This House Concurrent Resolution recognizes April 2024 as “Autism Acceptance and Inclusion Month” and Autism Delaware's years of service to the people of Delaware.
This Act does all of the following: Requires a conviction before forfeiture. (plea of guilty or no contest, conviction, or dismissal because of completion of a diversion program all count) Puts the burden on the state to prove all facts by clear and convincing evidence. Requires the state to prove by clear and convincing evidence that a non-defendant owner knew about or consented to the unlawful activity before the property may be forfeit. Strikes the presumption that cash with trace amount of drugs on it is presumed to be drug proceeds. Strikes the presumption that money that is in proximity to controlled substances is drug proceeds. The state can still forfeit money if they have other evidence or circumstances that show it is drug proceeds. Prohibits the use of the civil asset forfeiture proceeding for cash in any amount less that $1,000. Changes the process so there is always a hearing before forfeiture. Under current law, there is only a hearing if an owner affirmatively requests one be held. Requires the court to conduct a proportionality analysis prior to ordering a forfeiture – i.e., is the value of the property sought to be forfeit in line with the gravity of the crime. Requires the State to pay reasonable attorney fees to a prevailing party in a forfeiture proceeding. Directs forfeiture proceeds into the General Fund, rather than SLEAF to eliminate the perception that law enforcement might pursue a forfeiture for personal gain. Retains SLEAF and the process of application and distribution, but only where the General Assembly funds it in the regular appropriations process. Makes changes to Title 11 provisions relating to vehicle forfeitures to align with the Title 16 process and the same new procedural protections. Prohibits directing seized property to federal agencies for forfeiture and equitable sharing except for currency in excess of $100,000. Requires the Attorney General to annualy compile and publish a report regarding the number and type of forfeiture cases, case outcomes, and demographic data on persons whose property is seized pursuant to civil forfeiture laws. Directs the Office of Defense Services to provide representation in forfeiture proceedings to a defendant they represent in a related criminal matter.
This Act requires that any general salary increase, salary supplement, or one-time adjustment payable to public school employees likewise be payable to charter school employees. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.
This Act permits the Division of Motor Vehicles to refuse to renew the registration of a vehicle that is operated in violation of the law requiring stopping for school buses as evidenced by School Bus Safety Cameras.
This Act provides a tuition waiver for victims of human trafficking who are enrolled in the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, or Delaware Technical Community College.
This Act requires public institutions of higher learning to grant credit for advanced placement examination scores of 3 or higher. An instution may require a score higher than 3 if the credit is to be used for meeting a course requirement for a particular major or program, provided that the student can receive course credit for that examination in an area outside of the student’s major or program area. The institution must publish its advance placement score policies on its website. This Act takes effect on August 1 following its enactment into law.
This Concurrent Resolution designates the week of February 24-March 2, 2024 “PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK” and commends the hard work of educators and staff. It also calls upon Delawareans to support public schools.
This Concurrent Resolution recognizes the 10th Anniversary of the Office of Animal Welfare and its commitment to fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership and ensuring the welfare of our beloved animal companions.
This Concurrent Resolution recognizes January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Delaware.
This Act allows the State Bureau of Identification to release subsequent arrest notifications to the Department of Education for its employees and contractors. This Act also corrects existing typos in § 309 of Title 31 and makes clarifying changes to the processing of background checks when the Department of Education is the employer.
