Legislative wrap-up 5/3/19

Bill seeks to limit plastic bags at large stores
A bill that would limit single-use plastic bags distributed by large stores awaits action in House committee.
House Bill 130 was introduced April 18 by Rep. Gerald Brady, D-Wilmington, to significantly reduce the number of plastic bags circulated throughout the state and the detrimental effect they have on the environment.

“We cannot ignore the facts; our over-reliance on plastic bags is killing the environment, and it’s time for Delaware to take a stand. Limiting the use of plastic bags at large retailers is a huge step forward to cleaning up our communities and watersheds, and changing our shopping culture,” Brady said.

The bill would prohibit stores with more than 7,000 square feet of retail sales space, or chain stores with at least 3,000 square feet, from handing out “any single-use plastic carryout bag” for purchases. The law would go into effect Jan. 1, 2021. Restaurants, however, would be excluded. Also excluded are bags used to wrap meat, fish, flowers or potted plants; bags used for live animals, chemical pesticides or placed over articles of clothing.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control would enforce the law and a violation would result in civil penalty up to $500 for the first offense, up to $1,000 for a second offense and up to $2,000 for a third. The bill awaits action in the House Natural Resources Committee.

Amendment would require waiting time
A bill introduced by Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, would require a 48-hour wait by the General Assembly before voting on the state operating budget, capital budget and grant-in-aid bills. As a constitutional amendment, the bill requires passage in two consecutive sessions by two-thirds vote.

Transparency for road projects proposed
A bill that would require legislators to disclose how they intend to spend state money for road projects awaits action in the House. House Bill 59, sponsored by Rep. Andria Bennett, D-Dover, and cosponsored by Rep. Bryan Shupe, R-Milford, would require legislators to post online for public review money from the Community Transportation Fund that they intend to spend on road and infrastructure projects. Money is given to legislators annually through the Community Transportation Fund to finance projects too small for the state’s master transportation plan.