Rep. Frank Cooke

This bill seeks to create the Expanded Protection for Our Communities and Homes (EPOCH) Grant Program through a one-time appropriation of $20 million. The grant money would be distributed to every Delaware police agency that chooses to participate. The distribution would consist of a minimum standard allocation made to each agency and an allocation based on the number of uniformed officers authorized for each agency. EPOCH grants could be used by the recipient agencies to recruit new officers; promote or encourage careers in law enforcement; initially pay the salaries of newly hired officers; pay for overtime to facilitate additional work to address issues of local concern (including traffic enforcement); and implement programs designed to improve public safety in the area of the agency’s jurisdiction. The grant allocations would be available for the agencies to use for up to three years, after which any unused and unencumbered funding would return to the General Fund.

This House Resolution creates an Internet Sports Lottery Legislative Working Group to evaluate and make recommendations on authorizing an internet sports lottery in Delaware.

This Act decreases by 1% the rate of the realty transfer tax to be received by the State, thereby returning it to the rate that was applicable prior to August 1,2017. The Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act will apply to documents recorded and permits applied for after the effective date of the Act.

This Act provides that if a dentist holds a community health license to care for underserved populations through a federally-qualified health center or a government-operated dental clinic and continues to practice in compliance with § 1132B(b) of Title 24 of the Delaware Code, the dentist’s license is renewable and shall be renewed biennially by the State Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene. This Act also extends the due date for the Dental Care Access Task Force’s report to April 1, 2023.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests that the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health assess the feasibility of replacing the Delaware Psychiatric Center’s (“DPC”) facilities, including gathering input regarding DPC’s current and future needs, and provide a report detailing the findings of this work by December 31, 2023.

This Act creates a separate offense for the theft of mail, including packages, from a residential dwelling. A first offense of mail theft is a class A misdemeanor unless the value of the stolen property is $1,500 or more, in which case it is a class G felony. A second offense of mail theft, within the previous 5 years is a class G felony, regardless of the value of the stolen property. Where a victim is 62 years of age or older, an adult who is impaired, or a person with a disability, a first offense of mail theft is a class G felony unless the value of the stolen property is $1,500 or more, in which case it is a class F felony. A second offense of mail theft within the previous 5 years is a class F felony, regardless of the value of the property stolen. Where the value of the property is more than $50,000 but less than $100,000, mail theft is a class D felony. Where the value of the property is $100,000 or more, mail theft is a class B felony. Upon conviction, monetary restitution is required and a sentencing judge shall consider the imposition of community service.

This Concurrent Resolution recognizes January 9, 2023, as "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" in the State of Delaware.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution honors and recognizes the leadership, achievements, and sacrifices of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and urges all citizens of the First State to participate fittingly in the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 16, 2023.

This Act reinstates a credit against school taxes of up to $400 for seniors who have been domiciled in Delaware for 3 years or more. After 10 years domiciled in Delaware the credit would increase to $500. Under current law the credit is $500 after 10 years.

This bill creates a special license plate for the Boy Scouts of America.