DOVER, Del. --- Delaware's legislature does not resume work until 2019 but the public on Thursday received its first look at what bills will likely be up for consideration by the 150th General Assembly.
Topping the early pieces of legislation is HB 1, the second half of a constitutional amendment that passed in the previous General Assembly amends Delaware's constitution to explicitly ban discrimination based on sex.
“With this legislation, the state is saying that we value equality, and we value a vibrant Delaware where men and women are on an even playing field. We are saying to our young girls that your opportunities to succeed are not limited,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear.
The legislation passed overwhelmingly this year but only after adding a provision making it clear the change would apply strictly to state and local government jurisdictions. The legislation had failed prior to that change but was brought back through a parliamentary move to be amended and voted on again.
Many lawmakers expect the ERA bill will easily pass early in the 150th General Assembly, the second leg of a requirement that constitutional amendments pass with 3/4 super-majorities in consecutive sessions.
Another piece of legislation introduced Thursday would create two income tax brackets for people who make at least $125,000 or $250,000 in taxable personal income. Those brackets would have rates of 7.1 percent and 7.85 percent, respectively.
"This bill is all about equity. How do we ensure that wealthy Delawareans pay their fair share of income tax," said Rep. Sean Lynn (D-Dover), a co-sponsor on HB 15.
