Delaware State House of Representatives - Republican Caucus

05/28/2026

Good reporting by Spotlight Delaware...

Delaware officials intend to close a funding gap for a new port in Edgemoor with the help of an extra $110 million from the state.

05/26/2026

NEWS: Bill Would Prevent Police from Publicly Sharing Photos When Seeking Most Suspects

MAY 26, 2026 -- A bill passed by the House of Representatives in a contested vote last Tuesday would bar police from seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects in most crimes.

House Bill 59 (as amended) has two distinct aspects. The first would bar law-enforcement agencies from releasing or publishing the names and photos of anyone they arrest unless the person is charged with a violent felony and sharing the information is necessary to protect the public’s safety.

In presenting the bill on the House floor, State Rep. Sean Lynn (D-Dover), who practices criminal law in Dover, said that arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty and that publishing their names and images imposes an unjust stigma on them.

“The Dover P-D published every Saturday, Dover Saturday Shoplifters, [which included] the arrest photos of dozens of people who were merely arrested for the misdemeanor offense of shoplifting,” he said. “It subjects these individuals to public ridicule and shame, regardless of the disposition of the crime. If those people were acquitted or the charges were dismissed, the law enforcement agency would never go back and remove those social media posts.”

While there was apparent bipartisan agreement on this part of the bill, the measure’s second aspect drew criticism. It would ban police from sharing the images of wanted suspects with the public unless the alleged crime was a felony offense and the release was deemed “necessary to protect the public’s safety.”

State Rep. Shannon Morris (R-Harrington, Felton) told the chamber that, while he was very supportive of shielding the names and photos of people arrested for misdemeanors, he would be forced to vote against the bill because of its second provision. “We have law enforcement agencies up and down that state that regularly ask for the community’s help to identify a suspect,” he said. “I just think we’re taking away a very important tool [from] law enforcement.”

State Rep. Valarie Jones Giltner (R-Georgetown) took a similar position, noting that the Georgetown Police Department regularly asks for the public’s help in identifying shoplifting suspects, a practice that would be halted if the bill were enacted.

Under Delaware law, shoplifting is a misdemeanor if the total value of the items stolen is less than $1,500.

“My Hispanic community in Georgetown has theft in their grocery stores… [and] they need to be able to tell the Georgetown Police Department, ‘this is who your suspect is, go after him,’” she said. “[Hundreds of dollars] is not small potatoes to the people that own these small grocery stores…This is not an ‘innocent until proven guilty’ [situation]. This is about asking the community to help source and identify a suspect.”

States such as Utah, Louisiana, New York, Washington, and California have laws that limit public access to booking information or restrict its use on social media platforms.

However, there do not appear to be any states currently barring police from issuing photos or videos when seeking a suspect. Generally, law enforcement agencies are empowered to share such material with the public to advance active investigations.

The bill passed without Republican support on a party-line vote of 23 to 11.

The legislation is currently pending action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The General Assembly is currently in recess for budget hearings. Lawmakers resume work on June 9.

IN PHOTO: State Rep. Valarie Jones Giltner debates House Bill 59 with the bill's sponsor, State Rep. Sean Lynn, in the House last Tuesday.

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

NEWS: Disputed “Ghost Gun” Proposal Moves Forward, Despite Unanswered Questions

May 22, 2026 -- A bill seeking to circumvent ongoing litigation over a controversial state gun law will advance after clearing a House committee earlier this week, despite unanswered questions over its legality or practicality.

Under a 2021 state law, it is a felony offense to own or manufacture so-called “ghost guns” -- fi****ms and components lacking serial numbers. The law also bars the use of a 3-D printer to make a “firearm, firearm receiver, or major firearm component” or distributing data files that could be used to create such devices.

However, that law has been under a federal injunction since September 2022. U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika found that the ban likely infringes on citizens’ Second Amendment rights, noting that the right to keep and bear arms includes the right to manufacture them. The court emphasized that the self-manufacture of fi****ms is a deeply rooted tradition in American history and that the state had not provided sufficient evidence to justify the ban.

The 2021 law also lacked a clear path for people owning unserialized guns or parts to move into compliance.

On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee released House Bill 418, which the sponsors say is intended to “clean up” Delaware’s ghost gun law. The proposal would create a protocol for individuals who already possess unnumbered fi****ms to comply by having them serialized through a federally licensed dealer or rendering them inoperable. The measure would continue to prohibit the possession of any firearm lacking a serial number, with violators facing a class D or E felony.

“The bill...is intended to address a specific portion of the injunction that prevented this law from going into effect in Delaware,” said Delaware Deputy Attorney General John Taylor. “I can’t address the specifics of the ongoing litigation except to say the Department of Justice believes it is constitutional.”

Committee member, State Rep. Jeff Hilovsky (R-Long Neck, Oak Orchard) challenged that statement. “How is this possibly constitutional?” he asked. “Physical seizure of personal property without any remedy or compensation. Depriving [a citizen] of personal property without a hearing [violating]…due process.”

In a later exchange with Rep. Hilovsky, the bill’s prime sponsor, State Rep. Kendra Johnson (D-Bear, New Castle) said, “We are trying to do the right thing for people by making a good faith effort to allow folks to legally possess their guns.”

Rep. Hilovsky responded, saying that while the new legislation may be “less unconstitutional" compared to the law it is trying to fix, “it’s still unconstitutional.”

Rep. Johnson disagreed, stating: “Constitutional versus unconstitutional, I think that is a point of reference or a frame of mind. I understand that you believe it to be unconstitutional. I don’t see it that way…We see this in two very different ways.”

Jeff Hauge, president of the Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, testified before the committee, saying the new proposal misses the mark. He noted that the U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Club v. Bruen, which was issued the year after Delaware’s original ghost gun law was enacted, fundamentally changed how the constitutionality of fi****ms laws is assessed. He said under that standard, House Bill 418 is just as flawed as the statute it is trying to patch.

National Rifle Association lobbyist Rick Armitage told the lawmakers the proposal has a more pragmatic problem. “FFLs (federal firearm license holders) are not trained gunsmiths. How are they going to assign and put a serial number on a frame…and how are they going to identify that hobbyist as the manufacturer?... How are you going to make this work? I don’t understand, and I don’t think it was explained to the committee.”

The bill was voted out of committee on a party-line vote, with majority Democrats accounting for the measure’s release. The bill is now on the House Ready List and is eligible for consideration on the House floor.

IN PHOTO, FROM LEFT: House Judiciary Committee members, State Reps. Jeff Hilovsky and Charles Postles (R-Milford North) listen to testimony during Wednesday's hearing on House Bill 418.

05/19/2026

GOVERNMENT: Revenue from Delaware corporate franchise tax sees 1% growth between FY ’25-’26

FROM BAY TO BAY NEWS, DAILY Daily State News at baytobaynews.com

By Kaitlyn Cupelli

NEW CASTLE — An update on the state’s corporate franchise numbers was provided at a Monday, May 18, meeting of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council.

According to the Department of State, revenue from the tax grew 1% between fiscal years 2025 and ’26, from $1,324,400,000 to $1,338,000,000, as of May.

In the meantime, limited partnerships/limited liability companies and business entity fees both saw larger year-over-year revenue increases, at 10.1% and 7.9%, respectively.

DEFAC chair Alan Levin noted Monday that he had asked the State Department to do a “deeper dive” into LLC formations and other revenue numbers after the council’s last meeting in March.

At said meeting, then-member Mike Houghton questioned how much of the entity formations in Delaware’s franchise were from LLCs (which tend to bring in smaller revenues) and how many were initial public offerings (what the biggest corporations tend to register as, thus bringing in more money), since updated numbers were not being provided at that time.

Mr. Houghton was subsequently removed from the board by Gov. Matt Meyer.

A breakdown of the formation types for calendar year 2025 shows:

A 15.4% increase in new business entities from 2024, with 334,461 more.
1,830,190 total LLCs and LPs created.
425,765 total corporations formed.
31,773 “other” entities developed.
A 6% increase over 2024 in the total number of entities formed, with 2,287,728 more.
For fiscal 2026, the Department of State estimates that $2.1 billion will go toward Delaware’s general fund from the corporate franchise by June 30.

Secretary of state Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez began her presentation Monday by defending the condition of the corporate franchise, as well as the agency’s decision not to update data in March.

“It is critical that, when you speak about the franchise, Delaware speaks in one informed voice,” she said. “As this relates to the last DEFAC meeting, there has been quite a lot of noise. So, let me be crystal clear: … During the last DEFAC meeting, held on March 16, we presented numbers that indicated that, at that time, the Division of Corporations was not changing its forecast from December, except for the (Uniform Commercial Code) line.

“The increases in entity formations in 2025 were initially captured in our December projections. March tax payments were not fully received, refunded or reconciled. Therefore, the division did what it has done in the last several years in a row: It did not change its forecasts in March.”

During DEFAC’s last four March meetings, no changes have been made to the franchise tax projection.

However, in March 2022, there was a $155 million revenue increase from the December 2021 meeting.

Further, council member Wayne Smith, the former president of the Delaware Healthcare Association, noted that a study by the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance seems to suggest a weakening in the percentage of IPOs that have historically incorporated in Delaware — by up to 7% since 2024.

In response, Ms. Patibanda-Sanchez noted, “We do trust that information, and there was a slight decrease in ideal percentages overall in 2025. However, it is not enough data points for us to show that it is a trend.

“But I can say that the IPO number, so far for this calendar year, has been up from last year. So, I don’t think that it’s a trend based on that.”

She added that most of the IPOs that left Delaware in 2025 went to the Cayman Islands and other territories abroad. Nevada — commonly cited as taking the state’s corporations in a move termed “DExit” — did not acquire any more than it usually does, according to the secretary.

Also Monday, the chair of the Joint Finance Committee, Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Dover, questioned how the 1% increase in revenue from the franchise tax compares to past years, since “it is a low number.” Ms. Patibanda-Sanchez replied that she’s unsure.

She did note, however, that there were massive increases in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic.

DEFAC’s last meeting of this fiscal year is June 15.

05/18/2026

NEWS: State Revenue Forecast Released Today Predicts the State will Receive an Additional $196 Million

MAY 18, 2026 -- The Delaware Economic Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) issued its latest state revenue estimate earlier this afternoon for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027, which begins July 1.

This estimate is the fourth in a series of five and will play a major role in determining state spending.

By law, Delaware budget writers can appropriate no more than 98% of expected state revenue. Since the last forecast was issued in March, the amount of this anticipated "spendable" cash increased by $196 million to $7.328 billion.

The additional funds include higher-than-expected collections for FY 2026 and increased projections for FY 2027 for personal income tax, franchise fees, limited partnerships fees, limited liability company fees, insurance taxes, and gross receipts tax.

The new forecast provides a little breathing room for state budget writers. The total spending contained in the governor's recommended appropriations bills he unveiled in January--the General Fund Operating Budget, Capital Budget (a.k.a., the Bond Bill), the Grants-in-Aid Bill, etc.--was $7.245 billion.

Legislative budget writers will use today's estimate to draft the state's spending plans, setting them, more or less, into their final forms. The measures will be slightly tweaked in late next month to align with the last revenue forecast.

05/15/2026

NEWS: Two New Bills Seek to Help Working Delawareans

MAY 15, 2026 -- Two bills under consideration at Legislative Hall seek to help working Delawareans keep more of the money they earn and increase the affordability of childcare.

House Bill 387, a bipartisan measure sponsored by State Reps. Jeff Hilovsky, in photo (R-Long Neck, Oak Orchard), and Melanie Ross Levin (D-Tallleyville), would increase state subsidies for childcare — a.k.a. Purchase of Care.

At present, program eligibility is capped at 200% of the federal poverty level. For reference, a family of four would currently need a household income below $66,000 to qualify. The proposal would raise the eligibility cap in phased increments to 275% of the federal poverty level. The law would expire after five years unless the General Assembly acted to extend it.

“In Delaware, infant care costs an average of $15,607 a year,” said Rep. Hilovsky, testifying before the House Health & Human Development Committee on Wednesday. "Regulatory barriers continue to limit the number of [childcare] providers who can even open their doors or expand, and our purchase of care program is frozen at 200% of the federal poverty level. The combined effect of these facts leaves working families ineligible for help, not because they are comfortable, but because they earn one dollar too many.”

Rep. Hilovsky characterized the bill's benefits as multifaceted. "Currently, Delaware's labor force participation rate is 59.4% as of late 2025. That is the lowest in the mid-Atlantic and nearly four full points below the national average. In its 2025 annual economic report, our Department of Labor confirmed that the state's participation rate was the lowest since record-keeping began in 1976. That's not just a statistic; that is the reality of a working parent who left the workforce because they couldn't make the math work for childcare."

Rep. Hilovsky noted that North Carolina, Michigan, and Kentucky boosted childcare subsidies, generating strong economic growth while helping parents to stay employed and advance their careers. "When the parents can count on reliable childcare, they show up, they stay...and businesses grow. This is a family security bill, a jobs bill, and an economic development bill."

The legislation was released from committee and is on the House Ready List, but the fiscal note (its expected cost) has not yet been completed.

A second piece of legislation aimed at helping working Delawareans is pending action in the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee.

Sponsored by Sen. Bryant Richardson (R-Seaford) and Rep. Bryan Shupe (R-Milford South, Ellendale), Senate Bill 299 would provide tax relief to those working overtime.

SB 299 would establish a Delaware personal income tax credit of up to $15,000 for overtime income. The credit would phase out for individuals earning more than $125,000 annually and joint filers earning more than $250,000, with the credit fully phased out at higher income thresholds.

The legislation is designed to benefit working Delawareans across a wide range of professions, including healthcare workers, first responders, tradesmen, manufacturing employees, transportation workers, and others who regularly work extra hours to meet the demands of their jobs.

“Too many hardworking Delawareans are struggling with rising costs while sacrificing additional time away from their families through overtime work,” said Sen. Richardson. “This legislation recognizes men and women who are willing to put in those extra hours to keep our economy moving and provide for their households.”

Rep. Shupe said the measure "puts more money in the pockets of the people who work the hourly jobs that keep our society running — nurses pulling double shifts, factory workers staying late, and every hourly wage-earner sacrificing time with family to bring home a few extra dollars. By creating a state tax credit for overtime earnings, we’re recognizing that hard work should be rewarded, not penalized.”

At present, the bill has no Democratic sponsors, and the fiscal note has not yet been completed.

05/14/2026

OPINION: So Here's the Thing...on Changing Delaware's EV Rebate Program

MAY 14, 2026 -- On a party-line vote, the House of Representatives on Tuesday passed House Bill 348, a measure that would make changes to a program that uses ratepayer dollars to lower the cost of electric vehicles. House Republicans opposed the proposal. House Republican Caucus Director of Policy & Communications Joe Fulgham explains why.

05/12/2026

NEWS: STATE REP. KEVIN HENSLEY ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION AT THE END OF THIS TERM

MAY 12, 2026 -- State Rep. Kevin Hensley (R-Odessa), first elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 2014, today announced that he will not be seeking another term in November.

Citing recent health challenges, Rep. Hensley stated that he has decided to not seek re-election. He will complete the remainder of his current term, which ends in November 2026.

Rep. Hensley said, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of the 9th District. I am deeply grateful for the trust they have placed in me over the years.”

Rep. Hensley represents the 9th District, which includes the Odessa, Townsend, and Port Penn areas. Outside of his legislative duties, Kevin also runs his own small business, serving as an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Eagle. He is also a Founding Member of the MOT Charter School and a Past School Board Member of the Appoquinimink School Board.

Over his 12 years in office, Kevin has been committed to working to improve public education in Delaware. One of his most important accomplishments has been championing legislation that has earmarked millions of dollars in state funding for school safety and security improvements throughout Delaware.

As the father of a child with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), Kevin has also been a tireless champion for nonprofit causes that support members of the IDD community. He was a steadfast advocate for the Michael McNesby Full-Funding for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Act, groundbreaking disability legislation focused on raising wages for front-line workers and ensuring a more stable, sustainable service system. In October 2022, Kevin received the “I/DD Champion Award” from Ability Network of Delaware for his efforts in securing increased state funding to go toward the Direct Support Professional care of individuals with disabilities.

Last month, Rep. Hensley was inducted into the New Castle County Board of Realtors Hall of Fame in recognition of his 30-year real estate career. In 2021, Odessa Fire Company awarded Kevin with an Honorary Membership to their organization for his tireless support of the fire department during his legislative tenure. In 2018, Rep. Hensley received the “Defender of Housing” award from the Home Builders Association of Delaware.

“Serving the people of this district has been the greatest honor of my career. I’ve always tried to make myself accessible, to listen carefully, and to respond when people needed help. Our monthly Constituent Coffees were never just events — they were opportunities to learn directly from the people I was elected to serve,” stated Rep. Hensley.

Kevin serves on the following House Committees: Economic Development/ Banking/Insurance & Commerce; Education; Health & Human Development; Housing; and Veterans Affairs. Rep. Hensley has been appointed to serve on the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) as the representative for the House Minority Caucus. He also serves on the ad-hoc House Small Business Caucus.

Prior to being elected himself, Kevin had the honor of serving as a Legislative Assistant to the late U.S. Senator William V. Roth, where his passion for public service really began.

Kevin has two grown children: Julia and Ryan.

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05/08/2026

NEWS: “Safe Schools Sentry Act” Seeks to Expand School Security Options

MAY 8, 2026 -- Sen. Eric Buckson (R-South Dover) and House Republican Whip Jeff Spiegelman (R-Clayton) are sponsoring a new measure to improve school safety.

Senate Bill 304, a.k.a. the “Safe Schools Sentry Act," would provide private schools with tools to enhance campus safety and protect students and staff.

The bill seeks to create a narrowly tailored exemption within Delaware’s Safe School Zone law that would allow trained and authorized individuals, referred to as “sentries,” to carry a firearm or projectile weapon on private school property, subject to strict requirements and oversight.

Sentries must be employees of the private school, possess a valid concealed carry permit or qualifying law enforcement credentials, complete firearm and active threat response training, undergo school security officer training through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, and carry school-approved identification. Schools must also notify local law enforcement agencies if they choose to authorize a sentry.

“Every school deserves the ability to protect its students and staff, regardless of whether it can afford a full-time school resource officer or constable,” said Sen. Buckson. “SB 304 gives private schools the flexibility to enhance campus security while maintaining strong training and accountability standards.”

Rep. Spiegelman echoed Sen. Buckson’s sentiments, noting that private schools often lack the budget for a full-time constable or school resource officer. “By establishing a trained, authorized sentry option, this bill delivers a realistic and cost-effective solution to strengthen student safety,” he said.

Several other states have adopted similar exemptions allowing trained personnel to serve in school security roles, including Indiana, Ohio, Utah, Kansas, and Wyoming.

Among the co-sponsors of the proposal are House Republicans, Rich Collins (R-Millsboro), Tim Dukes (R-Laurel), Danny Short (R-Seaford), and Lyndon Yearick (R-Camden, Woodside).

SB 304 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.