Legislative Priority

BY TYLER MICIK

AT THE TIME of writing this article, only a few days remain before the General Assembly goes on Easter Break for two weeks. They return to session on April 25. That leaves a little over two months left of session, and while a significant amount of work has been done, there’s still plenty of issues to be debated before they adjourn on June 30.

Most notably thus far was the passage of recreational marijuana legalization. Both bills—HB 1 and 2—are now with the Governor for signature. While it’s uncertain at the time of this writing whether the Governor will sign, veto, or decide to take no action (in which case the bills would become law), it’s likely the legislation will be enacted. So far, 21 states—along with Washington, D.C. and Guam—have legalized recreational marijuana. Should Delaware become the 22nd state, the next steps will be for the state to stand up the structure laid out in the legislation to administer and regulate the new industry. House Bill 2, specifically, establishes a marijuana commissioner position under the Department of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, which would also be expanded to create an Office of the Marijuana Commissioner and Appeals Commission.

A package of four bills—HB 101, 102, 103, and 104— sponsored by Representative Bush was introduced at the end of March. The State Chamber supports these bills, known as Ready in 6. They are a crucial step in improving and speeding up the permitting process for economic development projects in Delaware, in a manner that by no means compromises or puts public health and safety at risk. They could also help create good paying jobs and opportunities for Delawareans.

The State Chamber is also engaged in conversations and working with other stakeholders on the Climate Change Solutions Act (formerly known as SB 305) and a comprehensive data privacy bill sponsored by Representative Griffith. Both bills have yet to be introduced, but the State Chamber has received draft copies and shared them with our membership for feedback.

Other bills the State Chamber is following include SB 51, Polystyrene; HB 98, Notice Requirements for DNREC Permits; HB 89, Personal Income Taxes; HB 36, Realty Transfer Tax; SB 58, Removal of Copay Requirements for Delaware Families in Need; SB 59, Statewide Rate of Purchase of Care for Child Care Providers; HB 41, Digital Right to Repair; and SB 43, Human Trafficking Signs. There are also two draft bills we expect to be introduced. The first addresses the availability and enforcement of accessible parking spaces and the second would redefine domestic violence as it applies to employment discrimination.

We will continue to keep our members updated as we have conversations with policymakers on these bills, and in some cases, work to amend them. Our members’ engagement and feedback continue to be an important part of the process. We encourage you to attend a committee hearing to testify on a bill you care about; join a State Chamber policy committee; and attend events like our End-of-Session Policy Conference on June 7 where you’ll have the opportunity to meet with legislators and talk about the issues impacting your business.