Delaware General Assembly Pre-Game Show: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

The Big Story:  ‘Musk-Pass’ Bill Surfaces On House Agenda.

It took until about 24 hours before today’s session, but the Speaker finally released the House Agenda and, yes, SS1/SB 21 is the fourth and final item on today’s docket.  Why did it take so long?  I don’t know, do you?  If so, what have you heard?  The Sophie Phillips amendment to the bill is up for consideration.  Is the amendment substantive, or is it a fig-leaf to give legislators plausible deniability?  I don’t know, do you?  I’ve heard differing opinions.

This will be the first (and possibly last) real serious consideration of this bill.  Senate leadership freight-trained this bill through with nary a discouraging word being heard.  Pretty disgraceful–wonder how many senators would like a second shot at voting on this bill.

The bill requires a 2/3rds majority.  That’s 27 yes votes regardless of whether Rep. Parker Selby shows up, which is unlikely.  If you’re absent, if you don’t vote, and/or if you ‘take a walk’ during the roll call, you will not end up doing Elon Musk’s bidding.  If Democratic legislators don’t already realize what a yes vote will bring, they will when they have an opponent ready to tell their constituents all about it.  Who will stand up to the billionaires who have threatened to move their vanity projects from Delaware?  We may find out later today.

That’s pretty much the only item of importance today.  The three bills preceding consideration of this bill are relatively non-controversial, and will likely be swiftly passed.

The Senate Agenda is similarly benign, the only substantive bill being  SJR 2 (Pinkney), which:

…requires the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance to present a report to the Delaware General Assembly, by January 1, 2026, for the provision of insurance coverage for Community Health Worker services by Medicaid providers, which must include a draft State plan amendment or waiver, as appropriate, to the Governor and all members of the General Assembly.

For those who are curious, yes, a Joint Resolution carries the force of law.  It must not only pass both houses, but also must be signed by the Governor.

There are two House committee meetings today.  The one bill of interest is HB 63 (Wilson-Anton), which attempts to control the illegal sale and use of fireworks.  Here is the synopsis:

…Delaware’s current fireworks laws have led to confusion among consumers and noncompliance, with individuals frequently using fireworks outside of legally permitted days. Many consumers are unaware they are breaking the law, while those who knowingly violate it face fines too low to serve as a deterrent. This results in ongoing nuisances for neighbors, increased risks of bodily harm, and heightened dangers of fires and property damage. Additionally, out-of-state retailers advertise illegal fireworks in Delaware without consequence, further misleading consumers. The absence of a registration process for fireworks retailers limits the State Fire Marshal’s ability to oversee the sale and distribution of these potentially hazardous products. This bill strengthens enforcement by increasing fines, regulating sales through a permit system, ensuring consumer awareness through required safety information, and generating revenue for the Fire Marshal’s office to improve oversight and public education. 

It’s a one-dish meal today.  Let’s see who leaves Dover with a sour stomach.