State Legislature session postponed until further notice

The General Assembly has postponed its return indefinitely but remains ready to reconvene if necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session was scheduled to resume March 24 after a week’s delay, but Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth, and Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. David McBride, D-Hawk’s Nest, announced March 18 that the legislative session would be postponed until further notice. 

As the situation has continued to unfold, the leaders said, it has become necessary to postpone session for the foreseeable future as officials assess the extent of Delaware’s exposure to the virus. Legislative leaders said they will continue to examine the situation with input from public health experts and executive branch agencies to determine the best path forward.

Schwartzkopf and McBride said the General Assembly is preparing in case lawmakers must reconvene to pass legislation that addresses the effects of COVID-19 on Delawareans and state government. Also, the General Assembly is constitutionally required to pass an operating budget by June 30, and plans are being discussed to meet that obligation should this State of Emergency continue. 

Legislative Hall remains closed to the public, with no tours or in-person meetings taking place.