Legislative Priority

Legislative Hall Re-opens

BY VERITY WATSON

TWO YEARS AGO, Legislative Hall was closing their doors and transitioning to operating in a virtual format. The words “unchartered waters” were used with regularity. In a stark contrast, this spring brought the literal opening of doors within the state’s capital. Committee meetings returned to conducting business in person with the public physically in the room. Advocates and constituents were able to meet in person with their legislators in their offices. In the spirit of open government, both chambers have been able to keep a virtual option for both committees and session. It appears that the waters have calmed. As expected, we have seen an uptick in legislative activity this session following two virtual sessions and an impending election.

• Legislation was introduced to provide a $300 rebate for all Delawareans who filed a 2020 tax return. This was done in light of the significant budgetary surplus of approximately one billion dollars coupled with the rise in inflation.

• House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst introduced a package of bills focused on increasing access to mental health care and pertinent education programs within public schools.

• Senator Kyle Gay spearheaded an effort to prohibit the use of gender as a rating factor in personal automobile insurance policies.

• Representative Melissa Minor-Brown announced seven “Momnibus” bills related to maternal and infant health, child mortality, doulas, the incarceration of pregnant women, and aide to new parents.

• Representative Krista Griffith introduced her Cover All Delaware Children Act, which would ensure medical coverage for all children in Delaware regardless of their immigration status.

The Delaware State Chamber continues to engage and monitor numerous bills that impact members. Senator McBride’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Act passed the Senate with a party-line vote and a healthy dose of personal storytelling. Representative Krista Griffith’s legislation on data brokers was released from the House Technology and Telecommunications committee. As of this article’s writing, legislation to legalize recreational marijuana continues to struggle to pass the House by a close margin.

Many business groups, including the State Chamber, anxiously await legislation that would aide in economic development efforts by shortening the permitting processes currently in place. The Ready in 6 initiative would reduce the current timing of 24 months down to six. These recommendations were made by professional services firm KPMG after reviewing Delaware’s process and comparing how competitive we are with other states. As it turns out, neighboring states—Pennsylvania and Maryland—have a permitting process that takes substantially less time.

We are heading into the final stretch of not only the current legislative session but also the 151st General Assembly. Bills that do not cross the legislative “finish line” will need to be re-introduced next year. May and June are notoriously chaotic. In addition to the impending expiration of bills, the legislature must pass a balanced budget by the conclusion of session on June 30th.

The State Chamber continues to advocate on behalf of the business community. Your voice and story is important and we encourage you to get involved by reaching out to Tyler Micik, manager of public policy and government relations, for assistance.

Verity Watson, Ruggerio, Willson & Associates