3/17/25 Legislative Update
Last week, a heavily revised version of SB 21 legislation (the controversial corporate law bill) was passed from the Senate on a 20 Yes - 1 Absent vote margin. The bill is now in the House Judiciary Committee.
The Senate Environmental Committee also passed three bills aimed at curbing out-of-control Delmarva electric bills.
Representative Rae Moore re-introduced legislation (HB 125)to make universal free school meals available for all public school students. This legislation was introduced in the previous legislative session, however it was amended to cover school lunch for students receiving reduced-priced meals. At least eight states, including Vermont, Arizona, New Mexico, and Minnesota have universal free school meal programs. Seventy-eight percent of Delaware voters support expanding the state’s school meal program.
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. Meetings are held in person at Legislative Hall 411 Legislative Ave, Dover, DE or streamed on Zoom.
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.
Bills coming up the week of 3/17/25:
| Bill # | Sponsor | Summary/Description | Committee Meeting Info | Give Public Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS1 for SB 21 | Townsend/Griffith | The Billionaire’s Bill, changing Delaware’s corporate law to give more power to large controlling shareholders at the expense of smaller shareholders like pensions, 401k’s, and institutional investors | House Judiciary Wednesday, 3/19 at 10:30am |
JFC Hearing Room 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901 or Zoom |
| SB 55 | Richardson/Hilovsky | This Act prohibits gender transition surgery for children due to the potential for an irrevocable procedure occurring when there is a significant probability that children will come to identify with their biological gender. This Act prohibits the use of public funds and insurance coverage for gender transition surgery for children. | Senate Health Wednesday 3/19 at 10am |
Senate Chamber 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901 or Zoom |
| HB 14 | Lynn/Hoffner | Creates a constitutional right to privacy | House Administration Wednesday 3/19 at 3pm |
House Majority Hearing Room (H217) 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901 or Zoom |
| HB 35 | Lynn/Hoffner | First leg to amend Delaware Constitution to prohibit imposition of death penalty. Also removes language allowing for prisoners to be held without bail for capital offenses | Administration Wednesday 3/19 at 3pm |
House Majority Hearing Room (H217) 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901 or Zoom |