By Tyler Micik

​​Today wraps up an eventful week. On Tuesday, Matt Meyer was sworn in as Delaware’s 76th governor at Delaware State University, officially marking the beginning of a new administration. Following his swearing-in ceremony, Governor Meyer signed Executive Order No. 1. The order “establishes a statewide working group consisting of at least 15 members from across labor, educational, and nongovernmental sectors, with the ultimate goal of developing proposed processes and policies to expand youth apprenticeships and workforce development across the state.” You can view the order here. 
 
The Senate Executive Committee held hearings on several of Governor Meyer’s cabinet nominations this week and more are scheduled for next week. Also, Senate Bill 46 was heard in the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee. It was released from Committee and has been placed on the Senate Ready List. The proposal would require a human observer to be physically present in all autonomous vehicles that require a Class A commercial driver license without an O restriction—meaning tractor-trailers or trucks transporting large loads. The State Chamber testified in opposition stating:
 
“Autonomous Vehicles (AV’s) could help augment the workforce and solve supply chain issues and workforce shortages. According to the American Trucking Association, there’s a nationwide shortage of nearly 80,000 truck drivers and that’s set to double by 2031. Delaware needs truck drivers and AVs. Delaware should be supporting AV operations and reducing barriers to the deployment of AV’s. No other state requires a human observer to be present in the vehicle. If passed, this will make Delaware an outlier and could forestall AV investment, development, and operations in the state.”
 
The General Assembly returns to session on Tuesday and will then go on Joint Finance Commtitee break through March 6th. 

By Tyler Micik

​The 153rd General Assembly gaveled into session on Tuesday, signaling the start of a new legislative year. This week was mostly ceremonial – legislators were sworn into office, and they took care of some housekeeping items. In the Delaware House of Representatives, six freshman legislators were sworn into office: 

• Claire Snyder-Hall (D) – Representative District 14
• Frank Burns (D) – Representative District 21
• Josue Ortega (D) – Representative District 3
• Kamela Smith (D) - Representative District 15
• Mara Gorman (D) – Representative District 23
• Melanie Ross Levin (D) – Representative District 10

Additionally, the House confirmed new leadership. Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown was sworn in as Speaker of the House, making her Delaware’s first Black Speaker. Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris and Rep. Ed Osienski moved up in their roles as Majority Leader and Majority Whip, respectively. Rep. Tim Dukes stepped into the Minority Leader role and Rep. Jeff Spiegelman became Minority Whip. 

Business should return to normal next week. The General Assembly will be in session through January 30, at which point they’ll go on Joint Finance Committee (JFC) break and return on March 11. This year, we expect to see some bills reintroduced that did not make it through the legislative process last year, like paid sick and safety leave, in addition to newer ones like a potential increase in the minimum wage, among others.

Governor-elect Matt Meyer will be sworn into office next week on Tuesday, January 21. Please note the location for his swearing in ceremony has been moved from Legislative Mall to the William B. DeLauder Education and Humanities Theatre at Delaware State University due to the frigid weather forecast. You can find out more and register here.