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HB 329

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 20 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY REGULATIONS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Rich Collins and 15 co-sponsors

HB 329 modifies Delaware's emergency management authorities and regulatory procedures governing crisis response declarations and implementation protocols.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
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Bill Summary · HB 329

Legislative bill overview

HB 329 amends Delaware's emergency management and regulatory frameworks under Titles 20 and 29 of the Delaware Code. The bill modifies procedures and authorities related to how the state declares, manages, and implements emergency regulations during crisis situations.

Why is this important

Emergency management powers directly affect how quickly and effectively Delaware can respond to public health crises, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Changes to these frameworks can impact the balance between executive authority to act swiftly and legislative oversight to prevent abuse of emergency powers—a tension highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic nationally.

Potential points of contention

  • Executive vs. Legislative Power: The amendments may shift authority between the governor's emergency declarations and legislative approval requirements, raising questions about response speed versus democratic accountability
  • Regulatory Scope: Changes to what qualifies as an "emergency regulation" could either expand or restrict the types of rules that can be rapidly implemented without standard regulatory processes
  • Duration and Renewal: Modifications to how long emergency declarations last and renewal procedures may affect both crisis management flexibility and prevention of indefinite emergency powers

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

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