Daily Report for 6/23/2020

Governor's Actions

BillCurrent StatusSponsorSynopsisTitle
HB 301SignedBentzThis Act repeals a provision in the State Employees’ Pension Plan that included participants in the Division for the Visually Impaired’s (“DVI”) Business Enterprise Program (“BEP”) in the State pension plan. BEP participants are meant to be independent blind entrepreneurs operating their own vending facilities in federal and state properties, as authorized by the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. § 107 et seq.). DVI recruits, trains, licenses, and places individuals who are blind as BEP vending facility operators on state or federal properties. Participation in BEP is under permit or contract. Participants are not State employees; including them in the State Pension Plan or payroll system does not comply with the Randolph-Sheppard Act. This Act is a result of the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee's 2019 review of and task force on the Division for the Visually Impaired. The Rehabilitation Services Administration, the federal agency that monitors BEP, recommended removing blind vendors from all state pension and payroll systems. Once enacted, this Act takes effect as of January 1, 2020. DVI removed BEP vendors from the State’s payroll system as of January 1, 2020. New applications for BEP are not pending as of the date this legislation is released.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE EMPLOYEES' PENSION PLAN.

New Legislation Introduced

BillCurrent StatusSponsorSynopsisTitle
HA 1 to SB 240DefeatedKowalkoThis Amendment removes the ability of a charter school to request that the difference between the amount of the state transportation funding allocation and actual expenditures be used for educational purposes allowed under the state Opportunity Fund. 
SB 241DefeatedMcDowellThis Act provides supplementary appropriations to certain Grants-in-Aid for Fiscal Year 2021. Section 1 - Government Units and Senior Center $ 26,692,375 Section 2 - One-Times and Community Agencies $ 20,467,399 Section 3 - Fire Companies $ 6,940,706 Section 4 - Veterans Organizations $ 354,318 GRAND TOTAL $ 54,454,798AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR CERTAIN GRANTS-IN-AID FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021; SPECIFYING CERTAIN PROCEDURES, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021 APPROPRIATIONS ACT; AND AMENDING CERTAIN STATUTORY PROVISIONS.

Legislation Passed By Senate

BillCurrent StatusSponsorSynopsisTitle
HB 229 w/ HA 1SignedCarsonThis Act increases the non-refundable income tax credit from $400 to $500 for active members of Delaware volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue service company or its auxiliary. This Act also makes technical changes to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONAL INCOME TAX.
HB 232SignedMatthewsThis Act would both raise the jurisdictional limit of the Justice of the Peace Court to $25,000 and allow Justice of the Peace to consider claims in excess of the jurisdictional limit where the underlying matter involves a commercial tenancy and possession of the rental unit is at issue. Currently, if a party is owed rent in excess of the jurisdictional limit they must either submit to the jurisdictional limit of the Court and forego the portion of the claim which exceeds the jurisdictional limit or bifurcate the case, filing both for possession in the Justice of the Peace Court and a debt action in a court of competent jurisdiction. While this Act would increase efficiency in terms of allowing one court to consider all aspects of the case it would in no way preclude a party from bifurcating the action if they chose to do so.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 AND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO JURISDICTION OF THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURT AND SUMMARY POSSESSION.
HB 237SignedQ. JohnsonThis Act eliminates the requirement that movie theaters selling alcohol have video cameras in each auditorium and the requirement that an employee must pass through each auditorium during a movie showing.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS.
HB 318 w/ HA 1SignedHeffernanThis Act requires the Department of Education to establish and implement a curriculum on the Holocaust and genocide for students in grades 6 through 12. Teaching the lessons learned from the Holocaust and other genocides helps cultivate the spirit of human resilience, courage, heroism, and tolerance. Education about the Holocaust and genocide provide a context to learn about the danger that befalls us when hatred goes unchallenged and there is indifference in the face of oppression of others. The Halina Wind Preston Holocaust Education Committee can provide guidance, academic content assistance, resources, and assistance with curricula development to deliver quality Holocaust and genocide education.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE EDUCATION.
HB 342SignedLynnThis bill continues the practice of amending periodically the Delaware Revised Uniform Partnership Act (the “Act”) to keep it current and to maintain its national preeminence. The following is a section-by-section review of the proposed amendments of the Act. Section 1. This section amends Section 15-108(c) of the Act to clarify requirements regarding the name of a partnership in a statement of partnership existence, statement of qualification or statement of foreign qualification. Section 2. This section amends Sections 15-111(a)(2)d. and 15-111(f)(2) of the Act to identify the types of foreign entities that may be a registered agent of a partnership. This section also amends Section 15-111(b) of the Act to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of State issue a certified copy of any certificate filed by the registered agent changing the address of the registered office or the name of the registered agent. This section also amends Section 15-111(b) of the Act to provide that the conversion of the registered agent or a division of the registered agent in which a resulting person succeeds to all of the registered agent business of such registered agent shall be deemed to be a change of name for purposes of this Section of the Act. This section also amends Section 15-111(c) of the Act to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of State issue a certificate in connection with the resignation of the registered agent of a partnership and the appointment of the successor registered agent. Section 3. This section amends Section 15-120 of the Act to confirm that no appraisal rights are available with respect to a partnership interest or another interest in a partnership, including in connection with the enumerated transactions unless otherwise provided in the enumerated documents. Section 4. This section amends Section 15-124(a)(2) of the Act to clarify that a person may “execute” a document by using any type of signature contemplated by such Section. Section 5. This section amends Section 15-403(c) of the Act to confirm that a partnership may maintain its books, records and other information in other than paper form (including electronic form) if such form is capable of conversion into paper form within a reasonable time. Section 6 and 7. These sections amend Sections 15-903(f) and 15-905(c) of the Act with regard to certifications provided by the Secretary of State in connection with the filing of a certificate of conversion to non-Delaware entity, a certificate of transfer and a certificate of transfer and domestic continuance. Section 8. This section amends Section 15-1102(a)(1)a. of the Act to confirm that the name of a foreign limited liability partnership set forth in its statement of foreign qualification must comply with the requirements of Section 15-108(c) and (d) of this title. Section 9. This section provides that the proposed amendments to the Act shall become effective upon their enactment into law. AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 15, TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE CREATION, REGULATION, OPERATION AND DISSOLUTION OF DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS AND THE REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIPS.
HB 343SignedLynnThis bill continues the practice of amending periodically the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the “Act”) to keep it current and to maintain its national preeminence. The following is a section-by-section review of the proposed amendments of the Act. Section 1. This section amends Section 17-101(14)b. of the Act to correct a cross-reference. Section 2. This section amends Section 17-102(3) of the Act to clarify requirements regarding the name of a limited partnership in its certificate of limited partnership. Section 3. This section amends Sections 17-104(a)(2)d. and 17-104(f)(2) of the Act to identify the types of foreign entities that may be a registered agent of a limited partnership. Sections 3 and 12. These sections amend Sections 17-104(b) and 17-904(c) of the Act to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of State issue a certified copy of any certificate filed by the registered agent changing the address of the registered office or the name of the registered agent. These sections also amend Sections 17-104(b) and 17-904(c) of the Act to provide that the conversion of the registered agent or a division of the registered agent in which a resulting person succeeds to all of the registered agent business of such registered agent shall be deemed to be a change of name for purposes of these Sections of the Act. These sections also amend Sections 17-104(c) and 17-904(d) of the Act to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of State issue a certificate in connection with the resignation of the registered agent of a domestic or foreign limited partnership and the appointment of the successor registered agent. Section 4. This section amends Section 17-113(a)(2) of the Act to clarify that a person may “execute” a document by using any type of signature contemplated by such Section. Section 5. This section amends Section 17-212 of the Act to confirm that no appraisal rights are available with respect to a partnership interest or another interest in a limited partnership, including in connection with the enumerated transactions unless otherwise provided in the enumerated documents. Sections 6, 7, and 10. These sections amend Sections 17-216(c), 17-219(f) and 17-223(f) of the Act with regard to certifications provided by the Secretary of State in connection with the filing of a certificate of transfer, a certificate of transfer and domestic continuance, a certificate of conversion to non-Delaware entity and a certificate of conversion of registered series to protected series. Section 8. This section amends Section 17-220(h) of the Act to provide specifically that flexibility exists to state other information in a certificate of division. Section 9. This section amends Section 17-221(d)(4) of the Act to confirm that a certificate of registered series shall be promptly amended if the certificate of registered series no longer complies with the requirements of Section 17-221(e)(1) of this title. This section also amends Section 17-221(e)(3) of the Act to clarify requirements regarding the name of a registered series in its certificate of registered series. Section 11. This section amends Section 17-301 of the Act (i) to confirm that a partnership agreement may provide for the admission of limited partners in connection with formation, (ii) to eliminate any statutory requirement that a limited partner’s admission after formation is subject to the admission being reflected in the records of the limited partnership, and (iii) to clarify that an assignee of a partnership interest is admitted as a limited partner as provided in Section 17-704(a) of the Act. Section 12. This section amends Section 17-305(c) of the Act to confirm that a limited partnership may maintain its books, records and other information in other than paper form (including electronic form) if such form is capable of conversion into paper form within a reasonable time. Section 13. This section amends Section 17-904(a) of the Act to clarify requirements regarding the name under which a foreign limited partnership may register with the Secretary of State. This section also amends Section 17-904(b)(2)c. of the Act to identify the types of foreign entities that may be a registered agent of a foreign limited partnership. This section also amends Section 17-904(e) of the Act to provide that if a foreign limited partnership has ceased to be registered pursuant to Section 17-1109(g) of the Act, its registered agent may resign without appointing a successor registered agent. The amendment also adds requirements regarding the content and form of the certificate of resignation filed with the Delaware Secretary of State when the registered agent resigns without appointing a successor, and provides that such information regarding the communications contact that must be included in such a certificate shall not be deemed public. Section 14. This section provides that the proposed amendments to the Act shall become effective upon their enactment into law.AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 17, TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE CREATION, REGULATION, OPERATION AND DISSOLUTION OF DOMESTIC LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS AND THE REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF FOREIGN LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS.
HB 344SignedLynnThis bill continues the practice of amending periodically the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the “Act”) to keep it current and to maintain its national preeminence. The following is a section-by-section review of the proposed amendments of the Act. Section 1. This section amends Section 18-101(9)b. of the Act to correct a cross-reference. Section 2. This section amends Section 18-102(3) of the Act to clarify requirements regarding the name of a limited liability company in its certificate of formation. Section 3. This section amends Sections 18-104(a)(2)d. and 18-104(f)(2) of the Act to identify the types of foreign entities that may be a registered agent of a limited liability company. Sections 3 and 12. These sections amend Sections 18-104(b) and 18-904(c) of the Act to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of State issue a certified copy of any certificate filed by the registered agent changing the address of the registered office or the name of the registered agent. These sections also amend Sections 18-104(b) and 18-904(c) of the Act to provide that the conversion of the registered agent or a division of the registered agent in which a resulting person succeeds to all of the registered agent business of such registered agent shall be deemed to be a change of name for purposes of these Sections of the Act. These sections also amend Sections 18-104(c) and 18-904(d) of the Act to eliminate the requirement that the Secretary of State issue a certificate in connection with the resignation of the registered agent of a domestic or foreign limited liability company and the appointment of the successor registered agent. Section 4. This section amends Section 18-113(a)(2) of the Act to clarify that a person may “execute” a document by using any type of signature contemplated by such Section. Section 5. This section amends Section 18-210 of the Act to confirm that no appraisal rights are available with respect to a limited liability company interest or another interest in a limited liability company, including in connection with the enumerated transactions unless otherwise provided in the enumerated documents. Sections 6, 7, and 10. These sections amend Sections 18-213(c), 18-216(f) and 18-220(f) of the Act with regard to certifications provided by the Secretary of State in connection with the filing of a certificate of transfer, a certificate of transfer and domestic continuance, a certificate of conversion to non-Delaware entity, and a certificate of conversion of registered series to protected series. Section 8. This section amends Section 18-217(h) of the Act to provide specifically that flexibility exists to state other information in a certificate of division. Section 9. This section amends Section 18-218(d)(4) of the Act to confirm that a certificate of registered series shall be promptly amended if the certificate of registered series no longer complies with the requirements of Section 18-218(e)(1) of this title. This section also amends Section 18-218(e)(3) of the Act to clarify requirements regarding the name of a registered series in its certificate of registered series. Section 11. This section amends Section 18-301 of the Act (i) to confirm that a limited liability company agreement may provide for the admission of members in connection with formation, (ii) to eliminate any statutory requirement that a member’s admission after formation is subject to the admission being reflected in the records of the limited liability company, and (iii) to clarify that an assignee of a limited liability company interest is admitted as a member as provided in Section 18-704(a) of the Act. Section 12. This section amends Section 18-305(d) of the Act to confirm that a limited liability company may maintain its books, records and other information in other than paper form (including electronic form) if such form is capable of conversion into paper form within a reasonable time. Section 13. This section amends Section 18-904(a) of the Act to clarify requirements regarding the name under which a foreign limited liability company may register with the Secretary of State. This section also amends Section 18-904(b)(2)c. of the Act to identify the types of foreign entities that may be a registered agent of a foreign limited liability company. This section also amends Section 18-904(e) of the Act to provide that if a foreign limited liability company has ceased to be registered pursuant to Section 18-1107(h) of the Act, its registered agent may resign without appointing a successor registered agent. The amendment also adds requirements regarding the content and form of the certificate of resignation filed with the Delaware Secretary of State when the registered agent resigns without appointing a successor, and provides that such information regarding the communications contact that must be included in such a certificate shall not be deemed public. Section 14. This section provides that the proposed amendments to the Act shall become effective upon their enactment into law.AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 18, TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE CREATION, REGULATION, OPERATION AND DISSOLUTION OF DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES AND THE REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES.
HB 341SignedLynnSection 1. Section 1 of this Act amends Section 102(a) to provide that the name of a corporation must be such as to distinguish it from the name of any registered series of a limited partnership. Section 2. Section 2 of this Act amends Section 102(b)(7). Section 102(b)(7) authorizes a corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation an exculpatory provision that eliminates or limits the liability of directors for monetary damages for certain breaches of duty. The amendment to Section 102(b)(7) clarifies that an exculpatory provision has the effect of eliminating or limiting liability for monetary damages with respect to any act or omission of a director occurring while the exculpatory provision is in effect. Unless the provision provides otherwise at the time of such act or omission, any future amendment, repeal or elimination of that provision will not revoke the elimination or limitation of liability. Section 3. Section 3 of this Act amends Section 108(c). To conform to amended Section 116, Section 108(c) is being amended to permit an incorporator or initial director to rely on Section 116 as a basis to document, sign and deliver a consent by electronic means, unless the use of Section 116 is expressly restricted or prohibited by a provision of the certificate of incorporation. Section 4. Section 4 of this Act amends Section 110. The amendments to Section 110 clarify the types of events that give rise to the availability of emergency powers and confirm certain of the specific powers relating to stockholders’ meetings and dividends that may be exercised during an emergency condition. The amendments to Section 110 are not intended, by implication or otherwise, to limit or eliminate the availability of any powers or emergency actions that are not specifically enumerated with respect to stockholders’ meetings, dividends, or other matters that are practical and necessary in connection with the particular emergency, or to affect the validity of any action taken in an emergency situation but not authorized by the amendments or taken in a non-emergency situation. Section 5. Section 5 of this Act amends Section 116. Section 116(a)(2) establishes non-exclusive means to sign documents for purposes of chapter 1 of title 8. An amendment to this provision clarifies that a person may “execute” a document (such as agreements of merger and other documents that require execution pursuant to chapter 1 of title 8) by using any type of signature contemplated by Section 116(a)(2). Section 116(b) is being amended to allow persons to rely on Section 116(a) as a basis for using an electronic transmission to document director, stockholder, member and incorporator consents and for signing and delivering those documents by electronic means. This amendment supplements provisions that already permitted these consents by electronic means before this amendment. A conforming amendment to Section 116(a)(3) requires that the electronic delivery of stockholder or member consents, and the electronic delivery of documents evidencing a proxy granted by a stockholder or member, must satisfy additional requirements set forth in Section 228(d) (with respect to consents) and Section 212(c) (with respect to proxies). The final sentence of Section 116(b) is being amended to clarify that a provision in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws may restrict or prohibit only the electronic means (but not the manual means) to document an act or transaction and to sign and deliver a document. Section 6. Section 6 of this Act amends Section 132(a)(4) to remove erroneous references to a foreign “general” partnership. Section 7. Section 7 of this Act amends Section 135 to reflect the current practice of the Office of the Secretary of State relating to the appointment of a successor registered agent by a registered agent of a corporation. Section 8. Section 8 of this Act amends Section 141(f). To conform to amended Section 116, Section 141(f) is being amended to permit a director to rely on Section 116 as a basis to document, sign and deliver a consent by electronic means, unless the use of Section 116 is expressly restricted or prohibited by a certificate of incorporation or bylaw provision adopted pursuant to Section 116(b). Section 9. Section 9 of this Act amends Sections 145(c) and 145(f). Section 145(c) provides current and former directors and officers a right to indemnification if they are successful (on the merits or otherwise) in defending claims brought against them by reason of their conduct as directors and/or officers. Amended Section 145(c) defines the group of officers who are entitled to this statutory right of indemnification as the officers who are deemed to have consented to the jurisdiction of the State for acts relating to breach of officer duties pursuant to Section 3114(b) of title 10. Section 3114(b) of title 10 does not apply to residents of the State, but amended Section 145(c) treats residents as if they were non-residents to ensure that persons who hold the officer positions identified in Section 3114(b) are entitled to indemnification, whether or not they are residents of the State. The amendment does not define who qualifies as an officer under Section 145(c) for purposes of a right to indemnification for an act or omission occurring on or before December 31, 2020 and does not define who qualifies as an officer for purposes of the other subsections of Section 145. Section 145(c) is also amended to add a new subsection (2) that permits (but does not require) a corporation to indemnify other persons who are not current or former directors or officers if they are successful in defense of a proceeding referenced in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145. A corporation may rely on Section 145(f) to make this permissive indemnification a mandatory right for these other persons, such as pursuant to a provision in the certificate of incorporation, the bylaws, an agreement, or vote of stockholders or disinterested directors. This amendment to Section 145(c) is consistent with case law holding that a corporation lawfully may agree to provide indemnification to a person who is not a director or officer solely based on that person’s successful defense of a claim covered by Section 145(a) or (b), without an inquiry into whether such person has met the conduct requirements of Section 145(a) or (b). See, Cochran v. Stifel Financial Corp., Del. Ch. C.A. No. 17350 (Dec. 13, 2000), aff’d in part and reversed in part, both on unrelated grounds, 809 A.2d 555 (Del. 2002). Section 145(f) prohibits the elimination or impairment of a right to indemnification or to advancement by amendment to the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification is sought, unless the provision in effect at the time of the act or omission explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such act or omission has occurred. The amendment to Section 145(f) clarifies that such prohibition applies in the case of any repeal or elimination of the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws. Section 10. Section 10 of this Act amends Section 212(c) to add a new subsection (3), which clarifies that a stockholder or member may rely on Section 116 as basis to document a proxy and to sign and deliver a document evidencing the proxy, unless an express provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws adopted in accordance with Section 116(b) prohibits or restricts those actions being taken by electronic means. An amendment to subsection (1) of Section 212(c) simplifies the language but does not enact a substantive change. Section 11. Section 11 of this Act amends Section 213(b). To conform to amended Section 228(d), Section 213(b) is being amended to eliminate redundant references to where, and to whom, a consent may be delivered. Section 12. Section 12 of this Act amends Section 228. Section 228(d) is being amended by deleting the provisions on documenting, signing and delivering a consent by electronic means, so that those actions may be effected pursuant to amended Section 116, unless an express provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws adopted in accordance with Section 116(b) restricts or prohibits a consent from being documented, signed or delivered electronically. The last sentence of amended Section 228(d)(1) requires certain additional information to be provided to the corporation in connection with delivering a consent electronically. Redundant references to where, and to whom, a consent may be delivered have been deleted from amended Sections 228(a) and (b). References to “written consents” or consents set forth “in writing” have been replaced with a new sentence added to Section 228(c) stating that a consent must be set forth in writing or in an electronic transmission. Section 13. Section 13 of this Act amends Section 232(b) to clarify that a stockholder’s or member’s consent is not required in order for a corporation to give the stockholder or member notices by electronic mail pursuant to Section 232(a). Section 14. Section 14 of this Act amends Section 251(g)(7) to eliminate the requirement, in connection with a merger pursuant to such Section, that the organizational documents of the surviving entity contain provisions identical to the certificate of incorporation of the constituent corporation immediately prior to the merger. This amendment shall not be construed to eliminate the requirement in Section 251(g) that the organizational documents of the surviving entity contain provisions requiring approval of the holding company's stockholders for any act or transaction by the surviving entity that, if taken by the constituent corporation immediately prior to the merger, would have required stockholder approval. This Act also makes clerical changes to Section 251(g)(4). The amendments to Section 251(g) shall be effective with respect to agreements of merger or consolidation consummated pursuant to an agreement entered into on or after their enactment into law. Section 15. Section 15 of this Act amends Section 262(b) to conform to the amendments to Section 363 relating to public benefit corporations. The amendments to Section 262 shall be effective with respect to a merger or consolidation consummated pursuant to an agreement entered into, or, with respect to a merger consummated pursuant to Section 253, resolutions of the board of directors adopted, on or after their enactment into law. Section 16. Section 16 of this Act amends Section 266 to reflect the current practice of the Office of the Secretary of State relating to the issuance of a certified copy of a certificate of conversion to non-Delaware entity. Section 17. Sections 17, 18 and 19 of this Act amend Sections 363, 365 and 367, respectively. The amendments to Section 363 will lower from two-thirds to a majority the stockholder vote required for (1) amendments to a certificate of incorporation that convert a conventional corporation into a public benefit corporation or convert a public benefit corporation into a conventional corporation and (2) mergers that convert shares of conventional corporations into shares of public benefit corporations or shares of public benefit corporations into shares of conventional corporations. Those amendments will also eliminate appraisal rights for (1) amendments to a certificate of incorporation that convert a conventional corporation into a public benefit corporation and (2) mergers that convert shares of conventional corporations into shares of public benefit corporations. The amendments to Section 363(b)(2) shall be effective with respect to a merger or consolidation consummated pursuant to an agreement entered into, or, with respect to a merger consummated pursuant to Section 253, resolutions of the board of directors adopted, on or after their enactment into law. The amendments to Section 365(c)(1) clarify that, for the purposes of Section 365(b), a director will not be interested with respect to a balancing decision due to the director’s interest in stock of the corporation, except to the extent that such ownership would create a conflict of interest if the corporation were not a public benefit corporation and (2) provide that any failure to satisfy the balancing requirement shall not constitute an act or omission not in good faith for the purposes of Section 102(b)(7) or Section 145, unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise provides. The amendments to Section 367 clarify that any lawsuit to enforce the balancing requirement to which public benefit corporations are subject must be brought by plaintiffs owning at least 2% of the corporation’s outstanding shares or, in the case of certain listed companies, shares with a value of at least $2,000,000 if such number is lower. Section 18. Section 20 of this Act amends Section 377(b) to conform the process relating to the resignation of a registered agent of a foreign corporation to the process applicable to the resignation of a registered agent of a corporation under Section 136. Section 19. Section 21 of this Act amends Section 391(a)(16) to include the maximum fee payable to the Secretary of State for a written report of a record search. Section 20. Sections 22 through 24 of this Act relate to the effectiveness of the amendments to Title 8. Section 22 of this Act provides that each of Sections 1 through 3, Sections 5 through 13, Section 16, and Sections 17 (other than with respect to the repeal of Section 363(b)(2)) through 21 of this Act is effective upon its enactment into law. Section 23 of this Act provides that Section 4 of this Act is effective retroactively as of January 1, 2020 with respect to any emergency condition occurring on or after such date and with respect to any action contemplated by Section 4 of this Act and taken on or after such date by or on behalf of the corporation with respect to a meeting of stockholders held or a dividend as to which the record date or payment date is anticipated to occur during the pendency of such condition. Section 24 of this Act provides that each of Sections 14, 15 and 17 (solely with respect to the repeal of Section 363(b)(2)) of this Act is effective only with respect to a merger or consolidation consummated pursuant to an agreement entered into, or, with respect to a merger consummated pursuant to Section 253, resolutions of the board of directors adopted, on or after enactment into law of such Section. AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 8 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW.
HB 345SignedMitchellDue to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19, several legislative task forces and committees have not been able to fulfill the reporting requirements of the task force’s or committee’s enabling legislation and need additional time to complete the necessary work to prepare a report. This Act extends the following legislative task forces and committees: (1) The Pharmacy Reimbursement Task Force. (2) The Local Service Functions Task Force. (3) The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services Task Force. (4) The Department of Health and Social Services Reorganization Committee. (5) The Non-Acute Patient Medical Guardianship Task Force. (6) The task force created to study volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. (7) The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.AN ACT EXTENDING CERTAIN LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCES AND COMMITTEES.
HB 347SignedJaquesThis Act continues in effect a provision contained in the Sixth Modification of the Declaration of a State of emergency for the State of Delaware Due to a Public Health Threat issued on March 24, 2020 which allows the Director of Management and Budget to approve the extension of statutory time periods pertaining to procurement of goods and services by State agencies for up to 15 days, permits bids and proposals to be submitted electronically, allows for electronic execution of documents and dispenses with any requirement that bids or responses to requests for proposals be published and recorded in the presence of interested parties.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.
HB 349 w/ HA 1SignedQ. JohnsonThis bill codifies portions of the Second and Nineteenth Modifications of the Governor's Declaration of State of Emergency due to COVID-19 concerning food and drink establishments. Food and drink establishments suffered great losses since March, 2020 due to the pandemic including millions of dollars in lost sales and the loss of an estimated 30,000 jobs in this State. This purpose of this bill is to continue efforts to try and mitigate the losses this industry has suffered. This bill does all of the following: (1) allows an entity that has a valid on-premise license to sell alcohol to continue to alcoholic beverages as part of transactions for take-out, curbside, or drive-through food service so long as certain conditions are met; (2) allows a licensee to continue to use outdoor seating for serving of food and drinks so long as the licensee satisfies certain conditions; (3) allows the Commissioner to temporarily suspend a license only if the Commissioner has reasonable grounds to believe that public's safety is at risk and there has been a violation of the law; and (4) allows the Commissioner to hold hearings by electronic, telephonic, or remote means. This Act is effective until March 31, 2021. Any expansion of outdoor seating for serving of food and drinks that meets the requirements of the Paragraph A.2 of the 19th Modification of the State of Emergency Declaration, or any subsequent modification that increases total outdoor seating capacity, is not a substantive change through March 31, 2021 even if the State of Emergency is no longer in effect, which means no additional applications are required.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS.
SB 240SignedMcDowellThis Bill is the Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations Act. AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EXPENSE OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021; SPECIFYING CERTAIN PROCEDURES, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; AND AMENDING CERTAIN PERTINENT STATUTORY PROVISIONS.
SJR 3SignedMcDowellThis Resolution provides the official revenue, refund, and unencumbered funds estimates for Fiscal Year 2021.THE OFFICIAL GENERAL FUND REVENUE ESTIMATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021.
SJR 2SignedMcDowellThis Resolution provides the official revenue, refund, and unencumbered funds estimates for Fiscal Year 2020.THE OFFICIAL GENERAL FUND REVENUE ESTIMATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020.

Legislation Passed By House of Representatives

No Legislation Passed By House

Senate Committee Assignments

No Senate Committee Assignments

House Committee Assignments

Committee
Administration
Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce
Health & Human Development
Labor
Natural Resources

Senate Committee Report

No Senate Committee Report

House Committee Report

No House Committee Report

Senate Defeated Legislation

BillCurrent StatusSponsorSynopsisTitle
SB 242SignedSokolaThis Bill is the Fiscal Year 2021 Bond and Capital Improvements ActA BOND AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND CERTAIN OF ITS AUTHORITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE STATE; APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS OF THE DELAWARE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY; APPROPRIATING SPECIAL FUNDS OF THE DELAWARE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY; APPROPRIATING GENERAL FUNDS AND SPECIAL FUNDS OF THE STATE; REPROGRAMMING CERTAIN FUNDS OF THE STATE; SPECIFYING CERTAIN PROCEDURES, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; AND AMENDING CERTAIN STATUTORY PROVISIONS.

House Defeated Legislation

No House Defeated Legislation

Nominations Enacted upon by the Senate

NomineeStatusCommission/BoardReappointment
Adams, JohnConfirmedJustice of the PeaceReappointment
Bey, KhayreeConfirmedProfessional Standards BoardNew
Cairns, VictoriaConfirmedMerit Employee Relations BoardReappointment
Chambers, GregoryConfirmedPublic Employment Relations BoardNew
Coker, JoanConfirmedUniversity of Delaware Board of TrusteesReappointment
Collins, MarkConfirmedChair of the Agricultural Lands Preservation FoundationNew
Conner, MarkConfirmedJudge of Superior CourtNew
Cox, DouglasConfirmedJustice of the PeaceReappointment
DeBonte, KimConfirmedCommissioner of Family CourtReappointment
Decker, HenryConfirmedDelaware Thoroughbred Racing CommissionReappointment
Freud, AndreaConfirmedCommissioner of Superior CourtReappointment
Glenn, DianeConfirmedDelaware Technical & Community College Board of TrusteesReappointment
Hare, MichaelConfirmedDelaware Technical & Community College Board of TrusteesReappointment
Horton, MonicaConfirmedJudge of Court of Common PleasNew
Howard, AliciaConfirmedCommissioner of Superior CourtReappointment
Jewell, MichelleConfirmedJustice of the PeaceReappointment
Karia, ManubhaiConfirmedCash Management Policy BoardReappointment
Konowitz, HerbertConfirmedBoard of ParoleReappointment
Levine, RichardConfirmedDelaware Thoroughbred Racing CommissionReappointment
Liguori, StephanieConfirmedDelaware Harness Racing CommissionReappointment
Magarik, MollyConfirmedSecretary of the Department of Health and Social ServicesNew
Marecki, EdwardConfirmedEnhanced 911 Emergency Reporting System ServiceReappointment
Maron, ElizabethConfirmedPublic Employment Relations BoardReappointment
Maull, PatriciaConfirmedIndustrial Accident BoardReappointment
McKenzie-Dantzler, MaryConfirmedIndustrial Accident BoardReappointment
Mieczkowski, FrancisConfirmedCommissioner of Family CourtNew
Mims, RaeConfirmedJudge of Court of Common PleasNew
Mitchell, RobertConfirmedIndustrial Accident BoardReappointment
Montigney, CaseyConfirmedProfessional Standards BoardNew
Murowany, MarkConfirmedIndustrial Accident BoardReappointment
Patterson, WilliamConfirmedDelaware Thoroughbred Racing CommissionReappointment
Potts, JohnConfirmedJustice of the PeaceReappointment
Puglisi, DonaldConfirmedUniversity of Delaware Board of TrusteesReappointment
Rapp, MelissaConfirmedProfessional Standards BoardNew
Ratchford, MichaelConfirmedDelaware River and Bay AuthorityReappointment
Sammons, JenniferConfirmedJustice of the PeaceReappointment
Talbert, ErnestConfirmedDelaware Technical & Community College Board of TrusteesReappointment
Taylor, KerryConfirmedJustice of the PeaceReappointment
Willey, ScottConfirmedJustice of the PeaceReappointment