Rep. Ed Osienski

This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 3. This Act differs from Senate Bill No. 3. in that it incorporates technical corrections made to the Delaware Constitution by House Bill No. 10 (153rd General Assembly). Like Senate Bill No. 3, this Act is the first leg of a constitutional amendment to eliminate the limitations on when an individual may vote absentee and provide an absolute right to vote by absentee ballot without an excuse. This Act is in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Albence v. Higgins, 2022 Del. LEXIS 377 (Del. 2022). Although Section 1 of this Act creates an absolute right to vote by absentee ballot without an excuse, a qualified voter who desires to cast an absentee ballot must request an absentee ballot from the Department of Elections for each election cycle, unless the qualified voter is granted permanent absentee status. This State’s current absentee voting law authorizes permanent absentee status for various reasons (see § 5503(k) of Title 15 of the Delaware Code) and this Act adopts those reasons. For each election in which a qualified voter votes by absentee ballot under a permanent absentee status, the qualified voter must take an oath or affirmation that the qualified voter remains eligible for permanent absentee status. Section 2 of this Act requires all absentee ballots to include an oath or affirmation that the qualified voter’s vote is free from improper influence. This oath or affirmation is in lieu of the oath or affirmation otherwise required under Section 3 of Article V of the Delaware Constitution. Amending the Delaware Constitution requires not only the passing of the changes in this Act, but also passage of the same changes after the next general election by the next General Assembly. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the Delaware Constitution.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution designates April 2026 as "Second Chance Month" throughout the State of Delaware. The measure serves as a symbolic proclamation to raise awareness about second chances, likely in the context of criminal justice reform or rehabilitation. It does not create new laws or programs but instead encourages public recognition and awareness during the designated month. The resolution was passed by both the Senate and House without requiring a formal vote in the House.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates March 26, 2026, as "Equal Pay Day" in the State of Delaware. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of the date when women must work into the year to earn what men earned in the previous year. It affects the state by establishing an official commemorative date for awareness of wage gap issues. The resolution was passed by both the House and Senate without requiring a formal vote count.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 30, 2026, as National Doctors' Day in Delaware to honor physicians and surgeons for their contributions to public health. It specifically recognizes the Delaware Chapter of the American College of Surgeons for their life-saving service and dedication to improving healthcare in the state. The measure establishes an official state recognition date but does not create new laws, funding, or operational requirements. It serves as a commemorative resolution rather than a policy change affecting daily operations or regulations.

This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 2. This Act differs from Senate Bill No. 2 in that it incorporates technical corrections made to the Delaware Constitution by House Bill No. 10 (153rd General Assembly). Like Senate Bill No. 2, this Act is the first leg of a constitutional amendment to specifically authorize early, in-person voting for the general election, a primary election, and a special election filling a vacancy in the General Assembly. Specifically, this Act provides that early, in-person voting is to occur on 10 calendar days before the date of the general election, primary election, and special election, including the Saturday and Sunday immediately before the election. Amending the Delaware Constitution requires not only the passing of the changes in this Act, but also passage of the same changes after the next general election by the next General Assembly. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the Delaware Constitution.

This Resolution pays tribute to the men and women of the Delaware National Guard for their service and sacrifices in support of defending our state and nation, and recognizes the outstanding advocacy provided by the National Guard Association of Delaware

This House Concurrent Resolution expresses gratitude to the men and women of the Civil Air Patrol for their outstanding service to the State of Delaware.

This House Concurrent Resolution designates the 21st day of the Month of March 2026 as “Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day” and celebrates the beauty and contributions that people with Down syndrome make in Delaware.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Delaware to recognize the Sikh community. It is a ceremonial resolution that does not create new laws or change existing policies. The measure was passed by both the House and Senate with a voice vote in the House and a 20-0 vote in the Senate. This proclamation serves to acknowledge and celebrate Sikh heritage and contributions within the state.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution designates the Month of March 2026 as “March for the Arts” in the State Delaware to recognize the critical role that the arts play in providing a well-rounded education for Delaware’s youth, which in turn supports Delaware’s community vibrancy and creative economy.