Marriage equality is on the fast track.
How fast? HB 75 (Smith) was introduced last week while the General Assembly was out of session, and will be considered in the House (House) Administration Committee this Wednesday, 2:30 pm, House Chamber. It is at least possible that the full House could consider the bill as early as this Thursday. For those of you who have not yet checked, here are the sponsors and co-sponsors of HB 75:
Prime Sponsor: M. Smith; Additional Sponsors: Rep. Schwartzkopf & Rep. Longhurst & Sen. Sokola & Sen. Blevins; Co-Sponsors: Reps. Barbieri, Baumbach, Bolden, Brady, Heffernan, Keeley, Kowalko, Mulrooney, Osienski, B. Short, Viola, D.E. Williams, K. Williams; Sens. Henry, McDowell, Peterson, Poore, Townsend.
Thanks to each and every one of you. By my count, there are sixteen House members as sponsors. 21 votes are needed for passage. I know, or at least suspect, that there are silent commits from some below the Canal. However, there are a few notable absences, and I would encourage you to contact them if you are one of their constituents:
Charles Potter, 1st RD: He has been a strong advocate for civil liberties, there are many marriage equality supporters in his north Wilmington district, but he has not yet taken a position;
Deborah Hudson, 12th RD: She has generally been a moderate on social issues and, again, there are many marriage equality proponents in her Chateau Country district;
John Mitchell, 13th RD: He was ‘almost’ Speaker, and he could wind up there someday…if he does the right thing;
James ‘J. J.’ Johnson, 16th RD: He represents part of the City of Wilmington and has an overwhelmingly D majority district;
Mike Ramone, 21st RD: It’s possible that Ramone has already announced his support, as he has increasingly cast more and more progressive votes;
Joe Miro, 22nd RD: This Pike Creek R has lots of marriage equality proponents in his district.
Keep in mind that each of these representatives could well be ‘gettable’ on this vote. When you contact them, be positive. Encourage them to support HB 75. If they commit to supporting the bill, thank them and let them know that you have their backs. With some of the potential ‘silent’ commits, HB 75 has a great chance to pass the House, perhaps with a strong mandate.
Time to check out today’s agendas, starting with the House. Hmmm, maybe today’s the day that Johnny Larue finally gets his crane shot Rep. Earl Jaques gets a vote on HB 20. Bill’s been on the agenda for about a month now. It simply provides for ‘no excuses’ absentee voting, meaning you can vote absentee without having to come up with some excuse. First leg of a constitutional amendment, so it wouldn’t take effect in 2014, but could by 2016. Excellent bill.
On the flip side of the equation, Delaware’s Most Unhinged Legislator (hint: he’s also the most ‘law-abiding’, except when speeding and/or drinking) rises to the occasion to protect Our American Flag. No pesky ordinances will get in the way of flying Old Glory if John Atkins has his way by passing HB 44. Only question is, will the House pull the plug on this, or will they let the Senate do their dirty work for them? Atkins has run this up the flagpole, let’s see if anyone salutes.
Folks, I’ve come around 180 degrees on this. We need John Atkins in Dover. I hereby announce my intention to head down to Sussex County in 2014 and fight for his reelection. Whether he likes it or not. In the name of comedic relief. Who’s with me??
The Senate Agenda is a bit more…serious. SB 27(Sokola) would ‘authorize the Department of Education, pending available funds, to offer competitive two year start-up grants to public schools for the purpose of developing new programs for students capable of performing accelerated academic work.’ I know that some of you have spirited opinions on this bill, so have at it in the comments section.
Only one more vote before HB 10(Keeley) becomes law. The Hazel D. Plant Voter Restoration Act would ‘…eliminate(s) the existing five-year waiting period before eligible felons who have fully discharged their sentences may have their voting rights restored.’ A very good bill moved through in a truly bipartisan manner.
Finally, HB 24(Barbieri), which addresses school truancy. Here’s the synopsis:
This Bill implements recommendations from the Truancy Task Force by changing provisions of the Delaware Code regarding compulsory attendance and when a truancy case must be brought to the Truancy Court. Specifically, school attendance requirements shall apply to enrolled students through grade 12 and the school shall refer a case for prosecution after the 20th day of unexcused absence by a student. The amendments will provide for earlier intervention by the Court as well as providing a mechanism to address the needs of truant students past grade 5.
HB 24 passed the House unanimously, and seems like solid legislation to me. What saith the education experts on here?
Coming tomorrow: Lotsa gun bills in committee. (1) Will Delaware’s Most Notorious Pigeon-Maimer make an appearance in the Hall? (2) Will any Rethug ask him why he takes such delight in shooting at wounded and dazed birds? My predictions: Yes…and no.