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Cape Region business leaders and lawmakers are keeping their eyes on a bill that may affect service-oriented businesses. Senate Bill 173, the dram shop legislation, was introduced last September by Sen. Karen Peterson, D-Stanton.
If passed, the measure would make owners of restaurants and bars liable for intentionally or recklessly serving intoxicated people. Also called “Shaun’s Law,” the measure calls on Delaware courts to examine whether sellers of alcohol are liable for injuries to third parties. The bill, stuck in the Administrative Committee, is an unpopular measure among Cape Region business leaders.
Carol Everhart, president and CEO of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, said the business community has urged her to keep an eye on the bill. Local legislators say they don’t favor the bill. Rep.
Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, said, “You know what it’s like. In Dewey, there are six or seven bars full of people, wall-to-wall. Should we hold the bartender responsible? No. I have some problems with it in the resort area.” Sen. George Bunting, D-Bethany Beach, said, “I don’t agree with the legislation. I think everyone should take a personal responsibility. To me, it’s the person’s responsibility.”
Open government bill in committee
Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Sen. Karen Peterson, D-Stanton, remains in the Senate Executive Committee. The bill is designed to open up the goings-on of the General Assembly, which since 1985 has been exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. Unlike requirements for other Delaware municipalities, details of lawmakers’ discussions and decisions are not available to the public. S.B. 4 calls for disclosing legislators’ emails and other documents. Sen. George Bunting, D-Bethany Beach, said, “There was some talk of petitioning to get it out of committee, but it hasn’t moved.” Peterson needs 10 other senators to petition the bill out of committee.
Stun-gun bill released from committee
House Bill 343, introduced March 13 by Rep. Joe Booth, R-Georgetown, would make it a felony for citizens other than law-enforcement personnel to use stun guns. Lawmakers have released it from the Judiciary Committee, but need to tighten the bill before introducing it in the House.
Organ-donor bill tabled by sponsor
Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, who introduced an opt-out organ donor bill, tabled his own measure Wednesday, March 19, to give legislators more time to discuss it. “It is a simple bill about a very emotional topic. All it does is change the way to enter the organ donor program,” said Schwartzkopf. House Bill 302 would require drivers and others to opt out of donating organs when they renew licenses or acquire identification cards. Currently, the state uses an opt-in system. Members of the Health and Human Development Committee will continue discussion when they return from Easter break, April 8.
“People are saying it gives rights away, but it gives them the choice. They’re trying to make this about end-of-life issues, such as the definition of death and living will issues. I chose to table it because I want to work on this bill and make it a better bill,” he said.
Sussex road bill awaits comment
House Bill 280, sponsored by Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, would require Sussex County developers to build roads that meet state standards for infrastructure. “I have an informal agreement with Sussex County Administrator Dave Baker. I want to give county officials time to address it. We’ll hold it until June,” he said.
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