by James DeChene
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This week in Dover saw action in the Senate on a number of bills related to business. First, SS2 for SB50 directs money from the bond bill to be issued to DelTech, along with bonding authority, to help address the college’s deferred maintenance issues reported on before. The bill’s main difference from the original SB50 is the removal of the statewide property tax provision as a revenue source.

Also in the Senate was SS1 for SB48, which mandates journeyman and apprentice craft training for those who work on publics works projects. The Chamber, ABC, Drive Delaware Forward, and others, worked unsuccessfully to modify the bill so that its passage would not adversely impact small businesses, or those businesses located where no training programs exist within reasonable distances (in some cases, apprentices must travel 80 miles each way to receive certified training). The bill now moves to the House where efforts to modify the bill will continue.

Next week the General Assembly is out of session for JFC and Bond break. Upon their return, work will continue on criminal justice reforms, including the introduction of a revamp of Delaware’s criminal code.

by James DeChene

Legislative Rosters! Rosters are here! For those interested in purchasing, please email Linda Walsh at lwalsh@dscc.com.
 
This week a bill raising the purchase age of tobacco products passed the Senate, and now goes to the House to be heard in committee.
 
The Chamber is in the process of reviewing the 19 criminal justice reform bills announced last week and the impact they may have on employers. More info to come.
 
Next week we expect the Youth and Training Wage repeal bill to be heard in the House Economic Development, Business and Insurance committee on Wednesday at 2:30. If this bill impacts your business, please make plans to attend and comment. For more information on the bill, you can email me at jdechene@dscc.com.

by James DeChene
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This week in Dover saw the announcement of a 19 bill criminal justice reform package highlighted at a press conference Thursday. While the vast majority of these bills have yet to be introduced, we know several are designed to help those with arrests or records navigate an easier path to employment. One bill involves mandatory expungements for single misdemeanor offenses and for arrests with no conviction if no further offense takes place for 5 years. Another eases licensing requirements for electrical, HVAC and certain other professions requiring professional licensure. The Chamber has been supportive of those efforts in the past, and awaits review of the current language.

It was a light week on the Senate side, as much of their business was put on hold due to a significant number of members out sick. We hope they feel better soon are able to make it back to Leg Hall for work.

In the House, the National Popular Vote interstate compact passed and now is headed to the Governor for signature. The bill would change how Delaware awards its Electoral College delegates during a Presidential election. Current policy awards Delaware’s three votes to the winner of the popular vote in Delaware. The new proposal would award Delaware’s three votes to the winner of the national popular vote. This process would change once enough states (representing at least 270 electoral votes) agree to participate.

Next week we expect the Tobacco to 21 bill (raising the age to purchase tobacco and e-cigarette products to 21) in the Senate. Also, we expect HB47, the bill to revoke the youth and training wage rates related to minimum wage, to be heard in the House Economic Development  next Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.  If your company would be impacted by this change, I urge you to come and make comment during the hearing to let legislators know how this would impact your business. 

by James DeChene

The General Assembly was back in session this week, returning from the Joint Finance Committee. This week in Dover, we saw two bills related to taxes tabled in committee. The first proposed a reduction to the realty transfer tax by 1% and the second would have allowed for itemized deductions in Delaware. Both are on hold for now.
 
Also a bill on the National Popular Vote passed in the Senate. The bill is now headed to the House, and if passed there, it would enter Delaware into an interstate compact that would change how Delaware would award its Electoral College delegates.
 
A new federal court ruling could require companies over 100 to report pay by gender starting as soon as May 31, 2019.  For more info on the issue and the ruling, click here.