1/27/25 Legislative update

Last week, House Education Committee members debated HB 32, sponsored by Representative Shupe (R-36), which would have allocated more than $40 million dollars to Delaware schools to hire at least one School Resource Officer or Constable. Much of the discussion focused on the high fiscal note. The bill failed to receive the votes needed to pass the committee.

The House voted to extend the deadline for the Affordable Housing Production Task Force’s final report. The Task Force has been meeting since summer 2024 and is expected to finish in April 2025, rather than March. The Senate will review the proposal this week. 

Throughout February, the Joint Finance Committee will review the Governor’s Recommended Budget. Each state department will have the opportunity to share their budget plans for Fiscal Year 2026. These hearings are open to the public both in person and on Zoom.

Make Your Voice Heard

See below for some of the most notable bills in committee this week and how to give public comment. For length and clarity, we are only putting bills that need the most public input below. Bills in green are bills we generally support, bills in red are bills we generally oppose, and bills in yellow are neutral or unknown. 

You can also check here for the full list of committee meetings and click “view” next to each meeting for the full agenda and additional information.

Bill #	Sponsor	Summary/Description	Committee Meeting Info	Give Public Comment
SB 32	Hoffner	This bill allows correctional officers to request that their identifying information be kept private, however it has criminal and civil consequences for posting that information publicly otherwise. If passed, this could lead to criminal charges or fines for sharing any identifying information about correctional officers and parole officers.	Senate Corrections Committee	In person: Senate Chamber 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901 Virtual: Register for meeting
HB 21	Williams	Even though this bill attempts to solve an issue of potentially harmful substances being sold over the counter without regulation, it criminalizes those who buy it by “scheduling it” as a controlled substance. If passed, this bill leads to criminal charges and jail time for purchasing or possessing rather than proposing another solution for those who are currently using it or selling it legally.	House Health and Human Development Committee	In person: House Chamber 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901
HB 140	Morrison	This bill legalizes end-of-life options for those with terminal illness who meet certain criteria. The former governor vetoed this bill last year despite strong support in the legislature. Committee members need to be reminded of the strong public support for this bill and the relief it would create for terminally ill patients.	House Health and Human Development Committee	In person: House Chamber 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901