4/7/25 Legislative Update

Governor Meyer has released his budget– with proposals to increase revenue by raising the personal income taxes rates on the highest earners and increasing taxes on tobacco products. Additionally, DelDOT is expected to bring forth a revenue plan to raise $107 million.  

In response to rising food insecurity and a higher cost-of-living, Representative Rae Moore introduced HB 125, to provide all students with free school meals, regardless of their income. However, Representative Kim Williams introduced HB 91 which would expand eligibility for school meals to just 225% of the Federal Poverty Line. 

Rep. Kim Williams has argued against universal school meals in the past, citing concerns about the fiscal note— it would cost about $45 million to ensure all students are fed. Means testing the program would limit it those who legislators designate are the most in need.. In just the last year, the number of food insecure children in Delaware increased by more than 7,000 children (from 30,040 to 37,680 children), according to Feeding America.  Working class families are living in more financial precarity than ever before, yet don’t typically qualify for means tested programs like SNAP or the current free lunch program.

HB 91 is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on Wednesday. HB 125 has not been scheduled for a committee hearing yet. 

Representative Sean Lynn and Senator Kyra Hoffner introduced HB 95 that would prohibit the Delaware Department of Education, public schools, and companies with access to digital student data from sharing student information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without permission from Delaware’s Attorney General.

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 4/7/25:

Bill #	Sponsor	Summary/Description	Committee Meeting Info	Give Public Comment
HB 91	Williams/Walsh	Expands eligibility for free school meals to include households whose incomes is at or below 225% of the federal poverty level. Notes: HB 125 would expand it to all students, regardless of their income	House Education Wednesday 4/9 at 3pm	House Chamber 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901 Zoom
HB 95	Lynn/Hoffner	Prohibits the DOE, public schools and companies with access to digital student data from sharing student information with ICE without permission from Delaware’s Attorney General	House Education Wednesday 4/9 at 3pm	House Chamber 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901 Zoom
HB 88	Bush/Hoffner	The first part of a constitutional amendment to allow the passage of same-day voter registration laws	House Administration Wednesday 4/9 at 3pm	House Majority Caucus Room 411 Legislative Avenue Dover, DE 19901 Zoom