The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome Dae'Shawn Nixon as director of the Delaware State Chamber Foundation, our newly rebranded 501(c)(3) affiliate. In this role, Dae'Shawn will lead research, programs, and initiatives that strengthen Delaware’s economic climate and advance prosperity for all Delawareans. 

You’re a transplant! Where are you from? And what brought you to the First State?
I relocated from Las Vegas, NV to attend Temple University before falling in love with Delaware.

You have quite a diverse professional background. What most excites you about this position and how do you hope to make an impact through the Foundation’s work?
What excites me most is the opportunity to connect research, policy, and people in ways that move Delaware forward. The Foundation sits at a unique intersection of business, policy, and community, and that’s where I’ve always felt most energized. I see real potential to translate data into decisions that improve economic opportunity across the state. My goal is to ensure that our research not only measures competitiveness but also informs solutions that make Delaware a place where every community can thrive.
 
Do you have a favorite quote or personal mantra?
A quote from Fredrick Douglass “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
 
​If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive), who would they be?
Lawrence Summers, Stacey Abrams, and Lerone Bennett Jr.
 
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Reading and collecting books or catching a live ball game.
 
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and spent time in foster care, including periods of housing instability. Those early experiences gave me an understanding of what it means to navigate systems that don’t always work for everyone. They taught me that opportunity isn’t just about access; it’s about design, accountability, and the courage to imagine something better. That perspective shapes how I approach my work today. Whether leading research or engaging across sectors, I view every project as an opportunity to build systems that expand possibilities—and to make Delaware a place where every person, regardless of their starting point, can see themselves in the state’s progress.  
 
What podcast or playlist is currently on repeat for you?
Philosophize This!, Hans Zimmer, or Nicholas Britell’s Succession soundtrack.

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Tori Will as our new membership and administrative manager. In this role, Tori will support the State Chamber’s financial operations, bookkeeping, and member relations, bringing her energy and expertise to  enhance the experience of our members.

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in North Wilmington, Delaware. I graduated from Concord High School in 2017. 

What most excites you about this position and working at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce?
I come from a family of lifelong Delawareans, so I’m really excited to be part of something that makes a difference in my state. I worked in the health care industry for several years, so this job feels like an exciting new direction for me, and I’m looking forward to learning and growing with the team.

Do you have a favorite quote or personal mantra?
"This too shall pass." I first heard it in an interview with Tom Hanks and it completely changed how I approach stressful situations.

​What do you love the most about Delaware?
The seasons! When I lived in Florida, I didn’t realize how much I took having all four seasons for granted. Spring is definitely my favorite. I also love how close we are to the beach and so many other major cities; I think that's something a lot of Delawareans don't realize is such an advantage. 

Do you have a favorite Delaware spot?
My favorite spot for food would be Mazzella’s off of Philadelphia Pike in Claymont. My sister worked there for many years, so it holds a special place in my heart. I highly recommend you try the penne alla vodka! 
 
What podcast or playlist is currently on repeat for you?
I’m a huge fan of Kylie Kelce so I love listening to her "Not Gonna Lie" podcast every week. She keeps it real and I respect that!

You can meet Tori next week at our Superstars in Business luncheon on November 5. Register > 

By Kelly Basile
​
CNBC’s rankings for their 2025 Top States for Business came out today and Delaware moved up from 34th to 29th. The First State moved up in 6 categories—Economy, Cost of Doing Business, Business Friendliness, Technology and Innovation, Access to Capital, and Cost of Living—but fell in two categories, Infrastructure and Workforce. When it comes to Education and Quality of Life, Delaware saw no movement.

There are many forums that rank states and their competitiveness, all with areas weighted slightly differently and varying metrics factored into those scores. Therefore, it’s important to note that rankings from platforms like CNBC, CEO Magazine, Forbes, and others are nuanced. However, these rankings are what outsiders see. This, at times, can be their first impression of Delaware and what the state has to offer them as a resident, employee, or employer.

So, let’s dive into the data.

THE GOOD NEWS
When you pour into the methodology of how the category rankings are determined, CNBC weighted Economy most heavily this year, and Delaware moved up from 10th to 4th. Analysts noted that states’ economic development marketing pitches were focusing most on touting economic strengths amid fears of recession, which led to this category being the most important. Factors measured include fiscal conditions (GDP growth, job growth, state’s credit ratings, budgets’ spending, revenue and reserves, and pension obligations), residential real estate market health (inventory, price appreciation, affordability, property taxes, foreclosure activity, etc.), and corporate makeup (major corporation headquarters and new business formations).

Delaware’s economy ranked strong due to its AAA credit rating, a sizable Rainy Day Fund ($365.4 million), and the Budget Stabilization Fund, which currently stands at $469.2 million, but is increasingly at risk as spending pressures grow. Although GDP growth was flat in Q1 2025, the state’s job market remains relatively healthy with a 4.0% unemployment rate. Delaware’s historically strong corporate presence (it ranked 2nd in the country for business applications per capita in 2023) also contributed to its high ranking.

As inflation persists, the Cost of Living category did increase in value this year and Delaware performed well, placing in the top 10 at 9th. The analysis acknowledges that companies and workers are seeking states where prices are stable and daily living is affordable, especially in an inflationary economy. Delaware stood out with relatively moderate property taxes. However, housing affordability has become a growing concern. Over the past four years, average home prices in Delaware have surged by 56.2%—outpacing the national average increase of just over 50%. In May 2025, the median sold price hit a record high of $399,000. Despite this sharp rise, Delaware remains more affordable than many neighboring states.

Workforce continues to play a big role in scores and rankings, and while Delaware fell from 7th to 11th, the state still scored high (213 out of a possible 335 points) in this category. This is due to its strong pipeline of educated and skilled workers and ongoing investment in talent development, through initiatives like Executive Order #1 and the Delaware Pathways program. Elements factored into this score include the concentration of STEM workers, percentage of workers with college degrees (including associate degrees and industry-recognized certifications), net in-migration of educated and skilled workers, availability of training programs, right to work laws, and worker productivity based on economic output per job. As a small state of neighbors, Delaware is bringing together government, education, and the business community, and continues to support a workforce ecosystem that’s responsive to current and future employer needs. 

SOME CAUTIONARY TALES
Delaware fell from 23rd to 31st under the Infrastructure category, which was the second most weighted score contributing to overall rankings. Factors measured here include power access and reliability, water and wastewater utilities, broadband connectivity, the state’s overall transportation system, and the time it takes to commute to work. Another factor considered is access to markets through measuring the population living within 500 miles of each state. This includes land, office, and industrial space availability, the number of ‘shovel ready’ sites, and climate change sustainability. One of the largest growing sectors in Delaware is manufacturing, and with reshoring and the rebuilding of supply chains, the analysis rightly points out infrastructure’s important roles in supporting growth.

When it pertains to the Cost of Doing Business—one of our members’ top concerns as reported in our 2024 annual survey—the examination measured each state’s ability to ease business expenses (including incentives and tax breaks), tax competitiveness, wage and utility costs, and more. Here, Delaware received a D+ grade but rose from 44th to 41st. Much of this pertains to the state’s high corporate and individual income taxes (of course this is offset by attractive sales, property, and unemployment insurance taxes). The most recent legislative session saw a personal income tax bracket proposal that would have created three new top tier tax brackets. This came at a time when many Delawareans were already facing rising inflation and economic uncertainty, with higher property taxes also set to take effect.

Delaware moved up slightly in this year’s Business Friendliness ranking, from 46th to 43rd, but still landed in the bottom tier with a D+ grade, signaling there’s more work to be done. Delaware’s renowned corporate franchise remains an important asset, but the state faces challenges related to regulatory complexity and land use policies. Combined with ranking 50th for corporate taxes and 42nd for individual income tax by the Tax Foundation, Delaware must consider strategies around expediting permitting and approval processes, controlling wage and utility costs, supporting emerging industries, and protecting incentives and tax breaks designed to reduce business costs. 
 
BUILDING ON STRENGTH, FACING CHALLENGES TOGETHER
Many of these results are encouraging and reflect what Delaware’s business community has long known: our state is home to a strong economic foundation, a resilient workforce, and an environment where businesses and innovation can thrive.

While appearing as mere data points, taking a deeper look into these rankings reveals barriers to growth, potential factors that could keep businesses from choosing to relocate here, and challenges families and workers are facing across the state. Issues like workforce availability, education, housing affordability, infrastructure, and economic stability continue to weigh heavily on Delaware’s future trajectory. Our state’s competitive position will depend on our collective willingness to confront these realities head-on.

We at the Delaware State Chamber believe in the importance of a strong, vibrant private sector to create jobs and increase prosperity for all Delawareans. As bipartisan advocates, we work to support policies that promote economic growth and business success. By acting as a unified voice for business, we’re committed to leading the conversations that can address Delaware’s biggest challenges with practical, forward-thinking solutions.

Our improvement in this year’s CNBC rankings is a step forward, but it also serves as a reminder—and a tool—that we can do more.

A SUMMARY OF DELAWARE AND OUR NEIGHBOR’S RANKINGS

By Tyler Micik

The first leg of the 153rd Session of the General Assembly concluded in the early morning hours today. One could characterize this session as transitional. It began with a degree of uncertainty as new leadership took shape, the Governor settled into office, and a significant number of newly elected legislators began to navigate their roles amidst shifting local, national, and global dynamics. What started as a relatively slow legislative pace quickly picked up with the introduction of Senate Bill 21 (later substituted with SS 1 for SB 21), which updated Delaware’s General Corporation law with the intent to preserve the state’s competitive edge as the premier jurisdiction for business incorporation. The proposal stirred debate on a national level but was signed by the Governor one month later. Ultimately, more than 400 bills were introduced during the 2025 legislative session. The State Chamber prioritized 29 key bills by taking formal positions, gathering feedback, testifying at hearings, and proposing amendments to ensure the unified voice of Delaware’s business community was heard.
 
Some significant bills worth highlighting include personal income taxes (HS 2 for HB 13), pay transparency (HS 2 for HB 105), DNREC’s permitting fees package (HB 175), and a package of utility bills (SB 59, 60, and 61). Through thoughtful collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders and policymakers, the State Chamber defeated changes to Delaware’s personal income tax structure, secured amendments to the pay transparency bill to more accurately reflect the operational realities of small businesses across the state, and negotiated more measured fee increases within DNREC’s proposal—contingent upon Secretary Patterson’s commitment to enhancing permit processing times and fostering a culture shift within the department. These proposals are proof that when the business community and policymakers thoughtfully engage with each other, the end result is more balanced legislation.
 
The General Assembly also passed a $6.5 billion operating budget for FY26 (HB 225), along with a $37 million one-time supplemental budget (HB 226), which was signed by the Governor. This represents a 7% increase over the current FY25 operating budget and nearly 25% budget growth over the past three years. Some policymakers voiced concerns about the sustainability of this growth, warning that if revenues soften in the future—as the Office of Management & Budget has recently presented—the State may need to rely heavily on its Budget Stabilization Fund ($469.2 million) and Rainy Day Fund ($365.4 million), potentially exhausting them in the process.
 
Below is the full list of bills that the State Chamber engaged on. While some of these bills saw a great deal of collaboration and thoughtful consideration, others did not, and I’d be remiss not to touch on them. Proposals like SB 63 (general contractor liability) and SB 197 (public works contracts) are deeply concerning. SB 63 unfairly imposes financial and legal responsibility on Delaware contractors for the actions of their subcontractors—an approach that is impractical, potentially unconstitutional, and fundamentally misguided. We, and others, are urging the Governor to veto the bill. Similarly, SB 197 mandates the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on public school construction projects across the state. The State Chamber opposes the bill for two primary reasons: first, PLAs limit competition and exclude qualified local contractors—including small, minority-, and women-owned businesses—based on organizational membership; second, they often necessitate hiring out-of-state labor for specialized work not performed by union shops in Delaware, bypassing skilled local workers. This bill will place Delaware at a competitive disadvantage.
 
OVERVIEW OF KEY BILLS:

By Tyler Micik

With just one day remaining in the first leg of the 153rd General Assembly, activity has ramped up significantly. Of note this week, the General Assembly passed a $6.5 billion operating budget for FY26 (HB 225), along with a $37 million one-time supplemental budget (HB 226). This represents a 7% increase over the current FY25 operating budget and nearly 25% budget growth over the past three years. Some policymakers voiced concerns about the sustainability of this growth, warning that if revenues soften in the future—as some expect—the State may need to rely heavily on its Budget Stabilization Fund ($469.2 million) and Rainy Day Fund ($365.4 million), potentially exhausting them in the process.
 
Several bills of interest to the business community saw movement this week. The State Chamber remains opposed to HB 210 (Pollution Accountability Act), which would increase fines up to $40,000 per day on major commercial polluters and redirect more penalty funds to surrounding communities. The bill is currently on the Senate Ready List where we expect it to pass.
 
Also, the State Chamber is opposed to SB 46, which mandates a human observer in all autonomous trailers. The bill was listed on Tuesday’s House agenda but was never heard on the floor and remains on the House Ready List. It’s unlikely the bill will move forward this year.
 
The Chamber has concerns with HS 2 for HB 111 (Skip the Stuff Act), which would prohibit food establishments from providing single-use food service items unless requested by the customer. Although well intended, we worry about the potential impact on small businesses. During the House Committee hearing this week, legislators and members of the public expressed confusion around the bill details and asked for clarification from the sponsor. That resulted in her filing a substitute, which we’re now requesting feedback on. HS 1 for HB 162 (Multilevel Distribution Companies), which sets new regulatory requirements on multilevel distribution companies, is also opposed by the State Chamber and was heard in the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee this week but has not been released as of the time of this writing.
 
On the utility front, SB 60, which restricts regulated utilities from using customer funds for certain unregulated activities like lobbying and political contributions, is now back in the Senate for consideration following passage in the House and the addition of House Amendment 2. The amendment removes the $125 million cap on annual capital expenses for electric distribution companies. The cap failed to reflect the complex realities of maintaining and modernizing an aging electric distribution system. Utilities must continue to make critical, long-term investments in infrastructure to ensure reliability, support grid expansion, and meet the state’s climate and energy goals. Without those investments, Delawareans risk facing more frequent and prolonged outages, and a grid unprepared for the demands of a cleaner future. The State Chamber has adopted a neutral stance on the bill based on the amendment.
 
Lastly, SB 63, which holds general contractors jointly and severally liable for violations committed by their subcontractors, passed the House and moves to the Governor for signature. The State Chamber opposed the bill because it unfairly shifts liability for subcontractor misconduct onto general contractors, increasing their risk and insurance costs. The bill assumes all contractors are bad actors, rather than targeting those who intentionally misclassify workers. This approach could discourage development, raise construction costs, and unintentionally harm small or minority-owned subcontractors. Existing laws already give the Department of Labor the authority to enforce workplace fraud, and this bill merely delegates enforcement to general contractors without giving them the legal authority to act.
 
As we head into the last day of session on Monday, now is the time for thoughtful and strategic action. While some bills have already passed, many others are outstanding. We urge the General Assembly to approach policy decisions thoughtfully to ensure Delaware remains a competitive place. Stay tuned for our full legislative wrap-up next week where we will unpack these developments and outline what it all means for Delaware’s business community.

By Tyler Micik

Key decisions are being made as the legislative session nears its end. Although this week was shortened due to the Juneteenth holiday, it was an eventful one. The General Assembly considered several bills that the State Chamber has been actively involved in. Of note was HS 2 for HB 13, a proposal to increase personal income taxes, which failed to be released from the House Revenue & Finance Committee. We commend the legislature for thoughtfully considering our feedback and for pausing the bill's advancement.
 
HB 175 and HB 164 passed the Senate and now await the Governor’s signature. These bills are DNREC’s and DelDOT’s respective fee adjustment packages, which the State Chamber supports. While it’s rare for the State Chamber to support fee increases of any kind, both bills represent practical, well-considered efforts to strengthen state services that support Delaware’s economic vitality. HB 175 modernizes DNREC’s outdated fee structure while prioritizing service improvements and responsiveness—outcomes our members value and expect. HB 164 strengthens the Transportation Trust Fund to address pressing infrastructure needs vital to business operations, workforce mobility, and long-term competitiveness.
 
In the House Labor Committee on Tuesday, HS 1 for HB 181 (Paid Family Medical Leave) and SB 63 (General Contractor Liability) were released from committee and moved to the House Ready List. HS 1 for HB 181, which the State Chamber supports, would extend the compliance grace period for employer violations under Delaware’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, delaying certain penalties until January 2027. SB 63, which the State Chamber opposes, makes a general contractor jointly and severally liable for restitution and penalties assessed against the subcontractor. We urge lawmakers to vote against the bill. Delaware is facing a housing crisis. Targeting the state’s long-standing, reputable contractors—many of whom are Chamber members—for the actions of their subcontractors is not a productive solution.
 
Over on the Senate side, HS 2 for HB 105 (Pay Transparency), was released from the Labor Committee and moved to the Senate Ready List. The State Chamber appreciates Representative Ross Levin’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders to thoughtfully amend and improve the bill, and we expect it to pass.
 
Lastly, SB 60 (Public Utilities), was the topic of a lengthy debate in the House Natural Resources & Energy Committee. At this time, the bill is being walked for signatures. We expect it to be released and moved to the House Ready List. The State Chamber testified at the hearing, requesting a removal of the $125 million cap on annual capital expenses for electric distribution companies. The cap is arbitrary and fails to reflect the complex realities of maintaining and modernizing an aging electric distribution system. Utilities must continue to make critical, long-term investments in infrastructure to ensure reliability, support grid expansion, and meet the state’s climate and energy goals. Without those investments, Delawareans risk facing more frequent and prolonged outages and a grid unprepared for the demands of a cleaner future.
 
With just four days remaining in the session, next week marks the General Assembly’s final full week. While there are many issues still lingering that the State Chamber is engaged in, one in particular that we oppose and have serious concerns about is HB 210, the Pollution Accountability Act, which is on the House Ready List. This bill significantly increases the fines that commercial entities, small businesses, and homeowners could face for repeated violations of environmental laws or policies. Small businesses, in particular, may struggle to absorb penalties that could reach up to $40,000 per day.

While we are proud of the meaningful investments our members continue to make in responsible environmental stewardship, we are concerned that these excessive fines could disproportionately impact smaller employers and create unintended financial hardship. An amendment (HA 1) was added to the bill on Wednesday to exempt the agricultural industry—likely in response to concerns raised by the sector about how natural disasters can cause environmental accidents beyond their control. We urge members of the General Assembly to hold off on moving forward with this proposal due to the significant impacts it could have on our state and hope to have a broader conversation later this year – to sit down and talk about their concerns and hopefully come to a reasonable solution that recognizes the concerns of businesses while accomplishing their goals. 

As session reaches its final days, we’ll continue to advocate for policies that support our members, strengthen our economy, and reflect the real-world challenges Delaware businesses face. With key legislation still on the table, now is the time for thoughtful, measured action that keeps Delaware moving forward.

By Michael J. Quaranta

This is crunch time in the General Assembly as they returned to work for the final session days of 2025.  The situation is always very fluid this time of year, so stay tuned because bills thought to be dead somehow find new life, and things thought to be “greased” get sidetracked. 
 
We are grateful that legislators heard the business community loud and clear about our concerns regarding personal tax increases. The letter we co-authored with the Delaware Business Roundtable served as the catalyst for other groups to sign on and engage with policymakers. At this point, the likelihood of a vote to increase personal income tax rates (HS 1 for HB 13) is diminishing by the day. While we understand the optical challenge of having roughly half of the states’ taxpayers in the highest tax bracket, we believe there are other factors to consider and better revenue options to explore.  You can read the letter here. 
 
Our Environmental Committee has worked diligently with DNREC Secretary Patterson and his team on a bill to increase fees on several departmental permits that have not been adjusted in decades. The bill, HB 175, raises the permit fees the department may charge in many cases. We successfully negotiated lower increases in some cases, but more importantly, conditioned our support of the bill on the Secretary committing to improve the speed which permit decisions are made and cultural shifts within the department.  It is rare for the State Chamber to support fee increases of any kind, but we did so in this case and take the Secretary at his word that he will improve the customer experience. On Wednesday, the bill successfully passed out of the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee. 
 
The State Chamber and others expressed opposition to HB 210, the Pollution Accountability Act, which was also heard in the Natural Resources and Energy Committee the same afternoon. This bill greatly increases the fines commercial businesses, homeowners, small businesses, and farms could incur for repeated violations of environmental law or policy. While we are proud of the investment our members have made and continue to make to manage air, water, and more in meaningful ways, we are opposed to fines that could reach an amount of $40,000 per day. The committee heard from agriculture interests about how natural disasters such as hurricane damage or floods could result in environmental accidents completely out of their control. The State Chamber testified and stated that passage of legislation like this will signal to the insurance industry greater risk of substantial penalties, thus elevating business liability and result in higher insurance rates for everyone. The bill did not receive the required number of votes to be released from committee; however, a few members were absent, and we expect this bill to move to the House for consideration.  In the meantime, efforts will be made to amend the bill or work to push this off until next session where more time and consideration may be given to the details. 

​Finally, HS 2 for HB 105, or the Pay Transparency Act, passed the House of Representatives earlier this week. The bill now moves to the Senate where we expect it to pass easily, and the Governor has signaled his support and intention to sign the bill into law. We compliment the efforts of Representative Ross Levin to meet regularly with stakeholders to amend and improve the bill. Delaware would join almost 20 other states with similar laws on the books, including our immediate neighbors Maryland and New Jersey, and not-too-distant neighbors New York, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  A side-by-side analysis of this bill and its comparison to the others make this new policy more practical for our members and job seekers than many of the provisions found in other state laws. 

By Tyler Micik

Today wraps up an eventful week in Dover. On Wednesday, the State Chamber held its End-of-Session Policy Conference, where policymakers discussed key issues making their way through the General Assembly, such as personal income taxes, pay transparency, energy costs, permitting fees and more.

Several bills that the Delaware State Chamber is following saw action this week, including:
 
HB 164 (Transportation Trust Fund): The act attempts to stabilize the Transportation Trust Fund by adding additional registration fees for electric, plug-in hybrid, non-plug-in hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles to compensate for lost fuel tax revenue. It sets various fee increases related to licensing, registration, and vehicle documentation.

• State Chamber Position: Support. The State Chamber signed onto this coalition letter. 
• Status: On the House Ready List

 
HB 162 (Multilevel Distribution Company): Establishes new requirements on direct selling businesses in an effort to enhance consumer protection, including a mandatory waiting period before signing up as a direct seller, detailed disclosure requirements, and a three-month right of rescission for participants.

• State Chamber Position: Opposed
• Status: On the House Ready List

 
SB 89 (Credit Card Transactions): Prohibits a seller that regularly accepts payment by credit card from (1) imposing a credit card surcharge greater than the percentage processing fee charged by the credit card company, for transactions of $1,500 or less, and (2) refusing to accept payment by credit card or imposing any credit card surcharge for transactions that exceed $1,500.

• State Chamber Position: Engaged and gathering feedback
• Status: Heard in the Senate Executive Committee (not yet released as of 3:30 p.m. on 5/22)

House Bill 174 was introduced this week. The bill imposes a surcharge on business, residential, wireless, and prepaid wireless services that will be used to fund suicide assistance services for families of individuals who have died by suicide. The fee is 12 cents per month on subscription services or 12 cents per retail transaction for prepaid services. Any funds in excess of $5 million at the end of the fiscal year will be returned to the general fund.
 
In 2023, the General Assembly passed a similar bill, HS 2 for HB 160, which established a 60-cent per month, per line fee on phone lines and a 60-cent one-time fee on prepaid services to help fund the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. HB 174 would be an additional fee on top of this. It has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, and the State Chamber is seeking feedback from our members on the bill.

The General Assembly is on Joint Finance Committee markup for the next two weeks and will return to session on Tuesday, June 10. Upon return, lawmakers will have only nine session days left to pass any bills they plan to get done for the year. It’s important to note that any pending legislation, not defeated or enacted, will carry over to next year. As session winds down, the State Chamber will continue to advocate for our members. If you have any thoughts or questions on the bills mentioned above or others, please reach out to me at [email protected].

By Tyler Micik

Today wraps up a busy week in Dover. Many bills saw movement that the State Chamber is following, including SB 63 (General Contractor Liability), SB 46 (Autonomous Vehicles), HS 1 for HB 48 (Accessible Parking Spaces), and SB 130 (Expanded Polystyrene Foam Products).
 
SB 63 (General Contractor Liability): Makes a general contractor responsible for a subcontractor’s compliance with Chapter 35 by making the general contractor jointly and severally liable for restitution and penalties assessed against the subcontractor.
State Chamber Position: Opposed
Status: Passed the Senate and assigned to the House Labor Committee 

SB46 (Autonomous Vehicles): Requires 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.
State Chamber Position: Opposed
Status: Released from the House Transportation Committee and placed on the House Ready List
 
HS 1 for HB 48 (Accessible Parking Spaces): This act makes changes to Delaware law to better regulate, define, and enforce accessible parking spaces in Delaware, including the following:

• Creating a new state requirement that one of every three accessible parking spaces be van accessible in large parking lots. Under the ADA, only one of every six accessible parking spaces must be van accessible in large parking lots.
• Adding provisions in Titles 9 and 22 to require county and municipal governments to adopt regulations and ordinances incorporating Title 21’s new accessible parking space requirements, including the requirement that property owners obtain a permit, and that the permitting agency verify that the new or modified accessible parking spaces are compliant with the law. 

State Chamber Position: Opposed
Status: Released from the House Health & Human Development Committee and placed on the House Ready List
 
SB 130 (Expanded Polystyrene Foam Products): Prohibits retail stores and wholesalers from selling, distributing, or offering for sale expanded polystyrene foam products, including expanded polystyrene foam food service packaging, expanded polystyrene foam coolers used for cold storage of food, and expanded polystyrene foam loose fill packaging.
State Chamber Position: Working with the sponsor to amend the bill.
Status: Released from the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee and placed on the Senate Ready List
 
Lastly, a proposal that the State Chamber opposed failed to receive a motion to be released from committee--HB 115 (Weight/Height/Body Size Discrimination). The bill prohibits discrimination based on weight, height, or body size in transportation, public accommodation, housing, commerce and trade, employment, jury selection, education, and public administration. The State Chamber provided the following testimony against the bill:

“This Bill imposes broad and ambiguous requirements that may create significant compliance burdens and legal uncertainties for employers. The definitions could increase employers' exposure to discrimination claims, even in the absence of any evidence. This uncertainty could lead to costly litigation and administrative challenges, especially for small and mid-sized businesses that lack the resources to handle these claims. Lastly, employers may have legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for considering physical characteristics in certain job functions, such as safety-related roles. This does not allow for such considerations, potentially placing employers in a position of having to choose between compliance and workplace safety. We oppose HB 115.”
 
The State Chamber remains committed to advocating for our members and will continue to engage on these bills, among others, through June 30. As we approach the final weeks of session, we invite you to join us at the End-of-Session Policy Conference next Wednesday, where we’ll be discussing several of these key issues. For more information, please contact me at [email protected].

The General Assembly returned to session this week after a two-week break. One bill of note that saw movement was HS 1 for HB 105. The bill was released from the House Labor Committee and has been placed on the House Ready List.
 
The bill requires businesses with over 25 employees to post salary or wage ranges in job advertisements and to maintain detailed records of job descriptions and compensation histories for each employee. It also grants the Delaware Department of Labor enforcement authority and imposes penalties for violations. The State Chamber is opposed to the bill and offered the following testimony:

“We want to recognize and thank Representative Ross Levin for engaging with the business community and making thoughtful changes to the bill. The exemption for employers with 25 or fewer employees, removing the requirement to internally post all job openings, and extending the law’s effective date by two years represent meaningful progress. However, while HS 1 for HB 105 is a step in the right direction, we remain concerned that it still presents significant challenges—especially for small and mid-sized businesses. Many of these businesses do not have dedicated HR teams or legal counsel to manage the complexities of compliance. Public pay disclosures may lead to unrealistic expectations, disrupt workplace culture, and weaken a company’s ability to negotiate individualized compensation packages. We support efforts to promote fairness and equity in the workplace, but we believe this legislation needs more time and refinement to ensure it doesn't put Delaware employers—especially small businesses—at a disadvantage. We oppose HS 1 for HB 105 and look forward to continued collaboration to amend the bill and craft balanced policy that works for both employers and employees.”

House Bill 135, known as the Dr. DeBorah Gilbert White Anti-Cruelty to Delawareans Experiencing Homelessness Act was introduced this week. The Act establishes certain protections for individuals experiencing homelessness, including:

• Permits an individual experiencing homelessness to conduct life sustaining activities in public, so long as such activities do not obstruct the normal movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic in such a manner that creates a hazard to others, unless adequate alternative indoor space is available to the individual in a given jurisdiction and has been offered to the individual, including transportation for the individual and their belongings.
• Mandates that an individual experiencing homelessness receive the same degree of protection for personal property stored in public places as personal property stored in a private dwelling, which includes protections against unreasonable search and seizure.
• Prohibits the State or local jurisdiction from requiring an individual experiencing homelessness to move a motor vehicle or a recreational vehicle provided that the vehicle is parked on public property and the vehicle is not parked in a position to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway.
• Provides that, if a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle must be moved because the vehicle is obstructing normal movement of traffic or creates a hazard to other traffic on the roadway, the individual experiencing homelessness must be permitted to relocate the vehicle before a parking ticket is issued, or the vehicle is towed.

The State Chamber is seeking feedback on the bill. If you have thoughts, please let me know at [email protected]. 

Next week, the State Chamber will host its Small Business Day in Dover event on Thursday, May 15th at Legislative Hall. The following week, on Wednesday, May 21st, End-of-Session Policy Conference will be held at Delaware State University in Dover. This annual event brings together business leaders, policymakers, and influential voices to discuss critical legislation and policy priorities before the General Assembly adjourns on June 30th.

​Attendees will hear legislative updates from Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown and Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola, as well as policy spotlights on key bills related to pay transparency, energy costs, and permitting fees, presented by Rep. Ross Levin, Sen. Hansen, and Sec. Patterson, respectively. You can learn more and register here. Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Please contact Kerri Welcher at [email protected].