I would first like to thank the meteorologists for making this article necessary. Was this the new ‘faith-based’ meteorology? Rest assured I won’t be watching the insipid smile-meisters on the Weather Channel to find out what went wrong with their model. Don’t have the time. (Personal to Al Roker: Eat something, willya? The human shar pei look is disconcerting.)
I’m now assuming the General Assembly will meet today, so you’re gonna get the Full Monty weekly preview. The last preview before the six-week break for meetings of the Joint Finance Committee meetings. Which reminds me, the Governor will submit his proposed budget later this week, which, of course, plays a central role in the work of the JFC.
The fast-track commission to identify solutions to Wilmington’s crime problems leads off today’s House Agenda. I didn’t learn much from NASCAR, but I think that “Sometimes you need to slow down to speed up” has some staying power. The skeptic in me wonders whether it makes sense to spend less than two months on this. Makes me think they’ve identified the ‘solutions’ in advance. I hope they prove me wrong. As with all commissions and/or task forces, the key is the composition of the panel. Knowing that, you can predict the findings in advance.
I like HB 17(Bolden), which “provides a mechanism for financial institutions to freeze transactions that they suspect are financial exploitation of an elderly person and requires them to report suspected financial exploitation to the proper state or federal agency.”
This may come as no surprise, but certain vacation homes are exempt from the Landlord-Tenant Code. This special interest legislation adds ‘Cedar Creek Hundred’ to the list of exemptions, thus exempting vacation homes in Slaughter Beach from the landlord-tenant requirements.
Today’s Senate Agenda features legislation increasing the penalty for terroristic threatening, and legislation clarifying the appointment process for the medical marijuana oversight committee.
There are some real important committee meetings this Wednesday. The Senate Executive Committee considers two significant nominations, Jennifer Cohan for Secretary of Transportation, and Scott Green to chair the Del-Tech Board of Trustees. Cohan is the governor’s designated replacement for the great Shailen Bhatt. As Director of the Division of Motor Vehicle, she has presided over one of the most efficient of state agencies. She’s earned her promotion. They don’t come any more politically-connected than Scott Green, a behind-the-scenes mover and shaker, who is kinda like Mike Harkins without the criminal record. In other words, he’s ideal to push the most unsavory aspects of the Del-Tech agenda.
Other Senate Committee highlights:
*consideration of Matt Denn’s firearms prohibition bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
One final note on the Senate committee schedule: Four, count ’em, four Senate committees have meetings scheduled but have no posted agenda. Sen. Bethany Hall Long is a two-time offender when it comes to not providing committee agendas. I know it’s early in the year, but these are veteran legislators who have not provided the requisite public notice.
House Committee highlights include:
*Paging Mitch Crane: What appears to be a major captive insurance bill will be considered in the House Business Lapdog Committee. Sponsored by (perhaps) a future candidate for Insurance Commissioner in Rep. Bryon Short. Based on some of the co-sponsors, it’s probably more ‘good’ than ‘bad’, but I’m outta my league here.
*Mike Barbieri’s legislation codifying the State Office of Financial Empowerment will be considered in the House Health & Human Development Committee.
Pete and Val make the rules, Pete and Val break the rules. The House House Administration Committee will meet, agenda to be announced. Hey, when you’re in charge, you can thumb your nose at public notification requirements.
Hmm, this one sounds kinda hinky. Can someone translate this synopsis into English for us non-gun users:
“This bill updates requirements for handguns used for deer hunting by adding a range and limit to allowable handgun calibers to accommodate changing handgun availability while maintaining public safety and handgun hunting efficacy.”
Sounds like we’re legalizing a more powerful weapon for deer hunting w/o saying so. In the House Natural Resources Committee…along with a bill to legalize the wanton slaughter of Delaware’s State Varmint, the grey fox. Plus, another bill that, despite some quality co-sponsors, raises questions for me: HB 26(Ramone) has the following synopsis:
Currently only persons who are blind are exempt from hunting and fishing license requirements. This amendment will provide a hunting and fishing license exemption (not trapping) to all persons who have a severe, chronic mental or physical disability(??). As the person having these disabilities is often unable to participate in hunting and fishing requirements without assistance, any person providing attendant services for these individuals is also temporarily exempt.
Somebody please tell me that a person with PTSD and/or related anger management issues is not covered by this legislation. Please?
That’s it for now. Updates as warranted. Post-Game Wrap-Up on Friday.