THIS CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDS TAYLOR RICHEY, THE 2026 DELAWARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR, AND ALL THE DISTRICT/CHARTER NETWORK BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 12 co-sponsors

Delaware recognizes and commends Taylor Richey as 2026 Behavioral Health Professional of the Year and honors all district/charter network professionals of the year.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

Summary of Bill: HCR 138 (Delaware, 153rd Session)

Purpose and intent

HCR 138 is a concurrent resolution in the Delaware General Assembly that formally commends individuals recognized as Behavioral Health Professionals of the Year within the Delaware District/Charter Network, highlighting Taylor Richey as the 2026 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional of the Year.

The measure serves to recognize and honor outstanding professionals in the field of behavioral health and to acknowledge the contributions of all district/charter network behavioral health professionals of the year.

Key provisions

Commendation language: The resolution expresses appreciation and congratulations to Taylor Richey for receiving the 2026 Behavioral Health Professional of the Year distinction.

Recognition of broader group: It includes recognition of all district/charter network behavioral health professionals of the year, signaling appreciation for their service and impact within the educational and community context.

Official action: As a concurrent resolution, it is a formal expression of the sentiment of both chambers (House and Senate) without creating statutory or regulatory requirements or funding.

Sponsor and co-sponsors: The bill lists a primary sponsor and a broad slate of co-sponsors from both chambers, indicating cross-chamber support and bipartisan/bi-partisan backing.

Who is affected

Individuals recognized by the resolution: Taylor Richey (2026 Behavioral Health Professional of the Year) and the broader set of district/charter network behavioral health professionals of the year.

Stakeholders in Delaware education and public health communities: Schools, districts, charter networks, students, families, and colleagues who rely on or benefit from behavioral health services within schools and related settings.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and passage:

Introduced in the House on June 9, 2026.
Passed in the House by voice vote on the same day.
Passed in the Senate on June 9, 2026, with a final tally of 20 YES votes and 1 absent.

Nature of measure: As a concurrent resolution, it does not enact law or allocate funds. It is a ceremonial acknowledgment and does not impose new regulatory requirements.

Effective date: The resolution takes effect upon final adoption by both chambers (date of Senate passage, June 9, 2026).

Why this matters

Public recognition can highlight exemplary professional contributions in behavioral health, potentially encouraging best practices and continued dedication within Delaware’s educational systems.

Such resolutions can raise awareness of the importance of behavioral health supports in schools and neighborhoods, promoting appreciation for professionals who provide essential services to students and families.

If you’d like, I can pull the exact wording of the commendation or provide context on past HCR resolutions recognizing professionals in similar fields.