by James DeChene

This week saw action on bills important to the Chamber.  First, SB74 provides employers taking advantage of the New Economy Jobs credit to prorate the credit over 12 months, rather than using the calendar year (Chamber supports). This would allow employers making hires at the end of the year a full 12 months to spread out the credit. SB21, creating the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Fund  was released from House Transportation Committee (Chamber supports). A bill banning certain flame retardants in consumer products (HB117-Chamber opposes) was tabled in committee. A bill banning single use plastic bags (HB130) passed the House and now goes to the Governor for signature. The effective date for implementation is January 1, 2021.
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This session’s HB110, an act to legalize recreational marijuana, was introduced this week.  As drafted the Chamber still opposes the language and will be working to insert language to protect employers. As previously noted, 71% of Chamber members oppose legalization.

Last week the Chamber attended a working group focused on what the next round of renewable portfolio standard goals would be post-2025. The Chamber expressed concerns over how increasing renewables would impact Delaware commercial energy users, and to make sure that as technology continues to improve, Delaware doesn’t lock itself in to a certain type of renewable source.

The General Assembly is off for the next two weeks before returning for all of June.  

by James DeChene

The General Assembly is currently enjoying a two week break for Easter, and is due back in Dover on April 21st. On the hearing docket that week is a bill dealing with “Chemical Concerns and Flame Retardants” that has raised concerns from the Chemical industry, and there are hearings scheduled for both the Senate Banking and Business Committee and House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance/Commerce Committee, but no agenda has been set. Budget issues are still being sorted out, and other business related legislative activity expected this spring includes a proposal to change the corporate structure of businesses related to fee-shifting, a second bill dealing with escheat, along with another slate of education related bills. April and May will prove to be busy, all gearing up for June madness.  More to come.