Rep. Mike Smith

This Substitute Bill requires the Department of Health and Social Services to maintain a public registry of assisted living facilities that are accredited and/or certified to provide memory care services by an approved independent accrediting organization. This Act also authorizes DHSS to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out these provisions, and it defines memory care services and secured memory care unit. Violations of this Act are subject to enforcement actions under Chapter 11 of Title 16 and are a basis for the nonrenewal of a facility’s license. This bill also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Delaware's rules for inspecting long-term care facilities, requiring the Department of Health and Social Services to examine each facility at least once every 15 months. To maintain a statewide average inspection frequency of every 12 months, the department can charge extra fees to cover the costs of additional inspections needed when violations are found. Inspectors have the authority to enter facilities without prior notice, interview residents and staff, review records, and verify that previous issues have been fixed. The law also prohibits former employees or relatives of facility staff from participating in inspections of their former or current workplaces to ensure impartiality.

Maddy summaryHB 475 authorizes the State of Delaware and the Delaware Transportation Authority to issue bonds and allocate funds for capital improvements during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The bill allows the state to sell general obligation bonds and the transportation authority to sell revenue bonds to raise money for infrastructure projects. It also directs the use of existing funds from the Transportation Trust Fund and other state accounts to support these initiatives. By amending relevant statutes, the legislation sets specific rules and limits on how these financial resources can be spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2024 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Delaware to raise awareness about personal finance education. It highlights the importance of teaching financial skills in schools to help students make better decisions about money, college, and careers. The resolution calls for collaboration among educators, businesses, and community groups to promote financial knowledge across the state. While it does not create new laws or funding, it serves as a symbolic recognition of the need for improved financial education.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution creates the Delaware Restoring the Family Unit Task Force to study how state laws affect family stability. The group is designed to examine specific policies in taxation, welfare, education, and recidivism to identify any factors that might discourage marriage or family unity. Its members include legislators, state agency heads, and community representatives who will meet to review these issues and submit a report with recommendations by March 2025. Although the resolution was introduced in June 2024, it was defeated by the Senate and did not become law.

Survivors of child sexual abuse that occurred in this State who have been barred from filing suit against their abusers by virtue of the expiration of the former civil statute of limitations, shall be permitted to file those claims in the Superior Court of this State at any time. This is intended to apply retroactively.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that Medicaid in Delaware cover doula services for pregnant and birthing individuals, affecting all health insurance carriers within the state. It requires coverage for three prenatal visits, three postpartum visits, and attendance during labor, with specific provisions for additional postpartum visits if recommended by a licensed medical professional. To implement this, the state must create a certification process for doulas and set reimbursement rates that ensure a livable income for those providing the services. The law officially took effect on January 1, 2024, and was signed into law by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time tax credit for small businesses in Delaware that have survived the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify, a business must have been located in the state and employed 25 or fewer full-time employees as of December 31, 2019, while also being in good standing with tax filings as of January 1, 2024. Eligible businesses can claim a credit equal to 25% of their 2019 gross receipts when filing their 2024 or later state income tax returns, provided they apply by December 1, 2024. The legislation aims to provide financial relief to these specific businesses without speculating on broader economic outcomes.

Because of the serious consequences of the drug overdose epidemic, this Senate Concurrent Resolution respectfully requests a report from the Delaware Department of Education to follow up on the recommendations contained in the 154-page Delaware Drug Prevention Curriculum Task Force Report.

This Act creates a new charitable donation option on the Delaware income tax return. It allows taxpayers to direct a donation to the SL24: Unlocke the Light Foundation out of their state tax refund or in addition to the payment of owed tax. The Foundation works to educate the community to end the stigma, myths, and barriers surrounding mental health and to encourage productive conversations regarding mental health and wellness; provide uninsured and underinsured young people the means to get the critical and ongoing health services they need through the SL24 Mental Health Scholarship program; and provide access to trained Peer24 Team Members, Support Groups, and safe spaces like Sean’s House and Sean’s Rooms; The Act also removes the statutory limitation on the number of charitable funds that may be included on the income tax return.