the legislator …
Senate passes tax relief for retired military, first responders
The State Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved two bills to provide tax relief for retired service members and first responders living in Delaware. If made law, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 188 will exclude up to $12,500 worth of military pension income from state tax calculations for all retired service members, regardless of age, starting in 2023. “Our nation’s …
After emotional debate, bill defining bail for Class A felonies heads to Carney
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels. Alleged offenders of certain violent crimes could soon face mandatory minimum bail requirements under a bill passed by the House of Representatives Thursday. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 7 is aimed at reducing violent crime in two of Delaware’s largest and most dangerous cities, Wilmington and Dover, by eliminating the ability of judges …
151st General Assembly opens an era of virtual gatherings
Democrat McBride cites ‘inequities in our justice system, a climate crisis at our shores and a crisis of trust.’ Republican Pettyjohn seeks ‘common ground.’