Tensions run high as Delaware General Assembly returns to session
DOVER — There was no shortage of tension at Legislative Hall this week.
Lawmakers made their return from the General Assembly’s month-long break for Joint Finance Committee hearings …
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Tensions run high as Delaware General Assembly returns to session
By
DOVER — There was no shortage of tension at Legislative Hall this week.
Lawmakers made their return from the General Assembly’s monthlong break for Joint Finance Committee hearings Tuesday, filling the House of Representatives’ chamber for Gov. John Carney’s final State of the State address.
But, after the speech was interrupted numerous times by pro-Palestinian protesters, who called for a cease-fire in Gaza, lawmakers were on edge, with several denouncing the demonstration.
About an hour and a half later, Senate lawmakers found themselves in the middle of a heated debate surrounding the establishment of a school climate task force through two proposals: one by Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, and one by Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Camden.
The crux of the discussion regarded what Senate Republicans called “political strongarming,” though Sen. Townsend defended his proposal to establish the task force, stating that Republicans’ demands were outside of the normal framework of legislative working groups.
The majority leader denied “the idea this is partisan, or this is a majority party who is somehow trying to exert control inappropriately.”
These debates led lawmakers to cast doubts on the mood of the remainder of this year’s legislative session.
“The tone in this building is different than it was when we left here at the end of January,” said Senate Minority Whip Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, on Tuesday. “It’s going to be a very interesting few months until we get out of session at the end of June. I hope that we can change the tenor around, but we’ll see what happens.”
Lawmakers returned to Legislative Hall just 12 days after the Delaware Superior Court struck down early and permanent absentee ballot voting, measures that were significant accomplishments for Delaware Democrats in recent years.
Since the ruling, Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly have clashed, with Senate Democratic leadership calling out Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View, for his role as a plaintiff in the voting lawsuit.
The minority leader said the political conflicts have made it “apparent D.C. partisanship has now entered Delaware politics.”
Long-term care package
The Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter is urging members of the General Assembly to enact four bills that aim to bolster the state’s long-term care infrastructure.
On Feb. 26, Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, D-Elsmere, and Rep. Kendra Johnson, D-Bear, announced the release of their proposals.
House Bill 300 would require all assisted-living facilities to receive accreditation from an independent organization approved by the Department of Health and Social Services.
Senate Bill 150 would support staff training requirements for facilities that offer dementia care, and Senate Bill 151 would require facilities to provide an account of the dementia services they offer.
Another proposal, Senate Bill 215, would require the agency’s Division of Health Care Quality to perform inspections of Delaware assisted-living facilities and nursing homes once a year.
“The newly proposed long-term care-focused bills offer important steps towards safeguarding Delaware’s most vulnerable residents by providing greater protection of their health and safety,” said Kristina Fransel, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter executive director.
“These proposed policies come, in part, as a result of the tireless work of our volunteer-advocates, particularly those whose loved ones have suffered due to negligence and lack of oversight, yet were brave enough to share their stories to help impact change for other Delaware families. We are hopeful this legislation will support the long-term care workforce while simultaneously — and most importantly — creating a safer environment for residents.”
After the package was released, HB 300 was assigned to the House Health and Human Development Committee, while SB 217 was sent to the Senate Education Committee, and SB 215 and 216 to the Senate Health and Social Services Committee for consideration.
Deep-fake election crime
A new proposal from Rep. Cyndie Romer, D-Newark, seeks to get ahead of the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its use in elections.
Under House Bill 316, a new election crime would be created for the use of deep fake technology within 90 days of an election.
Deep fake technology, in this case, refers to audio recordings or videos that have been generated or manipulated to harm a party or candidate, thus deceiving voters in the process.
The legislation would not penalize the usage of this technology should a disclaimer be used, stating “This audio/video/image has been altered or artificially generated.”
“Deep fake technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated every day, and unfortunately, we’ve already seen examples of how AI-generated content can be used to confuse voters and influence election outcomes,” Rep. Romer said in a statement. “Our democracy thrives when residents are empowered with accurate information. With HB 316, we’re working to ensure that every voter can make informed decisions without the interference of malicious deep fake campaigns.”
Following its introduction Feb. 29, House Bill 316 was assigned to the House Administration Committee for consideration.
Election news
Speaker of the House Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear, announced Monday that she will seek reelection to her 15th Representative District seat in the state House of Representatives.
First elected in 2004, Rep. Longhurst had served in various leadership positions prior to being sworn in as Delaware’s first female House speaker on the final day of session last June.
“We have made significant progress in Delaware to improve access to mental health services, enshrine equal rights protections, and secure funding for critical clean water projects to protect our health and environment. I am running for re-election to continue our advancement, take on new challenges, and shape a brighter future for all,” Rep. Longhurst said in a statement.
Only one candidate, Kamela Smith, a Democrat, has established and exploratory committee for the seat. She serves as ChristianaCare’s director of community education and engagement.
