Legislative Wrap
The following bills were among those seeing action in the week ending: Friday, July 2:
• Senate Bill 316 w/ SA 2 – (Sponsors: Sen. Peterson & Rep. D.E. Williams, et. al.) – This bill seeks to encourage the use of “ground-mounted” solar energy systems by Delaware homeowners. The bill bars developers, homeowner associations or local governments from taking steps to prohibit the systems. However, restrictions put into place before this legislation is enacted would still be binding.
Supporters say the bill would continue to allow local entities to set conditions on the installation of such systems, such as requirements to conceal their placement. The measure is similar to laws enacted last year that barred local restrictions on the installation of residential wind turbines and roof-mounted solar panels.
Status: Passed the General Assembly. Pending consideration of the governor.
• House Bill 276 (as amended) – (Sponsors: Rep. Hudson, et. al.) – This bill would increase penalties for anyone found guilty of damaging, littering or applying graffiti along a “scenic and historical highway” or a “scenic byway.” Such individuals would face a mandatory $500 fine, in addition to the penalties ordinarily carried by such crimes.
Supporters say the officially designated routes have unique scenic, historic and cultural qualities that make them worthy of the additional protection.
Status: Passed the General Assembly. Pending consideration of the governor.
• House Bill 437 (as amended) – (Sponsors: Rep. Ruth Briggs King, et. al.) – This bill will allow active-duty U.S. military personnel to get a Delaware hunting, trapping or fishing license for the same cost as a state resident.
Status: Passed the General Assembly. Pending consideration of the governor.
• House Bill 326 (as amended) – (Sponsors: Rep. Schwartzkopf, et. al.) – This bill would allow the victims of sexual abuse (or their parents/guardians) to bring lawsuits against doctors, nurses or other healthcare providers thought to have perpetrated the abuse, regardless of when the alleged acts took place. The measure would also create a two-year “look-back” window, allowing victims in some cases to file lawsuits against their abusers, even though the statute of limitations may have already tolled.
An amendment by State Rep. Greg Lavelle that would have removed a legal protection that prevents the State of Delaware from being sued in most instances was defeated. Lavelle argued that state institutions should be on a level playing field with the rest of society and should not be shielded from civil action brought by the victims of sexual abuse.
The bill is a reaction to pending criminal charges against Dr. Earl Bradley, a former Lewes pediatrician who authorities believe is responsible for sexual assaults committed against more than 100 of his young patients. This bill is in addition to the package of nine “Bradley bills” that were recently signed into law.
Status: Passed the General Assembly. Pending consideration of the governor.
• House Bill 172 (as amended) – (Sponsors: Rep. Ramone, et. al.) – This bill will require state elected officials, as well as candidates for those offices, to disclose every non-profit organization, civic association, community association, foundation, maintenance organization or trade group on which the person is a council member or board member. The requirement does not apply to religious organizations.
Status: Passed the General Assembly. Pending consideration of the governor.
