DOVER, Del.- Delaware's legislative leadership announced the current legislative session is postponed until further notice due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride made the announcement today. The legislative session was originally scheduled to resume on Tuesday, but postponed last week. A press release from the leaders states: "As the situation has continued to unfold, it has become necessary to postpone session for the foreseeable future as officials assess the extent of Delaware’s exposure to the virus."
The statement says its possible session could resume as normal at some point but there is no firm date. Rep. Schwartzkopf and Sen. McBride say the General Assembly is preparing plans in case lawmakers must reconvene to pass legislation that addresses the effects of the Coronavirus on Delawareans and state government.
The Delaware General Assembly is constitutionally required to pass an operating budget by June 30th. The statement says plans are being discussed to meet that deadline if the State of Emergency stretches into the spring.
Legislative Hall remains closed to the public, with no tours or in-person meetings taking place.