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HCR 144

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING STRATEGIC PLANS FOR THE REPURPOSING OF UNDERUTILIZED PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES AND STATE-OWNED BUILDINGS TO MEET COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE NEEDS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Kerri Harris and 2 co-sponsors

Calls for developing strategic plans to repurpose idle public schools and state buildings to meet community needs and support workforce development, using existing assets.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
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Bill Summary · HCR 144

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HCR 144 (House Concurrent Resolution 144)
  • Session & Jurisdiction: Delaware, Session 153
  • Title: CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING STRATEGIC PLANS FOR THE REPURPOSING OF UNDERUTILIZED PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES AND STATE-OWNED BUILDINGS TO MEET COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE NEEDS
  • Status (as of action history): Introduced and assigned to the Administration Committee in the House on 2026-06-04
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor not listed; Co-sponsors include Melissa Minor-Brown and Russ Huxtable

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution seeks to formally request the development of strategic plans for repurposing underutilized public school facilities and state-owned buildings.
  • The overarching goal is to align underused public assets with current community needs and workforce development objectives, improving utilization of existing infrastructure without new construction.

Key Provisions (What the Resolution Seeks)

  • Call for Strategic Planning: Urges state and local authorities to create comprehensive strategic plans for repurposing idle or underused public school facilities and state-owned properties.
  • Alignment with Community Needs: Plans should address how repurposed facilities can meet local community needs, including education, housing, social services, and economic development.
  • Workforce Needs Focus: Plans should consider opportunities for workforce development, job training, reskilling, and placement services facilitated by repurposed buildings.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Implies inclusion of relevant stakeholders (e.g., school districts, state agencies, local governments, workforce development boards, community organizations) in the planning process.
  • Utilization of Existing Assets: Emphasizes maximizing value from current public assets rather than pursuing new construction projects.
  • Coordination and Implementation: Requests coordination among agencies and timelines for developing and implementing these strategic plans.

Note: As a concurrent resolution, the bill primarily expresses the Legislature’s position and request; it does not enact new laws or appropriations by itself. The specific statutory or regulatory changes would depend on follow-up legislation or executive action implementing the plans.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Public School Districts and Schools: Potentially affected by re-purposing decisions for vacant or underutilized facilities.
  • State Agencies and State-Owned Buildings: Buildings identified as suitable for repurposing could shift to new uses under the strategic plans.
  • Local Governments and Communities: Municipalities and counties may participate in planning and benefit from community-focused repurposing outcomes.
  • Workforce Development Partners: State and local workforce boards, training providers, and employers could leverage repurposed spaces for training and job placement initiatives.
  • General Public: Community programs, housing initiatives, childcare, and other services could be expanded through repurposed assets.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Initiation: The resolution is introduced and assigned to the Administration Committee in the House, signaling a formal legislative endorsement for pursuing strategic planning.
  • Process Implications: While the resolution itself does not create binding obligations or funding, it typically prompts agencies to develop plans and report back, and may guide future legislation or budget priorities.
  • Follow-up Actions: Possible need for interagency collaborations, stakeholder meetings, and eventual legislative or executive proposals to implement repurposing plans.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Benefits: More efficient use of public assets, potential cost savings, enhanced community services, expanded access to workforce training, and improved local economic resilience.
  • Challenges: Finding suitable repurposing options that meet community needs, ensuring cost-effectiveness, navigating procurement and regulatory requirements, and securing funding for implementation.
  • Fiscal Implications: The resolution itself may not authorize spending; substantive fiscal effects would depend on subsequent bills or appropriations to execute the repurposing plans.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on a specific stakeholder (e.g., school districts, local governments) or compare it to similar prior resolutions or programs.

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

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