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Senator Hocker has requested that SB 65 be heard in committee on April 15.
SB 65 removes Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative program, ending the carbon credit costs that are built into your electric bill.
Through RGGI, Delaware has collected:
• $36,900,685 in 2022
• $37,940,266 in 2023
• $57,444,645 in 2024
• $59,646,725 in 2025
We’ve already exceeded our emissions goals, yet costs keep going up. It’s time for relief.
Ending RGGI means lower energy costs and immediate savings for Delaware families and small businesses.
| | Senate Advances Pettyjohn Bill Addressing Mental Health Provider Shortage | | |
DOVER, DE — Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) to modernize Delaware’s psychology licensing laws and expand access to mental health services has cleared the Delaware Senate and now heads to the House for consideration.
Senate Substitute 1 to Senate Bill 208 (SB 208) establishes a regulated licensure pathway for master’s-level psychology clinicians, helping to address ongoing workforce shortages and improve access to care across the state, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
“Today’s vote is an important step toward strengthening Delaware’s mental health care system,” said Senator Pettyjohn. “By creating a clear pathway for qualified master’s-level clinicians, we can expand the workforce and help more Delawareans get the care they need in a timely manner.”
SB 208 does not replace or reduce existing professional licenses, but instead adds a complementary role within the broader mental health care framework, with appropriate oversight and standards in place.
“Delaware is facing a growing demand for mental health services, and we need practical solutions to meet that challenge,” Senator Pettyjohn said. “This legislation supports a more responsive system while maintaining strong safeguards for patients and providers alike.”
The measure has received support from the Delaware Psychological Association and aligns Delaware with licensing approaches adopted in other states.
SB 208 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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DOVER, DE — Legislation sponsored by Senator Dave Wilson (R-Lincoln) to strengthen penalties for damaging emergency response vehicles has cleared the Delaware State Senate and now heads to the House for consideration.
Senate Bill 232 (SB 232) updates Delaware’s criminal mischief statute by establishing a Class F felony when an individual intentionally damages an authorized emergency vehicle such as fire apparatus, an ambulance, or other response vehicle, and that damage results in at least $5,000 in losses or rendering the vehicle temporarily unable to respond to emergencies.
“Emergency vehicles are critical tools for the men and women who respond when Delawareans call for help,” said Senator Wilson. “When those vehicles are damaged, it’s not just property at risk. It can delay response times and put lives in danger.”
“This legislation sends a clear message that targeting emergency response equipment carries serious consequences,” Senator Wilson added. “Protecting these resources helps support first responders and the communities they serve.”
Senate Bill 232 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
| | Senate Passes Legislation to Improve Access to Critical Medical History for Donor-Conceived Individuals | | |
DOVER, DE – On Thursday, the Delaware State Senate passed Senate Bill 236, legislation sponsored by Senator Dave Lawson (R-Marydel) to improve access to important medical and genetic information for donor-conceived individuals and their families.
SB 236 allows individuals conceived through donation, along with their families and medical providers, have access to accurate and up-to-date health history information that can be critical in diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
Senator Lawson said the bill addresses a gap that can have real consequences for patient care.
“Too often, families and doctors are forced to make important medical decisions without access to complete information,” said Senator Lawson. “SB 236 helps close that gap by guaranteeing that relevant medical history is available when it’s needed most.”
Senator Lawson said the measure is a practical step toward improving healthcare outcomes.
“This gives providers the tools they need to make informed decisions and deliver the best possible care,” Senator Lawson said. “It’s a commonsense approach that puts patients and families first.”
SB 236 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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Each year, Senator Lawson rises in the Senate to introduce a resolution making sure my fellow Vietnam veterans are never forgotten.
On Tuesday, he introduced SCR 155 recognizing March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day here in Delaware, honoring the service and sacrifice of those who answered the call during one of our nation’s most difficult chapters.
It was especially meaningful to recognize two of our chamber's Sergeants-at-Arms, Gene and Don, who are both Vietnam veterans and heroes.
He also recognized a group that doesn’t always get the attention they deserve: the wives of Vietnam veterans. Many have stood beside their husbands through the lasting impacts of war. The nightmares, the memories, and the unseen wounds. Their strength and support do not go unnoticed.
Today, and every day, he thanks his fellow Vietnam veterans and the families who have walked that journey with them. Welcome home.
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Senator Wilson was honored to recognize and celebrate Delaware’s rich Scottish heritage with the passage of our Tartan Day Resolution yesterday.
Tartan Day is a meaningful reminder of the enduring impact Scottish Americans have had on our nation’s history, culture, and values, something worth preserving and celebrating for generations to come.
We were also deeply moved by a tribute from the Delaware State Police in honor of former Senator Nancy Cook. Her decades of dedicated service to our state and her unwavering commitment to her community continue to leave a lasting legacy.
It was a day that reflected both celebration and remembrance, recognizing the traditions that shape us and the leaders who have helped guide Delaware forward.
| | Substack Post: Advancing Practical Solutions for Delaware | | |
This week, members of the Senate Republican Caucus continued to advance legislation focused on real-world challenges such as expanding access to health information, strengthening public safety, supporting military families, and improving the efficiency of our court system.
Several caucus-sponsored measures cleared the full Senate, while others moved forward in the committee process, positioning them for action in the weeks ahead.
View the full weekly recap on our Substack.
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On the latest episode of For The Record, Senators Pettyjohn and Buckson, Deanna, and Matt discuss a variety of education-related topics, Republican bills set to be considered by the General Assembly, and take a moment to remember the late Senator Nancy Cook.
Full episode is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more!
Spotify
YouTube
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