With plenty of controversial bills up for consideration, we imagine not everything will pass this time around. We did a little digging and found 11 New Delaware Laws Going Into Effect on or before July 1st, 2023.

The General Assembly in Delaware will adjourn for the year on June 30th. The days leading up to that will determine which bills will pass and which will be held until January.

The bills that were proposed this week are all over the spectrum.

Transgender Protection

Last session, legislators moved to protect access to gender affirming health care. The bill did not move forward. However, advocates have been pushing for this to be considered as high priority. Many states already passed anti-trans laws leaving many people at risk. House bill 230 would provide legal protections for gender-affirming healthcare providers.

Gun Violence In Delaware

There is a proposed bill to generally ban firearms at a polling place on Election Day. In addition, there was an amendment made to Delaware’s Gun Laws (SB1, SB2). An application process has been created to obtain a handgun. Private gun sales have been prohibited unless the purchaser has a valid permit. Every applicant must have completed a firearms training course within 5 years before the date of application.

Delaware Elections

House Bill 215 proposes moving the primaries to April instead of September. There are mixed opinions on this.

Drinking And Driving In Delaware

It’s kind of surprising that there isn’t already a law against this. Delaware is one of five states that does not have an open container law. This is being considered, a ban on open containers of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles could soon result in a civil penalty for an offence.

Criminal Justice Reform

For advocates of Criminal Justice reform, there is a bill being considered today to modernize Delaware’s Probation System. However, the police lobby opposes this bill so we will see which way it goes.

The Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights is under potential reform if the bill (HB 205) passes Senate.

The above are all just a few of the propositions being considered. However, below we have a list of the 11 New Delaware Laws Going Into Effect on or before July 1st, 2023.

• Bereavement For Pregnancy Loss

  This is huge. The bill provides state employees with 5 days bereavement for loss related to miscarriage, stillbirth or pregnancy loss.

  They are also increasing bereavement leave for workers who have had an immediate family member pass.

• Greenhouse Emissions

  The Climate Solutions Act will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in 2030 and 100% by 2050! This is huge for the environment.

  In addition, there are three more environmental bills in effect.

  The Clean Vehicle Rebate

  HB 10 implementing more electric buses

  and HB 11 requiring new commercial buildings to support solar infrastructure

• Women's Equality

  August 26th has officially been named “Women’s Equality Day” in Delaware.

   

• Equal Pay

  July 27th has officially been named Black Women’s Equal Pay Day in Delaware.

  July 27 ^th  marks the day of the year on which the median earnings of a working Black woman will have caught up to the median 2022 annual earnings of a non-Hispanic white man

• Swimming Safety

  This bill stresses the importance of swimming safety and encourages Delaware residents to take swimming lessons, learn about swimming risks, and ensure their safety when participating in water activities.

  Every year in the United States there are an estimated 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings—that is an average of 11 drowning deaths per day and 8,000 nonfatal drownings—that is an average of 22 nonfatal drownings per day.

• Farmers Appreciation

  October 12th is officially being recognized as National Farmer’s Day in Delaware.

  The designated day is to spread awareness about farmers’ contribution in the field of agriculture in the United States

   

• LGBTQIA+

  June 28th has been designated as Stonewall Uprising Remembrance Day.

  This affirms the importance of the recognition of LGBTQIA+ people and their many achievements.

  In addition, it encourages expanded efforts to keep Delaware residents properly informed about the need for acceptance, and equitable treatment, of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

• CMV Awareness

  Delaware is recognizing June 2023 as “Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month”. This is to help those in close contact with infants and children to understand the risks. There will be an effort to provide education and informational resources on preventative measures that can be taken to protect infants and children from the virus.

• Caribbean Heritage

  June is officially being recognized as Caribbean American Heritage Month in the State of Delaware.

   

• Doggy Bag Ban

  This bill that will actually not go into effect until July 1st 2025, would prohibit food establishments from giving customers beverages in Styrofoam containers.

  Single-use plastic drink stirrers, cocktail picks and sandwich picks also would be prohibited. Plastic straws would be available upon request.

• Legalize It

  This bill states that people  21 and older may possess, use, display, purchase or transport accessories and personal use quantities (one ounce or less of leaf; equivalent amounts of other product forms) of marijuana without penalty.

  This makes Delaware the 22nd state to legalize marijuana as of April 23, 2023.

  On the same token, a bill was passed protecting companies. As of April 27, 2023, employers are not required to tolerate marijuana use and are within their rights to discipline employees for marijuana-related infractions and positive drug tests. However, this stipulation does not apply to employees who possess medical marijuana cards.

  City Of Rehoboth Has A Shockingly Harsh Punishment For Anyone Changing In A Bathroom

Sign Up For The Mix Newsletter Sent To Your Inbox

Have the latest celeb and music news, local happenings, fun games, exclusive contests, and more delivered to your inbox.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.