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For the Record

On this episode of For the Record, Senator Pettyjohn, Deanna, and Matt discuss legislation legalizing medically-assisted suicide, SB 78 that could guarantee boys are allowed to participate in girls' sports and access to locker rooms, new legislation that will allow for the release of level 5 offenders from prisoners, and more.

Available now on Spotify, YouTube and more!

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/6bv6kxvx

YouTube: https://youtu.be/w0o-OT1YMcE

State of the State

Senate and House Republican leadership spoke with the press immediately following Governor Meyer’s first State of the State address to the General Assembly. 

While leaders agreed with some of the positions the governor outlined, specifics about how to achieve these goals were not mentioned. 

Lacking in his speech were details about how to reduce government spending despite his Office of Management and Budget staff noting revenue shortfalls in the near future, how we’re going to improve education, and how the state will improve conditions for small businesses. 

Despite the uncalled for partisan shots at the top of the speech, Republicans in the General Assembly stand ready to tackle these issues with Governor Meyer and colleagues on the other side of the aisle.

Senator Buckson Introduces Bill to Curb Cell Phone Distractions in Delaware Schools

DOVER, DE – With classroom distractions, bullying concerns, and social media pressures continuing to rise, Senator Eric Buckson (R-South Dover) Wednesday introduced bipartisan legislation to empower Delaware’s schools to set stronger limits on student cell phone use during school hours.

Senate Bill 106 (SB 106) requires every Delaware school district and charter school to establish a clear, enforceable policy with educator input regarding student cell phone use during the school day. The bill outlines specific criteria these policies must meet while giving local education agencies the flexibility to tailor rules to their communities.

“As a former public school educator and a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how cell phones can undermine the learning environment,” said Senator Buckson. “This bill strikes a balance by respecting local control while ensuring schools take real action to reduce classroom distractions and foster more focused, respectful learning spaces.”

The legislation was drafted in response to overwhelming data pointing to the disruptive impact of cell phones in schools. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of public high school teachers identified cell phone distractions as a major issue. In Delaware, a Department of Education survey showed that 61% of teachers and staff found cell phone use to be very disruptive in the classroom.

The new legislation would require all school districts to:

- Define acceptable and unacceptable cell phone use

- Restrict cell phone use during instructional time

- Designate times and places where limited use is permitted

- Establish clear consequences for policy violations

- Include reasonable exceptions for emergencies or medical and educational needs

- Post the policy online by August 1, 2025

The bill also ensures implementation and enforcement responsibilities are shared school-wide rather than left solely to classroom educators.

“Cell phones aren’t going away, and they can be useful tools when used appropriately,” Buckson added. “But too often, they’re a barrier to learning, and we owe it to our students and teachers to set boundaries that support a healthy, focused classroom environment.”

SB 106 has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee and is expected to receive a committee hearing in the coming weeks.

Month of the Military Child at Lake Forest High School

Senator Lawson attended a Board of Education meeting at Lake Forest High School to express his appreciation for local military families. He praised their resilience and dedication, recognizing the vital role they play in both the community and the nation.

Senate Bill 49

Senator Pettyjohn's SB 49 passed the Senate, recognizing essential broadcasters and communications personnel as “first informers” during a state of emergency. This bill ensures these individuals can continue delivering critical information to the public by exempting them from driving restrictions during emergencies. Keeping Delawareans informed and safe remains a top priority for our caucus.

Senate Bill 52

Senate Bill 52, sponsored by Senator Eric Buckson, has passed the Senate. This legislation addresses critical staffing shortages in our schools and state agencies by removing outdated earning limits for state pensioners and shortening the separation-of-service period. It's a practical, commonsense step toward strengthening our workforce while ensuring continued compliance with federal law.

Tartan Day

Senator Wilson was proud to sponsor a resolution recognizing Tartan Day here in Delaware. We were fortunate to have the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums stop by Legislative Hall to mark the occasion with an outstanding performance

Coastal Delaware Community Clean-Up

Join the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce for the Coastal Delaware Community Clean-Up and help keep our beaches and roadways pristine! Volunteers can register online to adopt a section of roadway and receive cleanup- sign up today!