Pre-filing sex offender legislation
House Majority Leader Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, plans to pre-file a bill that would extend the statute of limitations for medical offenses. After Lewes pediatrician Dr. Earl Bradley was arrested on charges of abusing his patients, Schwartzkopf said some parents were unable to file criminal and civil claims against him. In medical practice, claims must be filed within three years from the date of occurring. “In some of these cases, the parents didn’t even know about it. Now, it may be too late for them with no recourse,” said Schwartzkopf.

“He’s going to be prosecuted, but for some of these parents, it’s a very difficult situation. But this bill will address the criminal and civil matter as well as provide some relief for counseling and any other expenses,” said Schwartzkopf. The bill has not yet been filed. The General Assembly is accepting pre-filed measures Thursday, Feb. 18, and again on Thursday, March 11.

Child abuse bill introduced
In an attempt to protect residents from civil lawsuits in the event they report sexual child abuse, Rep. Greg Lavelle, R-Wilmington, introduced House Bill 306 Jan. 14. House Majority Leader Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, co-sponsored the legislation.
Legislators, in the meantime, are waiting for an independent report detailing issues raised in recent cases of child abuse concerning Lewes pediatrician Dr. Earl Bradley. Many Sussex lawmakers said it would be prudent to wait for the report before they introduce new laws against child abuse.

“Greg’s in the minority, as far as the scenario’s concerned, it might be hard for him to get a bill to the floor,” said Sen. George Bunting, D-Bethany Beach. HB 306 is in the House Judiciary Committee.

Cap on state spending

Sen. Michael D. Katz, D-Centerville, introduced Senate Bill 191 to cap state spending in the 2011 fiscal year budget. Katz’s proposal allows appropriations of no more than $2.85 billion – or the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council’s May revenue estimate, which ever is less.

Sen. George Bunting, D-Bethany Beach, co-sponsor, said the measure, although might not move forward, would prove beneficial for discussions on state spending.

“I give credit where credit’s due,” said Bunting, referring to input by D.P. Williams, D-Wilmington. “You got people here who know what they’re talking about. It’s good news legislators are stepping up to the plate.” He said SB 191 would also create a group of business people and public employees who are trying to make government more efficient. “They really know where the waste is. This will get the public involved with more say and input in spending,” said Bunting. “We just cannot continue going downstream. In different economic times, we need different solutions,” said Bunting.

SB 191 is sitting in the Senate Finance Committee.

Law includes peace officers among police

House Bill 322, introduced Thursday, Jan. 28 by Rep. John Atkins, D-Millsboro, would include probation and parole officers, fire police, fire marshals and constables in a measure that would make it a felony to resist arrest. State law now includes police officers in the felony-charge related offenses.

“Probation and parole officers might not technically be police officers, but they are out there every day in dangerous, potentially deadly situations,” said Atkins. “They deal with offenders, many of whom have committed serious crimes, on a daily basis. They should not be treated any differently than police officers in the eyes of the law. Assaulting any officer charged with keeping the peace should be punished accordingly,” he said. HB 322, which has 13 House co-sponsors, has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.