Legislative Newsletter - April 2025

Secretary of Transportation Hastings and ABC!

DelDOT Secretary Hastings addressed the ABC Membership

Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Shanté A. Hastings recently met with members of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) to outline her strategic vision for the department, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and the necessity for increased funding to sustain the state’s transportation infrastructure.​

In her address, Secretary Hastings highlighted the importance of enhancing roadway safety through initiatives such as the Delaware Strategic Highway Safety Plan, which targets critical areas including intersection improvements, pedestrian protections, and measures against impaired and distracted driving. She also underscored the need for operational efficiency, aiming to deliver infrastructure projects more effectively to benefit both the public and the construction industry.​

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the financial challenges facing the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), which is primarily funded through tolls, motor fuel taxes, and vehicle registration fees. With the rise of electric and fuel-efficient vehicles reducing fuel tax revenues, Hastings pointed out the pressing need to explore alternative funding mechanisms.

Secretary Hastings' engagement with ABC members reflects a collaborative approach to addressing Delaware's transportation needs, seeking input from industry stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for the state's infrastructure challenges.

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer

Governor Matt Meyer delivered his first State of the State Address

Governor Meyer laid out a bold and optimistic vision for Delaware’s future. In his address, Governor Meyer called for decisive action on key priorities including education reform, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, workforce development, and efficient government operations.

Throughout the speech, Governor Meyer urged lawmakers to collaborate and act urgently to deliver meaningful results for Delawareans. In closing his remarks, Governor Meyer was clear that the path forward for Delaware involves unity, courage, and optimism:

“In this time of tremendous challenge and division across our nation, I believe there is tremendous opportunity for Delaware. Everywhere I go, I hear the same things. People don’t want handouts – they just want a fair shot…We have the chance to evolve. To innovate. To rethink and reimagine old systems. To take steps and introduce programs that genuinely lead the nation……Together, we will restore your faith in Delaware’s ability to make big things happen. Because our state is hopeful, our state is fearless, and the state of our state is strong! We are ready to meet this moment and prove to the world that Delaware does deliver.”

SB 102 – Board of Electrical Examiners Legislation Introduced

This Act would limit the opportunity to remain as a licensed apprentice electrician after an individual has already completed an apprentice program approved by the Board of Electrical Examiners. Apprenticeship is meant to be a first step on a career journey, not a destination. Since the apprentice electrician license was created, the ranks of apprentices have steadily swollen, but a significant number of those apprentices have not moved forward toward more advanced licensing. As the number of these apprentices grows beyond the capacity for more senior licensees to supervise their work, the situation is likely to create confusion among and to threaten the safety of consumers of electrical services in Delaware and the general public. This bill also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. For more on the bill click here.

ABC Delaware Hosts Lobby Day in Dover

On April 8, 2025, Associated Builders and Contractors Delaware Chapter convened its annual "Day in Dover" at Legislative Hall, providing members with a platform to engage directly with state legislators on matters impacting the construction industry.​

The event commenced in the Senate Chamber of Legislative Hall and discussions centered on current legislative and public policy issues pertinent to the construction sector, including workforce development, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure funding.

ABC Delaware's "Day in Dover" exemplifies the organization's commitment to fostering dialogue between construction professionals and policymakers, ensuring that the industry's voice is heard in the legislative arena.

HS 1 for House Bill 13 - Personal Income Tax Legislation Introduced

This Act adjusts the existing personal income tax brackets and applicable tax rates. Like under House Bill No. 13, under House Substitute No. 1 for HB 13, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, income between $60,000 and $125,000 will continue to be taxed at a rate of 6.6%, but income above $125,000 will be taxed at higher rates. The result of the changes under this Act will be that those with a taxable income of $134,667 or less will see no increase in personal income taxes, with 92% of Delaware taxpayers receiving an overall tax decrease. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 13 differs from HB 13 as follows: Creates additional tax brackets for taxable income not in excess of $60,000. Decreases the tax rate for all tax brackets for taxable income not in excess of $60,000. Creates 3 additional tax brackets for taxable income above $60,000 instead of 2. This bill is in line with the Governors proposed budget for 2026. For more on the bill click here.

SB 63 - GC/CM Bill Released from Committee

Chapter 35 of Title 19 prohibits an employer from improperly classifying an individual who is an employee as an independent contractor. Not only is this improper classification unfair to employees because it violates state and federal laws related to income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, wage laws, and workers’ compensation. When employers who violate Chapter 35 are subcontractors who have not registered as contractors as required under Chapter 36 of Title 19, the Department of Labor has no recourse for enforcing compliance with Chapter 35. This Act makes a general contractor responsible for a subcontractor’s compliance with Chapter 35 by making the general contractor jointly and severally liable for restitution and penalties assessed against the subcontractor. This Act also allows the Department to deny, suspend, or revoke the certificate of registration of a contractor who contracts with a subcontractor who has not registered on any project. For more on the bill click here.