Legislative Wrap Up »
Opioid impact fee in Senate
A bill that would raise money for addiction treatment by placing a fee on opioid drugs was voted out of a Senate committee May 11. The Prescription Opioid Impact Fund would establish a quarterly fee on drug manufacturers by charging them 1 cent for a milligram of morphine or its equivalent. Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, lead sponsor of Senate Bill 176, said the bill is about accountability and resources.
"Drug companies helped create this mess. We're asking them to help us fix it," she said. The Office of the Comptroller General said the fee would raise about $8.5 million in the first year and more than $24 million over the next three years. The bill now awaits action in the Senate.
Minors no longer allowed to marry in Delaware
A law prohibiting minors from marrying in Delaware was signed into law May 9. The law prohibits the marriage of individuals under the age the 18. Previously, minors were allowed to marry with parental consent and also consent by a judge. With Gov. John Carney's signature, Delaware is the first state to ban marriage for minors.
Delaware receives $2M for opioid treatment
Delaware has received $2 million in federal money to provide more treatment for drug users. The money is part of an Opioid State Targeted Response grant that also provided $2 million to Delaware in 2017. The money was used to create three new recovery centers and train more substance-abuse coaches.
"This grant can help us connect people in the throes of addiction to the right services for them at the right time," said Secretary Kara Odom Walker of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.
Legislators OK mixed alcohol sales at craft breweries
A bill that would allow craft distilleries, breweries and wineries to sell alcohol from other producers passed both House and Senate on May 10. The bill now awaits Gov. John Carney's signature before it becomes law. Before the bill, craft distilleries, breweries and wineries were allowed to sell only their own products. The bill would allow those establishments to sell alcohol made by other businesses for on-site consumption.
Equal Rights Amendment fails in state Senate
An Equal Rights Amendment to Delaware's constitution failed May 9 in the Senate, and returns to the House for possible consideration. In order to pass, the constitutional amendment must be approved by at least two-thirds of each Legislative chamber during two consecutive General Assemblies. The House first approved the measure by 34-5. The amendment under House Bill 399 would ensure "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged on account of the sex of the person."
However, the bill failed to get the necessary two-thirds votes with a final vote of 11-9. Although the amendment does not specifically mention equal pay, the bill states "this amendment is necessary to correct a constitutional shortcoming, reduce sex-based disparities and to codify our state's value of equality."
