Ten Legislative Days Remain: What Delawareans Should Be Watching Before June 3

Delaware Senate Republicans

Jun 5, 2026

When lawmakers return to Dover on June 9, just 10 legislative days will remain before the General Assembly adjourns for the year on June 30.

As often happens in the final weeks of session, some of the most consequential legislation is still awaiting action. Bills can move quickly through committees and onto the floor, making it important for Delawareans to stay informed about what is still under consideration.

From energy costs and tax relief to public safety, election integrity, housing policy, and firearm regulations, the decisions made over the next several weeks could have lasting impacts on families, businesses, and communities across our state.

Here are some of the bills worth keeping an eye on as the clock winds down on the 2026 legislative session.

Bills We Believe Deserve Consideration

Lowering Costs for Delaware Families and Workers

Delaware families continue to face affordability challenges, from rising utility bills to the increasing cost of everyday necessities. Several bills currently pending before the General Assembly seek to provide relief.

Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker, would withdraw Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Supporters note that Delaware has already exceeded its carbon reduction goals while consumers continue to face high energy costs. The bill aims to reduce regulatory costs that are ultimately passed on to ratepayers and allow Delaware to pursue a more balanced approach to energy policy.

Senate Bill 299, sponsored by Senator Bryant Richardson, would create a state tax credit of up to $15,000 on overtime earnings. At a time when many Delawareans are working extra hours to make ends meet, the proposal would allow workers to keep more of the money they earn.

Similarly, House Bill 386, sponsored by Representative Jeff Hilovsky, would provide tax relief on tips earned by hospitality and service industry workers. The measure would allow eligible workers to deduct up to $15,000 in qualified tips, helping many hardworking Delawareans keep more of their income.

Protecting Students and Schools

School safety remains a top priority for families and educators.

Senate Bill 304, sponsored by Senator Eric Buckson, would expand security options for private and charter schools. The bill would clarify that schools may employ qualified retired law enforcement officers or constables for security purposes and would create a pathway for trained school sentries in situations where schools cannot afford a full-time school resource officer or constable.

Supporters argue that every school should have access to reasonable security options regardless of its size or financial resources.

Strengthening Election Integrity

Confidence in our elections is essential to maintaining trust in government.

House Bill 112, sponsored by Representative Bryan Shupe, would require voters to present photo identification before casting a ballot while also making identification more accessible. The legislation would provide a free initial state-issued identification card and require county election offices to conduct outreach programs to help residents obtain identification.

Supporters believe the bill strikes a reasonable balance between protecting election integrity and ensuring access to the ballot box.

Preserving Delaware Traditions

For generations, hunting and fishing have been part of Delaware’s culture, heritage, and outdoor way of life.

Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 212, sponsored by Senator Dave Wilson, would begin the process of enshrining the right to hunt, fish, and trap in the Delaware Constitution. Twenty-four other states have adopted similar protections.

The measure also makes clear that wildlife management regulations, licensing requirements, and property rights would remain intact.

Delivering Justice for Survivors

House Bill 75, sponsored by House Republican Leader Tim Dukes, would allow victims of childhood sexual abuse to pursue civil claims against their abusers regardless of when the abuse occurred.

The bill recognizes that many survivors do not come forward until years or even decades after the abuse took place. By eliminating barriers created by expired statutes of limitations, the legislation would help ensure that perpetrators can still be held accountable and that survivors have an opportunity to seek justice.

Bills Raising Significant Concerns

Mandates That Could Increase School Construction Costs

Senate Bill 272 would require certain school construction projects to utilize project labor agreements under specified circumstances.

Although the bill was amended to increase the project cost threshold from $1 million to $5 million, concerns remain that it could favor union-affiliated contractors over merit-shop contractors, reduce competition, and increase costs for taxpayers funding school construction projects.

Several contractor organizations and groups representing minority-owned businesses have expressed opposition to the legislation.

Harm Reduction or Enabling Drug Use?

Senate Bill 249 would establish a regulatory framework for state-approved harm reduction programs and decriminalize possession of certain drug paraphernalia by individuals who use drugs.

Supporters argue the bill is intended to reduce overdose deaths and connect individuals to services. Critics question whether distributing supplies associated with drug use addresses addiction itself and worry the policy could normalize behavior that communities are already struggling to combat.

As Delaware continues to face challenges related to substance abuse, lawmakers should carefully consider whether this approach addresses the root causes of addiction.

Additional Burdens on Firearm Dealers

Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 300 would create a new state licensing and regulatory framework for firearm dealers.

The legislation imposes new licensing, training, inspection, security, and record keeping requirements on federally licensed firearm dealers operating in Delaware.

Supporters argue the bill promotes accountability. Opponents contend it places additional burdens on law-abiding businesses while doing little to prevent criminals from obtaining firearms illegally. Concerns have also been raised by some firearms experts that the bill could create the framework for a firearm registry, despite supporters disputing that characterization.

State Government Versus Local Control

One of the most closely watched bills remaining on the Senate Ready List is Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 23, which seeks to increase housing development and address Delaware’s housing shortage.

While increasing housing availability is an important goal, many local government organizations have expressed concerns about the legislation’s impact on local control. Critics argue that zoning and land-use decisions should remain primarily in the hands of local elected officials and residents who best understand the needs of their communities.

The debate over this bill reflects a larger question: how should Delaware balance the need for additional housing with the ability of local communities to shape their own future?

Government Records, Parental Rights, and Gender Designations

House Bill 375 would make significant changes to how gender designations are handled on various government documents, including birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and marriage records.

The legislation would allow individuals to change gender designations without obtaining a court order or certification from a medical or social service provider.

Supporters view the bill as a modernization of state law. Opponents have raised concerns about the distinction between biological sex and gender identity, the potential implications for medical record keeping, and provisions that could allow changes involving minors without requiring agreement from both parents.

The Final Stretch

With only 10 legislative days remaining, many of these bills could see significant movement before lawmakers adjourn on June 30.

Some proposals would provide tax relief, strengthen school security, protect election integrity, preserve Delaware’s outdoor traditions, and expand opportunities for justice. Others raise questions about costs, government mandates, local control, public safety, and regulatory burdens.

Of course, these are only a handful of the bills still moving through the legislative process. Hundreds of pieces of legislation have been introduced this session, and the agendas for committee hearings and floor sessions are expected to grow longer as June progresses and lawmakers work toward adjournment on June 30.

Delawareans who want to follow legislation, review bill language, track committee agendas, or monitor the status of specific proposals can do so through the Delaware General Assembly’s website. The site includes bill tracking, committee schedules, agendas, livestreams, and other legislative resources.

For more information and to follow legislation as it moves through the process, visit legis.delaware.gov.

The final weeks of session often move quickly. We’ll continue monitoring the legislation that matters most to Delaware families, workers, businesses, sportsmen, taxpayers, and local communities—and keep you informed about the decisions that will help shape our state’s future.