Rep. Valerie Giltner

This Act adds procedural requirements to meetings of the State Employee Benefits Committee (SEBC), revises the membership of the SEBC, and requires that the Secretary of the Department of Human Resources inform State employees and retired State employees (eligible pensioners) about changes in benefits coverages affecting eligible pensioners who are receiving or eligible to receive retirement benefits under the state employees' pension plan, including proposed changes. This Act adds the following requirements to SEBC meetings: 1. If the SEBC or a subcommittee is holding a virtual meeting, the chair or vice-chair must attend at the anchor location. 2. The chair of a subcommittee must be a voting member of the SEBC. 3. The SEBC must approve a request for proposals to select a carrier or third-party administrator for the health care insurance plan for State employees or eligible pensioners during an open meeting and that the draft request for proposals must be included with the meeting notice and agenda. 4. Adds standard language for the SEBC regarding the conduct of open meetings by public bodies, including requirements for quorum and when a member designates another individual to attend a meeting. This Act revises the membership of the SEBC by doing all of the following: 1. Removes the Delaware retiree appointed by the Governor and adds 2 members who are Delaware residents eligible to receive health care insurance under Chapter 52 of Title 29 under a pension or retirement plan. The President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives each appoint 1 of these members. 2. Makes the Secretary of the Department of Human Resources a non-voting member of the Committee. 3. Changes the leadership of the SEBC so that only the Director of the Office of Management and Budget serves as chair and the vice-chair is elected annually by the members of the Committee. The vice-chair must be a voting member of the Committee and may not be a cabinet secretary or hold a position of equivalent rank in the executive branch. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act is known as the “Delaware State Employee Benefits Committee (SEBC) Transparency and Accountability Act”.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 12, 2024, as "National Farmer's Day" throughout the State of Delaware to recognize the contributions of local agriculture. The resolution highlights the state's significant farming history and current production, noting that agriculture is Delaware's largest land use and a major source of employment. By officially acknowledging this date, the legislation aims to raise awareness about the role farmers play in providing food and supporting the economy. The measure does not create new regulations or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the agricultural community.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution is a formal request from the State of Delaware asking Maryland to permit the sale of certified Delaware sod within its borders. The bill does not directly change Maryland laws or affect Maryland residents; instead, it serves as a diplomatic appeal to the Maryland government to restore trade reciprocity for Delaware agricultural producers. The text argues that Maryland's current refusal to certify Delaware sod has caused significant financial losses for farmers in both states and urges the removal of these trade barriers. Ultimately, the measure aims to facilitate cross-state commerce by encouraging Maryland officials to allow Delaware-grown sod to be sold legally in the state.

This Act repeals the option of providing health care insurance to state pensioners under Medicare part C, known as a Medicare Advantage Plan. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act is known as "The Delaware Medicare Supplement Selection Act".

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates October 2024 as "Depression Awareness Month" throughout the State of Delaware. It directly affects residents by encouraging the state to promote understanding of depression as a treatable medical condition rather than a personal weakness. The resolution includes a general encouragement for expanded efforts to inform Delawareans about depression awareness, but it does not create new funding, mandate specific programs, or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, an organization established in 1994 to protect and restore the state's Inland Bays watershed. The bill formally recognizes the center's three decades of work with partners to preserve water quality, restore shorelines, and educate the public about local ecosystems. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the center's contributions to environmental conservation in Delaware.

Like Chapter 19 of Title 10, covering judicial officers, and a similar provision pending for correctional officers, this Act allows law enforcement officers to submit a written request that their personal information not be publicly released. The written request may be submitted directly by a law enforcement officer to a person or government agency or the law enforcement agency employing the officer may submit a written request on behalf of the officer. This Act also directs the law enforcement agency employing covered law enforcement officers to develop a policy and procedure for law enforcement officers to apply for the employer to submit a written request on behalf of the law enforcement officer. The employer would also be required to enroll a law enforcement officer who opts into the employer’s process to enroll the law enforcement officer in the services for an online privacy vendor. This Act applies to law enforcement officers who serve on or after its enactment date and takes effect 180 days after its enactment into law.

This legislation, the State Spending Accountability Amendment, is the first leg of a constitutional amendment that would reform the state budgeting process. This amendment would continue the Budget Stabilization Fund, established in 2018 under Executive Order 21, issued by Governor John Carney. It also seeks to continue the state Benchmark Index and state Benchmark Appropriation, established by the same executive order, which will expire at the end of the Carney administration in January 2025. This amendment would further hold the General Assembly accountable for responsibly managing state spending growth by instituting new protocols. It would create the 8-member Budget Accountability Review Commission (BARC) and establish a set of procedures to ensure the state operating budget complied with the state Benchmark Index and state Benchmark Appropriation. These benchmarks could be exceeded when extraordinary circumstances presented themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2024 as Stroke Awareness Month in Delaware to highlight the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and risk factors. The text provides background information on what a stroke is, common causes like high blood pressure, and statistics regarding its impact on health and mortality. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution aims to encourage public awareness and education about stroke prevention and care within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes June 6, 2024, as the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy during World War II. It directly affects the state of Delaware by officially designating this date for commemoration and honoring the state's specific contributions and sacrifices, including veterans like Thomas Maloney and those who lost their lives. The resolution does not change laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the historical significance of the event and the bravery of the Allied forces.