Sen. Dave Sokola

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 makes technical changes for clarity by adding a definition of “mental condition” to the Code section that deals with relinquishment of firearms for persons who may be a danger to self or others (also known as a “red flag” law). It also extends the time periods for the Department of Justice to petition for a permanent order from 30 days to 60 days and allows the Superior Court to grant an extension of time to file for an additional 30 days. Under the existing law, the Superior Court may only grant a 15-day extension. The time within which a hearing is required to be held is extended from 15 days after the DOJ’s filing of a petition to 30 days. An ex parte emergency order issued by the JP Court will continue in effect during these time periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 2024 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Delaware to highlight the importance of early detection and public education regarding the disease. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a formal acknowledgment to encourage awareness among residents. By officially recognizing this month, the state aims to promote discussions about screening and symptoms without imposing new requirements on individuals or organizations.

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution that honors the high school girls who participated in the 2024 Delaware Girls State program held in Dover. It specifically names and commends the individual delegates from various schools across the state for their involvement in learning about the legislative process. The document also thanks the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Delaware for sponsoring the event and expresses hope that some participants will pursue future careers in public service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution designates the week of June 10-16, 2024, as "National Men's Health Week" throughout the State of Delaware. The bill aims to raise awareness about men's physical and mental health issues by encouraging open conversations and promoting preventative care during this specific time period. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official state recognition to support existing national health awareness efforts.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates Wednesday, June 12, 2024, as Women Veterans Day throughout the State of Delaware. The measure directly affects the state's official calendar and serves to acknowledge the historical contributions and sacrifices of women who have served in the U.S. military. By passing this concurrent resolution, the Delaware General Assembly formally recognizes the service of over 7,000 women veterans residing in the state. The text highlights key milestones in women's military service, such as the 1948 law that allowed women to serve as permanent regular members of the armed forces. This action is a commemorative gesture rather than a change to laws or government operations.

This Act requires the Department of Health and Social Services, in consultation with persons interested in the sale and pricing of prescription drugs as well as interested federal and state officials and agencies, to design and implement a wholesale prescription drug importation program for the benefit of, and that generates savings for, Delaware residents. The Act establishes requirements for the program including all of the following: (1) The Department must become or contract with a state wholesaler and seek federal certification and approval to import eligible prescription drugs. (2) The program must comply with federal regulations and import from Canadian suppliers only those eligible prescription drugs that do not violate patent laws, that are not controlled substances, and for which importation creates substantial cost savings. (3) The Department must ensure that eligible prescription drugs imported under the program are not distributed, dispensed, or sold outside of Delaware. (4) Before submitting the proposed program to the federal government for certification, the Department must submit the proposal to the General Assembly. (5) The program must have an audit procedure to ensure compliance with the Act’s requirements and requires submission of an annual report to the General Assembly to track the program’s progress.

This House Concurrent Resolution reaffirms Delaware's commitment to strengthen the longstanding partnership with Taiwan, supports Taiwan’s efforts to secure the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement and an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with the United States; commends Taiwan’s vibrant full-fledged democracy; supports the reopening of a Delaware Trade Office in Taiwan; and continues to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation and contributions in international organizations.