Delaware General Assembly 2023 Highlight

“In just the last few years, we have set new renewable energy standards for our utilities to follow, passed legislation to enable and expand community solar development, adopted a statewide climate action plan, reactivated and empowered a new energy advisory council, promoted the adoption of electric vehicles, and created new avenues for historically disadvantaged communities to reap the benefits of solar power. Now, we are working to create greenhouse gas reduction targets,  transition our state school bus fleet to electric and consolidate the oversight and planning of Delaware’s energy policy into a single office with new resources and direction.” she said.

“Thankfully, my legislative colleagues and Governor John Carney recognize that, as the lowest lying state in the nation, Delaware simply can’t afford to view renewable energy and environmental issues as a niche interest any longer.”

– Senator Stephanie Hansen,
Chair of the Delaware Senate’s Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee

 

Read More About Delaware Here!

2023 Delaware Session Updates

On March 7th, both the Delaware House and Senate resumed their 2023 session after their February break.

Here’s what Delaware is tracking, and what’s coming up:

Cannabis

  • Across the entire country, states including Delaware and Maryland, are enacting legislation to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. Although unsuccessful last legislative session due to a veto by Governor Carney, the Delaware House is attempting once again to legalize the possession, sharing, use, and purchasing of up to one ounce of cannabis for those who are 21 or older. Emphasis is being placed on regulating the market and helping businesses adapt to this new measure.
    • Bills to Watch:
      • HB1: Removes all penalties for use or possession of a personal use quantity of marijuana. Those 21 or older may possess, use, display, purchase, or transport accessories and personal use quantities of marijuana without penalty
Voting
  • Voting is the core principal of America’s democracy but, historically, many barriers have been put in place to keep specific groups from voting. To this day, there is legislation in many states to restrict voting rights and make it more difficult. During this session, Delaware has a few bills that are focused on voting rights.
    • Bills to Watch:
      • HB43: Allows Delaware voters who are not affiliated with a political party to vote in a political party’s primary election. This bill will allow 170,000+ unaffiliated Delaware voters to have their voice represented in the primaries
      • SB57: This Act provides Delawareans with confidence that the votes they have cast will be honored when the Electoral College meets to decide the outcome of presidential elections
Sustainability
  • This session, Delaware has a couple of bills prioritizing actions to decrease the adverse effects of unsustainable and harmful practices. Earlier this year, the EPA awarded Delaware with a couple million dollars to upgrade infrastructure for the sake of public health and to protect essential waterways. Both Governor Carney and the Delaware legislature highly prioritize environmental policies.
    • Bills to Watch:
      • SB51: Prohibits single-use  plastics such as straws and coffee stirrers, and polystyrene foam containers in food establishments

 

March 2023 GR Navigator

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