Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus

05/28/2026

When pressed, SB 272’s sponsor could not explain why this legislation was needed. Experts in the industry testified that it will harm merit shop contractors, minority-owned business, and raise the cost of school construction projects.

Hear this full discussion and more on the latest episode of our caucus’s podcast, For The Record. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

05/27/2026

Senator Pettyjohn, Deanna, Matt, and Blake discuss the long night of session from this past Thursday that featured extensive debate on SB 272 and SB 300. Could this be a preview of what's to come in June? They also provide insight on various bills including the pros and cons of HB 440, which would have proposed changes to the Delaware Constitution be considered through a statewide referendum.

The full episode is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LHIQfRgV7mVuYQtieaFBV?si=ni7VqwwLTzey1-bwHHW0iQ

YouTube: https://youtu.be/IEoEPWfy7o0

Senator Pettyjohn, Deanna, Matt, and Blake discuss the long night o...

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today, and their courage will never be forgotten.

05/22/2026

Thursday in the Delaware Senate featured nearly six hours of debate, major policy fights, and several key votes.

In our latest Substack recap, we break down:

• Why Senate Republicans opposed SB 272 and SB 300
• Concerns about taxpayer costs, overregulation, and enforcing laws already on the books
• Two Republican-sponsored bills that passed this week, including legislation honoring Delaware veterans ahead of Memorial Day

A full recap of yesterday in Dover is in the comments below.

05/22/2026

After more than five hours of debate, including extensive questions from members of our caucus and testimony from experts on both measures, Senate Bills 272 and 300 passed the Delaware Senate.

SB 272 would require project labor agreements on certain public school construction projects costing $5 million or more when multiple union-affiliated bids are submitted for a craft. Critics argue the measure could reduce competition among contractors and drive up construction costs for taxpayers.

SB 300 creates a new state licensing framework for federal fi****ms dealers and imposes a lengthy list of additional requirements related to recordkeeping, inspections, compliance, and more. Critics also raised concerns that while supporters say the bill does not create a gun registry, it establishes a framework that could make such a system easier to implement in the future. Many experts in the fi****ms policy space contend the bill does, in effect, create a registry.

Our caucus will continue fighting legislation we believe represents government overreach and harms small business owners.

Both measures now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

05/21/2026

Members of the Senate Republican Caucus were proud to join students from the FFA chapters of Milford, Woodbridge, and Lake Forest for a great conversation about the future of agriculture in Delaware.

Students asked thoughtful questions about agriculture legislation, the evolving challenges facing farmers, and how the industry continues to adapt in a changing world. Farming remains a critical part of Delaware’s economy, communities, and future.

Thank you to these outstanding students and advisors for taking the time to meet with us and for their passion for preserving Delaware’s strong farming tradition for the next generation.

05/21/2026

The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon to consider a quite lengthy agenda. A few bills we have discussed over the past few weeks will be debated, including SB 272 and SB 300.

The livestream link, additional information about each bill, and more can be found at legis.delaware.gov.

05/19/2026

Last Thursday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 249 along party lines. During debate, the bill sponsor stated that Seattle, Washington was the model jurisdiction to showcase the success of what this legislation is intended to achieve.

News reports out of Seattle and first hand accounts of people on the ground tell a different story.

SB 249 has been assigned to the House Health & Human Development Committee. If you support safe, clean neighborhoods and don't want the streets of Delaware turning into Kensington or Seattle, contact your state representative today and urge them to OPPOSE SB 249.

05/15/2026

Senators Pettyjohn & Buckson, Deanna, and Matt discuss two concerning pieces of legislation making their way through the General Assembly, Senate Bill 249 and House Bill 375. SB 249 passed the Senate this week and HB 375 cleared the House Health Committee last week and is now assigned to the House Appropriations Committee.

Hear more about each bill on the latest episode of For The Record, now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Cem2VU4b65P3wpvL3I9Oi?si=b928zfKtRzG_fOzNsF11-Q

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qvObI9C9PeY

Senators Pettyjohn & Buckson, Deanna, and Matt discuss two concerning pieces of legislation making their way through the General Assembly, Senate Bill 249 an...

05/14/2026

SB 249 is on today's Senate agenda. The legislation would decriminalize drug paraphernalia for personal use and establish state-licensed programs required to make available sterile supplies including needles, syringes, cookers, cotton, tourniquets, mouthpieces, filters, and straws.

Senator Buckson has long sought solutions to assist those struggling with addiction and homelessness, but he strongly opposes this approach. Check out his thoughts in this short clip.