DOVER, Del. - Delaware lawmakers approved several high-profile bills during the final hours of the 153rd General Assembly's legislative session, which stretched into the early morning of July 1 before adjournment at nearly 5 a.m.
The measures approved cover topics ranging from energy policy and firearms regulations to animal welfare, schools, and firefighter background checks.
Here's a look at seven notable bills that crossed the finish line and now await Governor Matt Meyer’s signature:
Large energy users must pay their own way (HS 1 for HB 233)
One of the session's most closely watched bills establishes new rules for large energy users, primarily data centers and other facilities with massive electricity demands.
The legislation requires these facilities to enter into agreements with regulated utilities before connecting to Delaware's electric grid. Those agreements are designed to ensure the companies bear the costs associated with new infrastructure, transmission upgrades, and increased electric demand while protecting residential customers or small businesses. The bill also requires state approval of those agreements and includes provisions intended to protect grid reliability and limit cost increases for other ratepayers.
New clean energy requirements for major power users (HB 445)
A companion measure requires large energy-use facilities to generate or procure enough renewable energy to meet 100% of their annual energy needs by their 10th year of operation.
Under the bill, facilities must obtain power from qualifying sources connected to Delaware or nearby portions of the regional electric grid, with renewable energy, nuclear power, and qualifying energy storage among the acceptable options. Facilities that cannot immediately meet the requirement must submit a plan to reach full compliance within 10 years while following additional curtailment and backup power requirements.
State creates licensing system for firearm dealers (SS 1 for SB 300)
Delaware approved sweeping new regulations for firearm dealers by creating a state licensing system administered by Delaware State Police.
The law requires firearm dealers to obtain a state license in addition to their federal license and establishes new standards for security systems, surveillance cameras, employee training, liability insurance, recordkeeping, and background checks. Dealers will also be subject to additional reporting and inspection requirements intended to improve firearm safety and reduce illegal trafficking.
Veterinarians now required to report suspected animal abuse (HS 1 for HB 415)
Veterinarians who suspect animal cruelty will now be required to report it to the Office of Animal Welfare or another appropriate enforcement agency.
The legislation also requires veterinarians to complete mandatory reporting training every six years as part of their licensing requirements. Reports made in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability, and the identities of reporting veterinarians must remain confidential except under limited circumstances.
Energy drink sales banned during the school day (HB 459)
Energy drinks will no longer be sold on Delaware middle and high school campuses during the school day or during school-sponsored activities that take place afterward.
The ban applies throughout the extended school day, including clubs, athletic events and other extracurricular activities. Students may still bring or consume energy drinks purchased off campus.
A similar bill originally aimed at banning but then amended to dissuading minors from buying energy drinks outside school did not pass.
Background checks expanded for student mentors (HB 443)
Individuals serving as mentors through Department of Education mentoring programs will be required to undergo state and federal criminal background checks.
The bill also subjects mentors to one year of continued criminal history monitoring through Delaware's background check system. The Department of Education will cover the cost of the required background checks.
Expanded background checks for fire and EMS members (SB 325)
Delaware lawmakers also passed legislation expanding criminal background check requirements for members of the state's fire and emergency medical services organizations. Under SB 325, new applicants and many current members who interact with the public will need to undergo state and federal background checks, while also establishing ongoing criminal history monitoring through the State Fire Prevention Commission.
The measure also broadens the list of offenses that can disqualify someone from serving, including certain violent crimes, theft, fraud, sex offenses, and drug-related crimes.
