Daily Report for 7/21/2020

Governor's Actions

BillCurrent StatusSponsorSynopsisTitle
SB 201 w/ SA 1SignedTownsendThis Act makes additional technical changes to Senate Bill No. 122 and Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 122. The Senate Substitute unanimously passed both chambers during the 1st Session of the 150th General Assembly. Section 1 of this Act creates the Delaware Perinatal Quality Collaborative to improve pregnancy outcomes for women and newborns and such issues as obstetrical blood loss management, pregnant women with substance use disorder, infants impacted by neonatal abstinence syndrome, and advancing evidence-based clinical practices and processes through quality care review, audit, and continuous quality improvement. Section 2 of this Act establishes the Chair of the Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium as the temporary chair of the Collaborative to guide the Collaborative’s initial organization. AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERINATAL QUALITY COLLABORATIVE.
HB 263 w/ HA 1SignedBentzThis Act requires that individual, group, and State employee insurance plans cap the amount an individual must pay for insulin prescriptions at $100 a month and must include at least 1 formulation of insulin on the lowest tier of the drug formulary developed and maintained by the carrier.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COST SHARING IN PRESCRIPTION INSULIN DRUGS.
SB 227SignedHansenThis Act brings the Division of Motor Vehicles into compliance with federal law by allowing a commercial learner permit to be issued for a period of up to 1 year. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LEARNER PERMITS.
SB 223SignedHansenThis Act brings Delaware into compliance with the federal No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act by creating a lifetime disqualification for a commercial diver license if the individual engages in human trafficking while using a motor vehicle. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DISQUALIFICATION FROM DRIVING A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE.
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.
SS 1 for SB 229SignedPettyjohnSenate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 229 differs from Senate Bill No. 229 by changing the word “competent” to “incompetent” as grounds for disqualification for the office of Commissioner. This Act amends the Town of Bridgeville Charter to establish a clear standard to determine whether a Commissioner is unable to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of Commissioner under the Charter. The current language of the Town of Bridgeville Charter is unclear regarding under what circumstances, if any, a Commissioner may be found to be unable to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office. This Act also makes corresponding changes to an existing section of the Town of Bridgeville Charter. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend a charter issued to a municipal corporation.AN ACT TO AMEND THE TOWN OF BRIDGEVILLE CHARTER RELATING TO DISQUALIFICATION OF ELECTIVE OFFICERS.
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 247SignedHansenThis Act ensures that the protections put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic related to notarizations do not cease immediately upon the lifting of the COVID-19 State of Emergency, but instead continue until June 30, 2021. The Act authorizes remote notarization and witnessing by Delaware attorneys via audio-visual technology and sets forth conditions under which they can be performed. The Delaware Governmental Offices’ requirement for a wet signature is waived. The Recorder of Deeds is required to accept documents notarized and witnessed under specified procedures in the Eleventh Modification. This Act ensures that the General Assembly will have another opportunity to express its will on continuing this protection by including an internal sunset date. AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC PROTECTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY AND NOTARIZATION.
SB 251SignedSturgeonThis Act ensures that the protections put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic related to marriage licenses do not cease immediately upon the lifting of the COVID-19 State of Emergency, but instead continue until June 30, 2021. This Act authorizes parties applying for a marriage license to appear together before an issuing officer via video-conference call and authorizes the issuing officer to witness the parties’ signatures on the marriage license application by video-conference call. This Act ensures that the General Assembly will have another opportunity to express its will on continuing this protection by including an internal sunset date. AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC PROTECTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY AND MARRIAGE LICENSES.
HB 352SignedOsienskiThis Act extends provisions in the First and Twentieth Modifications to the Declaration of a State of Emergency due to a Public Health Threat which authorize the Delaware Secretary of Labor to issue emergency rules amending the Delaware Unemployment Insurance Code to enhance flexibility in the program to meet the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation and quarantine suffered by Delaware employees as a result of the pandemic.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE POWERS OF THE DELAWARE SECRETARY OF LABOR RELATED TO UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
HS 1 for HB 348 w/ HA 1SignedBentzHouse Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 348 differs from HB 348 in the following ways: 1. In Paragraph 2 of the Preamble, the exact language from Governor Carney’s Second Modification of the March 12, 2020 Declaration of a State of Emergency pertaining to suspension of the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline Regulation 19 is incorporated to support Section 4 of the bill which specifies that physicians may prescribe opioids via telemedicine. 2. A new Paragraph 3 has been added to the Preamble to reference a Joint Order of Health and Social Services and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency dated March 24, 2020 specifying categories of out-of-state health care practitioners who will be authorized to practice in Delaware during the state of emergency occasioned by COVID-19. 3. The Substitute adds a requirement that out-of-state practitioners must complete a Medical Request Form and comply with any other regulations established by the Division of Professional Regulation. 4. The Substitute eliminates language limiting the practice of telemedicine by both physicians and APRNs without a practitioner-patient relationship to the existence of COVID-19. 5. The Substitute specifies that prescribing controlled substances including opioids prescribed via telemedicine is subject to the same standards of practice and includes a paragraph under existing law pertaining to authorization for APRNs to prescribe controlled substances and adds the authority to prescribe opioids by electronic means. 6. The Synopsis has been changed to reflect that practitioners covered include respiratory therapists and physician assistants and the other changes in the Substitute bill. This Act continues certain provisions in the Declaration of a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware dated March 12, 2020 due to a Public Health Threat as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as modified related to telemedicine. The Second Modification of the State of Emergency suspended all Title 24 statutory requirements that patients present in-person before telemedicine services may be provided and the requirement that a patient must be in Delaware at the time the telemedicine services are provided; this Act continues the suspension of those requirements, but specifies that the requirement that a patient present in-person prior to the delivery of telemedicine services is excused under circumstances which make in-person presentation impractical. The Tenth Modification of the State of Emergency suspended any requirement in regulation that required both audio and visual technology; this Act prohibits any regulation pertaining to telemedicine requiring visual communication so as to permit telemedicine services via non-smart phones or land line connections. It continues suspension of the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline Regulation 19 limiting the scope of telemedicine, including with respect to prescribing opioids. Professions not covered by this Act include those professionals who require direct supervision by the nature of the work such as licensed associate counselors of mental health. Such professionals may engage in telemedicine and telehealth as provided by existing law. Practitioners covered by the Medical Practices Act, 24 Del. C. Chapter 17 including Respiratory Care Practitioners and Physician Assistants, are covered by the Act. Professions covered by Title 24 which do not currently have statutory telemedicine authorization are not covered. This Act requires that telemedicine services permitted under this Act receive the same insurance coverage as under existing law. The Act expires on July 1, 2021.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 18 AND 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TELEMEDICINE SERVICES.

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