Rep. Stell Selby

This act adds adult sibling of a decedent to the definition of next of kin in Chapter 47 of Title 29 of the Delaware Code relating to the Division of Forensic Science. This expansion of the definition of next of kin will, for example, allow the Medical Examiner to release the personal property of a decedent to an adult sibling of a decedent, when there is no other next of kin. It will also allow the Medical Examiner to provide a copy of a post mortem examination report to an adult sibling, upon written request, when there is no other next of kin.

This bill provides important consumer protections for property insurance contracts by improving the reliability of mailed notifications of policy cancellation or renewal. Section 1 of this bill requires insurers to deliver any homeowners’ notices of cancellation or nonrenewal by USPS certified mail or USPS Intelligent Mail barcode. Further, whereas currently an insurer can cancel or non-renew a policy because of two non-weather-related claims over the lifetime of the policy, this legislation provides a reasonable claims lookback period for non-weather-related claims, as is already the case for claims in other portions of this subsection of the Code. Section 2 of this bill precludes an insurance carrier from refusing to renew a homeowners’ policy based on non-weather claims unless 2 or more claims occur within the 36-month period immediately preceding the expiration of the current policy period.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 2024 as Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month in Delaware to highlight the prevalence and challenges of conditions where the immune system attacks healthy body tissues. The resolution aims to educate the public about autoimmune diseases, which affect over 23.5 million Americans and include conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. By recognizing this month, the state intends to draw attention to the need for improved research funding, standardized diagnostic testing, and effective treatments for these chronic illnesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 6, 2024, as "National Coaches Day" throughout the State of Delaware to honor sports coaches. It serves as a formal recognition of the role coaches play in teaching life skills and motivating athletes, rather than creating new laws or funding. The resolution applies to all sports coaches within the state and marks the date as an official observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of July 2024 as "American Pride Month" throughout the State of Delaware. It serves as a commemorative resolution intended to highlight historical achievements and patriotism rather than implementing new laws or regulations. The text includes numerous statements honoring various American heroes, from the Founding Fathers to military veterans and civil rights activists. The measure does not create any legal obligations or funding requirements; it simply establishes a symbolic designation for the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 15, 2024, as "Delaware Elder Abuse Awareness Day" to highlight the issue of elder abuse within the state. The resolution does not change laws or create new programs but instead encourages all Delaware residents to learn more about protecting older adults from neglect, financial exploitation, and other forms of harm. By recognizing this specific date, the bill aims to increase public awareness and mobilize community action against elder abuse.

This Act moves the date of primary elections for statewide office, county office, and municipal office to the fourth Tuesday in April, which is the date of the presidential primary (in presidential election years). The dates for submitting and withdrawing notification of candidacy have been adjusted accordingly, as have the dates for notice of filing fees and background checks. Section 4 changes the “closed” period in which a voter is not allowed to change his or her political affiliation to match the 60-day limit in 15 Del. C. § 3189 for presidential primaries. This Act is applicable to all primary elections after December 31, 2025.

This act requires a commercial entity that knowingly or intentionally provides pornography and other materials defined as harmful to minors to verify the age of individuals accessing the material. Civil liability and a civil penalty are imposed on commercial entities that fail to comply with verification requirements. Additionally, an internet provider or user of an interactive computer service on the internet is not subject to liability. This act is modeled after similar laws in Virginia, Utah, and Louisiana.

This Act codifies rights afforded to persons with disabilities that are under guardianships pursuant to Chapters 39 and 39A in Title 12 of the Delaware Code. This Act also grants persons with disabilities the ability to motion the Court of Chancery for equitable relief for any violations of these rights.

This Resolution proclaims June 19, 2024, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day" in Delaware and encourages the people of Delaware to reflect upon the significant roles and many contributions of African Americans, and to celebrate this day with appropriate activities and events.