Rep. DeShanna Neal

This Act codifies the Delaware State Police program that makes available a “blue envelope” for use by a person with a disability. The intent of this program is to increase safety for both officers and persons with a disability during a traffic stop. The envelope contains written information for officers regarding interacting with a person with a disability, as well as guidance for the person with a disability on safe interactions with law-enforcement during a traffic stop. The envelope is sized to be able to contain a driver’s license, motor vehicle registration card, and insurance identification card and other related documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 31st as International Transgender Day of Visibility throughout the State of Delaware. It is a ceremonial resolution that formally acknowledges this date to promote awareness and recognition of transgender individuals. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as an official state recognition of the day. It was passed by both the House and Senate with a vote of 14 yes to 3 no in the Senate.

HS 2 to HB 48 seeks to streamline accessible parking laws and improve enforcement of accessible parking laws in Delaware. Although federal and state laws currently require specific design and construction requirements for accessible spaces, these laws are often ignored and rarely enforced. To that end, this Act requires that a permit be issued by the local county or municipal authority to ensure that accessible parking spaces are compliant with the design and construction requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any existing local laws. This Act permits a county or municipal government to assess a civil penalty of up to $500 on an individual or entity that does not construct and maintain ADA compliant parking spaces. This Act also increases the fine for unlawfully occupying an accessible parking space. Rather than imprisonment, the penalty for unlawfully occupying an accessible parking space may include community service. All accessible parking space signs must display the current maximum fine. HS 2 to HB 48 differs from HB 48 in that it does the following: (1) Requires state facilities to obtain approval through the Architectural Accessibility Board in lieu of a permit. (2) Removes state-specific accessible parking provisions of the bill and adopts the federal accessible parking provisions that are already in effect under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design issued by the Department of Justice on September 15, 2010, and its accompanying guidance. (3) If an existing accessible parking space is not ADA compliant within 5 years of the effective date of this Act, authorizes a civil penalty to be assessed against the individual or entity that is responsible for maintaining the accessible parking space. (4) Requires that all accessible parking space signs display the current maximum fine for unlawfully occupying an accessible parking space.

This House Joint Resolution directs the Department of Health and Social Services (“DHSS”) to explore participating in the federal Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). The RMP is an option that states may incorporate into their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure that SNAP recipients who are senior citizens, disabled, or unhoused, or other eligible family members of those participants, may use their SNAP benefits to buy hot foods or hot prepared meals. These populations may otherwise experience barriers that prevent them having the opportunity to access a nutritious and sustaining meal. This Joint Resolution also requires DHSS to provide a report to the General Assembly as to its findings.

This Act creates a breastfeeding and lactation program within the DOC to provide lactation support to women in DOC custody. Among other things, it permits women to collect breast milk for later retrieval and delivery to an infant or toddler by an approved person. It also requires the DOC to provide nutrition information and a meal plan specific to pregnant, post-partum, or lactating women, based on national best practices. This Act further requires that DOC publish an annual report regarding the number of participants in the program and the nature of services provided.

This Concurrent Resolution celebrates Homeschool Awareness Month in May 2025 and aims to demonstrate how homeschooling can be a better option than regular schooling for many children.

Maddy summaryHCR 22 is a symbolic resolution recognizing March 31 as International Transgender Day of Visibility in Delaware. It encourages Delaware residents to observe the day through ceremonies and activities that celebrate transgender community achievements and leadership. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves as a formal acknowledgment of transgender contributions and the ongoing need for visibility and inclusion. This recognition aligns with the national observance established in 2009 to honor transgender individuals and address discrimination they face.

Maddy summaryHCR 16 is a symbolic resolution designating March 2025 as "Multiple Sclerosis Month" in Delaware. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the month to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic nervous system disease affecting an estimated 2.3 million people worldwide. The resolution calls on Delaware residents to learn about MS and support those diagnosed with the condition. This is a ceremonial gesture with no direct policy impact, aligning with national MS Awareness Month efforts.

This Act ensures that pregnant women in DOC custody, at Level IV or V, are able to meet with a doula or midwife to create a birth plan surrounding the birth of their child. Among other things, the birth plan must include a statement identifying a preferred childcare provider and whether the new mother wishes to express breast milk for the child. This Act further requires that the DOC publish an annual report regarding the use of doula and midwifery services within the DOC. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

This Act ensures that all female inmates in DDOC custody, at level IV or V, receive annual or biennial screening mammograms as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.