Rep. Ed Osienski

This bill: (a) extends the expiration date for any new issuance or renewal of an ADA placard from 3 years to 8 years for a specific person with a diagnosis of a permanent disability and changing the minimum age from 85 to 80 years or older, (b) extends the validity for a temporary disability from 5 weeks to 180 days, and (c) defines additional medical professionals acceptable to certify a disability application.

This bill will extend the timeframe for a customer to apply for a document fee credit refund from 15 days to 30 days. This change will improve customer service by allowing a customer more time to submit the applicable paperwork.

This Act removes the 5-year term limit imposed upon hearing officers appointed by the Secretary of Labor. It also removes the political party affiliation rule when considering new candidates for the hearing officer position. The Act removes references to reappointments and clarifies that the removal of a hearing officer is made consistent with the State Merit Rules. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

Maddy summaryHB 475 authorizes the State of Delaware and the Delaware Transportation Authority to issue bonds and allocate funds for capital improvements during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The bill allows the state to sell general obligation bonds and the transportation authority to sell revenue bonds to raise money for infrastructure projects. It also directs the use of existing funds from the Transportation Trust Fund and other state accounts to support these initiatives. By amending relevant statutes, the legislation sets specific rules and limits on how these financial resources can be spent.

This Act brings the State in compliance with the federal regulation published by FMCSA on October 7, 2021, to establish a national drug and alcohol clearinghouse as mandated by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). This act established requirements for Division access to and use of driver-specific drug and alcohol program violation information contained in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The Act prohibits the Division from issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring a commercial driver license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP), as applicable, for any individual prohibited under FMCSA regulations from driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), due to one or more drug and alcohol program violations. In addition, the Division must, upon notification that a driver is prohibited from operating a CMV due to a drug and alcohol program violation, initiate the downgrade process to remove the CLP or CDL privilege from the driver’s license within 60 days. This Federal requirement must be enacted by states by November 18, 2024.

This Act clarifies that for purposes of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, where an employee is leased by an employee leasing company or a professional employment organization, "employer" refers to the employer client of the employee leasing company or professional employment organization, and not to the employee leasing company or professional employment organization. This Act is a substitute for and differs from Senate Bill No. 248 by omitting language concerning whether individuals covered by certain collective bargaining agreements are "employees" for purposes of the Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2024 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Delaware to raise awareness about personal finance education. It highlights the importance of teaching financial skills in schools to help students make better decisions about money, college, and careers. The resolution calls for collaboration among educators, businesses, and community groups to promote financial knowledge across the state. While it does not create new laws or funding, it serves as a symbolic recognition of the need for improved financial education.

This Act amends Chapter 49 of Title 29 to enable the Office of Highway Safety to solicit and receive subscriptions, donations, and other funds from individuals or organizations for the purpose of implementing highway safety programs and projects that support the mission of reducing traffic fatalities and injuries in Delaware.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 2024 as Black Music Appreciation Month within the state of Delaware. It serves as a formal recognition of African American musical contributions, including genres such as gospel, blues, jazz, and hip hop. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but simply acknowledges the historical and cultural significance of Black music in American history.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution designates the second week of October 2024 as Obesity Care Week in Delaware. It directly affects the state's residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers by formally acknowledging obesity as a serious public health crisis. The measure highlights the need for comprehensive, unbiased care and aims to reduce stigma surrounding the condition. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition to encourage focus on obesity treatment.