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HR 7

AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 153RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY RELATING SETTING A DATE CERTAIN FOR A BILL TO BE HEARD ON THE AGENDA.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Lynn

Delaware House bill establishing a mandatory deadline for bills to receive committee hearings, preventing indefinite legislative delays.

Motion to Release Failed
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Bill Summary · HR 7

Legislative bill overview

HR 7 proposes to amend the Delaware House Rules to establish a mandatory deadline by which bills must receive a hearing on the legislative agenda. This procedural reform would create a time-certain mechanism to prevent bills from languishing indefinitely in committee without floor consideration.

Why is this important

Legislative bottlenecks can effectively kill bills by preventing them from ever reaching a vote, even if they have significant support. Setting a "date certain" for hearings would increase transparency and predictability in the legislative process, potentially reducing the ability to indefinitely delay consideration of controversial or competing proposals through procedural means.

Potential points of contention

  • Power dynamics: Rules changes that mandate floor hearings could shift power away from committee chairs and leadership who traditionally control the legislative schedule
  • Workload concerns: Opponents may argue that forced hearing deadlines could overwhelm the chamber with poorly prepared bills or limit flexibility to prioritize urgent legislation
  • Vagueness of application: The bill's language doesn't specify which bills are covered, what the deadline would be, or what happens if the deadline is missed—critical details that could determine its practical effect

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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