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HB 436

AN ACT TO AMEND THE TOWN CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF SMYRNA.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Carson and 1 co-sponsor

HB 436 proposes amending Smyrna’s town charter to update governance structures, procedures, budgeting, and contracting rules affecting officials, staff, and residents.

Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 436

Bill Overview

HB 436, from the 153th Delaware General Assembly, is titled: “AN ACT TO AMEND THE TOWN CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF SMYRNA.” The bill was introduced and assigned to the Administration Committee in the House on May 21, 2026. Co-sponsor: Bill Carson.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to amend the municipal charter of the Town of Smyrna.
  • As a charter amendment, its primary purpose is to modify the governance framework, powers, structures, or procedures that govern Smyrna’s municipal operations, subject to the specific text of the amendments adopted by the legislature.

Key Provisions and Changes (anticipated structure)

Note: The exact language of the amendments is not provided in the summary. The following outlines the typical areas that charter amendments in Delaware towns address. When the bill’s full text is available, the specific provisions below should be confirmed.

  • Organizational Structure

    • Possible changes to the roles, qualifications, and terms of town officials (e.g., mayor, council members, town manager).
    • Alterations to the frequency or manner of town elections or special elections.

  • Legislative Procedures

    • Updates to meeting requirements, notice provisions, record-keeping, and public accessibility.
    • Changes to how ordinances and resolutions are adopted, amended, or repealed.

  • Administrative and Financial Provisions

    • Revisions to budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements.
    • Allocation of authority over town contracts, purchasing, debt issuance, or revenue measures.

  • Appeals and Legal Procedures

    • Modifications to avenues for appeals, civil processes, or how disputes involving town government are resolved.

  • Other Charter Matters

    • Potential updates to existing charter chapters, definitions, or administrative codes to reflect current governance needs or state law alignment.

Who Would Be Affected

  • The Town of Smyrna, including:
    • Elected officials (mayor, town council) and appointed staff (e.g., town manager or administrator, department heads).
    • Municipal employees and contractors affected by changes in governance processes or budgeting/ procurement rules.
    • Smyrna residents and local businesses, who would encounter changes in public meeting access, reporting, or fee/ tax implications if related to charter provisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Assignment: The bill was introduced and assigned to the Administration Committee in the House on May 21, 2026.
  • Next steps typically include committee hearings, potential amendments, passage by both House and Senate, and the Governor’s approval. If enacted, the charter amendments would become effective according to the bill’s specified effective date or upon adoption by the appropriate municipal processes.

Notes for Readers

  • The summary reflects common charter amendment topics; the exact text of HB 436 is needed to specify the precise changes to Smyrna’s Town Charter.
  • For residents and stakeholders, key impacts to monitor include any shifts in election timing or eligibility, changes to how ordinances are enacted, and how the town manages financial reporting and procurement.

If you’d like, I can update this with the bill’s exact statutory language and provide a clause-by-clause analysis once the full text is available.

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

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