reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 602. Certified or registered mail.

§ 602. Certified or registered mail.
The State, its various offices, departments and agencies may use certified mail in all cases where registered mail was required prior to September 30, 1959.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  7601;  52 Del. Laws, c. 191, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 603. Identification of state vehicles.

§ 603. Identification of state vehicles.
All state-owned boats and motor vehicles shall bear prominent identification, at least on the rear thereof, identifying such vehicles as state-owned vehicles. Exceptions are the Governor's car, vehicles of the State Police, state detectives, enforcement vehicles of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control operated by environmental protection officers, Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and certain special use vehicles operated by the Division of Adult Corrections, the Division of Juvenile Corrections, State Fire Marshal's Office and the Controlled Substances Program of the Department of Health and Social Services.
59 Del. Laws, c. 381, §  24;  60 Del. Laws, c. 588, §  1;  63 Del. Laws, c. 336, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 605. Promulgation of rules and regulations by state agencies — Review by Attorney General to determine effect on private property right.

§ 605. Promulgation of rules and regulations by state agencies — Review by Attorney General to determine effect on private property right.
(a) No rule or regulation promulgated by any state agency shall become effective until the Attorney General has reviewed the rule or regulation and has informed the issuing agency in writing as to the potential of the rule or regulation to result in a taking of private property.
(b) Judicial review of actions taken pursuant to this section shall be limited to whether the Attorney General has reviewed the rule or regulation and has informed the issuing agency in writing.
(c) The term “taking of private property” as used under this section shall mean an activity wherein private property is taken such that compensation to the owner of that property is required by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States or any other similar or applicable law of this State.
(d) Nothing in this section shall affect any otherwise available judicial review of agency action.
68 Del. Laws, c. 191, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 606. Interpreting of significant State events for the hearing impaired.

§ 606. Interpreting of significant State events for the hearing impaired.
The General Assembly, finding that the hearing impaired are an important but often neglected portion of Delaware's citizenry, hereby requests that significant State events be interpreted for the hearing impaired. “Significant State events” include, but are not limited to, the following:
The Governor's state of the State; the Governor's budget address to the General Assembly; and inaugural addresses.
70 Del. Laws, c. 549, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 607. Use of automated answering systems by state agencies, limitations.

§ 607. Use of automated answering systems by state agencies, limitations.
All state agencies shall require that the publicly listed telephone number or numbers for that agency be answered by a person who can direct each call to the proper person or department within that agency during normal business hours. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the satellite offices of state agencies which have no more than 1 full-time employee to provide clerical and secretarial services shall be exempt from the requirements of this section. “Publicly listed” shall mean listed in a local telephone directory (i.e., Government Blue Pages). “Normal business hours” shall mean each Monday through Friday, except those days designated as holidays, during the hours in which the staff of that agency is scheduled to work.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit the internal use of voice mail or other advanced technologies if the agency finds them to be useful. However, any such system shall contain within its message a description of normal business hours and a phone number which will be answered by a person during normal business hours. An automated call distribution system in high volume customer service areas designed to minimize waiting times shall be permissible under this section provided that the system provides callers with an option to speak directly with an agency representative if they should choose to do so.
72 Del. Laws, c. 281, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 608. Use of respectful language when referring to persons with disabilities.

§ 608. Use of respectful language when referring to persons with disabilities.
(a) The General Assembly recognizes that language used in reference to individuals with disabilities shapes and reflects society's attitudes toward people with disabilities. Many of the terms currently used diminish the humanity and natural condition of having a disability. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion as equal community members. The General Assembly finds it necessary to clarify preferred language for new and revised laws and rules by requiring the use of terminology that puts the person before the disability.
(b) From August 17, 2011, all new and revised statutes, administrative rules, local laws, ordinances, charters or regulations promulgated or any publication published by the State or any political subdivision that refers to persons with disabilities shall:
(1) Avoid language that:
a. Implies that a person as a whole is disabled, such as the “mentally ill,” “retarded” or the “learning disabled,” or
b. Equates persons with their conditions, such as “epileptics,” “autistics,” or “quadriplegics;” and
(2) Replace nonrespectful language by referring to persons with disabilities as persons first; for example, “persons with disabilities,” “persons with developmental disabilities,” “persons with mental illness,” “persons with autism,” or “persons with cognitive disabilities.”
(c) Violation of this section shall not be grounds to invalidate any new or revised statutes, administrative rules, local laws, ordinances, charters, or regulations promulgated or any publication published by the State or any political subdivision; provided, however, such documents shall be changed to reflect the provisions of this section in subsequent revisions.
(d) Nothing in this section shall constitute a requirement to change the name of any agency or program. Existing printed material may be utilized until such time as supplies are required to be replenished.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed as changing the application of any provision affected by this section to any person. This section does not apply where a reference to a particular word or phrase is required by federal law or regulation or state statute.
78 Del. Laws, c. 180, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 610. Prohibiting the denial of an application for a license solely on immigration or citizenship status.

§ 610. Prohibiting the denial of an application for a license solely on immigration or citizenship status.
(a) The General Assembly hereby finds and declares all of the following:
(1) It is in the best interests of this State to make full use of the skills and talents of every resident of this State.
(2) It is the public policy of this State that each resident of this State, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, is eligible to receive the benefit of applying for a license, certificate, or permit pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1621(d).
(b) For purposes of this section,
(1) “Application” means an application for issuance or renewal of any license, permit, certificate, approval, registration, or other similar form of permission or authorization to practice or engage in any profession, occupation, or business of any commission, board, or agency.
(2) “Social Security number exemption attestation” means a signed statement from the applicant stating that if the applicant obtains a Social Security number in the future, the applicant will update their application with that Social Security number.
(3) “State” means any agency, authority, department, instrumentality, commission, office, board, or other unit of this State's government authorized by law to issue a professional license, permit, certification, approval, or registration necessary to engage in any profession, occupation, or business of any commission, board, or agency.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law or regulation, the State may not deny an application because of the applicant's immigration or citizenship status.
(d) (1) Notwithstanding any other law or regulation, if an applicant for a license does not have a Social Security number, the applicant must do 1 or more of the following when completing an application for a license:
a. Provide an alternative personally-identifying number, such as the applicant's individual taxpayer identification number,
b. Complete a Social Security number exemption attestation.
(2) A Social Security number or alternative personally-identifying number provided in an application is confidential and is not a public record for the purposes of Chapter 100 of this title. The State may not disclose that Social Security number or alternative personally-identifying number, except for the following purposes:
a. Tax purposes.
b. Licensing purposes.
c. Enforcement of an order for the payment of child support.
84 Del. Laws, c. 193, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 701. Designation of meetings of General Assembly.

§ 701. Designation of meetings of General Assembly.
(a) (1) The meetings of the General Assembly are to be designated by numbers with a new consecutive number designated every 2 calendar years. The General Assembly sitting in 1961 and 1962 is to be designated as the 121st General Assembly.
(2) The session of the General Assembly commencing on the first Tuesday of January, 1961, is to be designated as the first regular session of the 121st General Assembly. The session of the General Assembly commencing on the first Tuesday of February, 1962, is to be designated as the second regular session of the 121st General Assembly.
(3) After the 121st General Assembly, a subsequent regular session of the General Assembly commencing in an odd year is to be designated as the first regular session of a General Assembly and a regular session commencing in an even year is to be designated as the second regular session of a General Assembly.
(b) A special session of a General Assembly is to be designated through a distinguishing designation.
(c) The method of designation under this section must be used in all official references to the General Assembly and its sessions.
21 Del. Laws, c. 9, §  4;  27 Del. Laws, c. 15;  Code 1915, §  369;  Code 1935, §  339;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  701;  53 Del. Laws, c. 188;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 702. Oaths of office.

§ 702. Oaths of office.
An oath of office may be administered by any of the following:
(1) A member of a House of the General Assembly to any other member of the same House.
(2) The President or President Pro Tempore of the Senate to the Secretary of the Senate and other officers of the Senate.
(3) The Speaker of the House of Representatives to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and other officers of the House of Representatives.
Code 1852, §  2354;  Code 1915, §  4242;  Code 1935, §  4712;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  702;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 2;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 703. Delivery of election certificates.

§ 703. Delivery of election certificates.
(a) The Senate may compel the delivery of the certificate of election of Governor or Lieutenant Governor or of the election of any of its members and, for that purpose, may order and cause the arrest of any officer presiding at a board of canvass and punish as a contempt the neglect to deliver a certificate of election.
(b) The House of Representatives may compel the delivery of the certificate of election of any of its members by the process under subsection (a) of this section.
Code 1852, §  475;  21 Del. Laws, c. 38, §  28;  Code 1915, §  360;  Code 1935, §  331;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  703;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 704. Powers respecting elections and election contests.

§ 704. Powers respecting elections and election contests.
(a) (1) The Senate may compel the delivery of ballot boxes to the Senate and, for that purpose, may order and cause the arrest of the sheriff or other person having custody of the ballot boxes and punish as a contempt the failure to deliver the ballot boxes.
(2) The House of Representatives may compel and enforce the delivery of ballot boxes to the House as the Senate may by the process under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(b) When there is a vacancy in either House of the General Assembly when that House of the General Assembly is in session, the Presiding Officer of the House in which the vacancy exists shall issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy, as prescribed by Chapter 71 of Title 15.
(c) [Repealed.]
(d) If the election or eligibility of a member of the Senate or House of Representatives is contested under subchapter I of Chapter 59 of Title 15, the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the case may be, shall issue a writ to order the payment of costs by the contestant under § 5908 of Title 15.
Code 1852, §§  379, 404-407, 434;  21 Del. Laws, c. 38, §  31;  Code 1915, §  365;  Code 1935, §  336;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  704;  82 Del. Laws, c. 141, § 23;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 4;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 705. Power of subpoena; administration of oaths or affirmations; penalties for noncompliance.

§ 705. Power of subpoena; administration of oaths or affirmations; penalties for noncompliance.
(a) Whenever it is necessary in connection with any of the powers and duties of the General Assembly of the State, the Senate or the House of Representatives may, by issuing subpoenas and any other necessary legal process, do the following:
(1) Require the attendance of any resident of this State.
(2) Require a resident of this State to produce any records or papers in the resident's possession located within this State.
(b) An individual who is a member of the General Assembly may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses in connection with any hearing or investigation conducted by the House of which the individual is a member or a committee of which the individual is a member.
(c) Whoever does any of the following is to be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 12 months, or both:
(1) Having been summoned as a witness under subsection (a) of this section, wilfully makes default.
(2) Having appeared, refuses to answer a question pertinent to the question under inquiry.
(3) Having possession of records required in a subpoena, fails to produce the records as required under subsection (a) of this section.
(d) Nothing in this section is to be construed as a waiver by the General Assembly of the General Assembly's inherent right to issue subpoenas and to punish for contempt of the General Assembly without the intervention of a court.
Code 1852, §  2355;  Code 1915, §  4243;  Code 1935, §  4713;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  705;  50 Del. Laws, c. 382, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 707. Stationery.

§ 707. Stationery.
The Division of Research shall provide stationery for the use of the General Assembly and its members.
24 Del. Laws, c. 88, §§  1-3;  Code 1915, §  364;  36 Del. Laws, c. 73, §  8;  Code 1935, §§  253, 335;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  707;  51 Del. Laws, c. 134, §  4;  59 Del. Laws, c. 253, §  5;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 7;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 709. Withholding of compensation.

§ 709. Withholding of compensation.
(a) A member or officer of the General Assembly may elect to have withheld from the compensation paid to the member or officer those sums of moneys required during each pay period for federal income tax, state income tax, and social security.
(b) A member or officer of the General Assembly making an election under subsection (a) of this section shall notify the State Treasurer in writing of the election. The State Treasurer, on receiving notice of the election, shall withhold from the compensation paid to the member or officer those sums of moneys required during each pay period for federal income tax, state income tax, and social security and make payment of these moneys in accordance with federal and state laws.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  709;  56 Del. Laws, c. 370, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 8;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 711. Expenses of members of General Assembly.

§ 711. Expenses of members of General Assembly.
A member of the Senate and the House of Representatives is to receive $7,481 annually for expenses. The expenses received under this section are to be paid under § 2712(a) of this title.
60 Del. Laws, c. 82, §  2;  62 Del. Laws, c. 68, §  92;  64 Del. Laws, c. 334, §  35;  69 Del. Laws, c. 291, §  39;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 10;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 801. Composition of the House of Representatives.

§ 801. Composition of the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives shall be composed of 41 members who shall be chosen to hold office for 2 years. The State shall be divided into 41 representative districts, from each of which shall be chosen, by the qualified electors thereof, 1 Representative.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  601;  54 Del. Laws, c. 360;  56 Del. Laws, c. 243;  58 Del. Laws, c. 280, §  9;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 802. Composition of the Senate; staggered terms.

§ 802. Composition of the Senate; staggered terms.
The Senate shall be composed of 21 members who shall be chosen to hold office for a term established under § 806 of this title. The State shall be divided into 21 senatorial districts, from each of which shall be chosen by the qualified electors thereof, 1 Senator.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  602;  54 Del. Laws, c. 360;  56 Del. Laws, c. 243;  58 Del. Laws, c. 280, §§  10, 11;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  1;  84 Del. Laws, c. 233, § 54;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 803. Numbering of districts.

§ 803. Numbering of districts.
Each representative district and each senatorial district shall be designated by number.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  605;  54 Del. Laws, c. 360;  56 Del. Laws, c. 243;  58 Del. Laws, c. 280, §§  14-17;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 804. Determining district boundaries; criteria.

§ 804. Determining district boundaries; criteria.
In determining the boundaries of the several representative and senatorial districts within the State, the General Assembly shall use the following criteria. Each district shall, insofar as is possible:
(1) Be formed of contiguous territory;
(2) Be nearly equal in population;
(3) Be bounded by major roads, streams or other natural boundaries; and
(4) Not be created so as to unduly favor any person or political party.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  606;  54 Del. Laws, c. 360;  56 Del. Laws, c. 243;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 805. Redistricting after federal decennial census.

§ 805. Redistricting after federal decennial census.
The apportionment provided for by this chapter shall continue in effect until the official reporting by the President of the United States of the next federal decennial census. Within 120 calendar days following the receipt, by the entity designated by the Governor, of the federal decennial census data for redistricting pursuant to Public Law 94-171, the General Assembly shall reapportion and redistrict the State, wherever necessary, for the general election of 2032 and thereafter in such a manner that the several representative and senatorial districts shall comply, insofar as possible, with the criteria set forth in § 804(1)-(4) of this title. Such apportionment shall thence continue in effect until the next succeeding federal decennial census.
29 Del. C. 1953, §§  605, 607;  54 Del. Laws, c. 360;  56 Del. Laws, c. 243;  58 Del. Laws, c. 280, §§  14-18;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 73, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  2;  83 Del. Laws, c. 162, § 1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 258, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter I. General Provisions › § 806. Staggered senatorial districts.

§ 806. Staggered senatorial districts.
(a) The Senators from the 1st, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th and 20th Senatorial Districts shall be elected for 4-year terms in 2022 and 2026 and for a 2-year term in 2030.
(b) The Senators from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 21st Senatorial Districts shall be elected for a 2-year term in 2022 and for 4-year terms in 2024 and 2028.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  608;  54 Del. Laws, c. 360;  56 Del. Laws, c. 243;  58 Del. Laws, c. 280, §  19;  58 Del. Laws, c. 547;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  2;  83 Del. Laws, c. 258, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter IV. Effectuation › § 841. Filing of maps.

§ 841. Filing of maps.
Maps of the several representative and senatorial districts shall be prepared by the Department of Elections. The maps shall be certified as to correctness by the President of the State Board of Elections and the State Election Commissioner and recorded in the offices of the recorder of deeds for the respective counties. Two true and correct copies of these maps shall also be filed, within 10 business days of becoming final, in the offices of the State Department of Elections and provided to the respective state chairpersons of the 2 major political parties and the State Archivist and Records Administrator.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  661;  54 Del. Laws, c. 361;  56 Del. Laws, c. 243;  58 Del. Laws, c. 280, §  20;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  72 Del. Laws, c. 382, §  3;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  5;  83 Del. Laws, c. 258, § 1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 285, § 3;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter IV. Effectuation › § 842. Evidence.

§ 842. Evidence.
When the maps referred to in this chapter are so recorded in the respective recorder of deeds' offices, they shall be prima facie evidence in all judicial proceedings as to the correctness of the boundaries shown thereon.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  662;  56 Del. Laws, c. 243;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter IV. Effectuation › § 843. Copies of maps.

§ 843. Copies of maps.
The State Election Commissioner and the separate departments of elections shall cause such additional copies of the maps to be prepared and distributed as they deem necessary to properly advise the public.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  663;  56 Del. Laws, c. 243;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter IV. Effectuation › § 844. Designation of roadways.

§ 844. Designation of roadways.
The term “avenue,” “boulevard,” “drive,” “highway,” “lane,” “parkway,” “place,” “road,” “route,” “street,” “turnpike” or any abbreviations thereof shall be used interchangeably so as to make the descriptions used in this chapter conform to maps currently in existence.
29 Del. C. 1953, §  664;  56 Del. Laws, c. 259, §  2;  63 Del. Laws, c. 183, §  1;  68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter IV. Effectuation › § 845. House district descriptions.

§ 845. House district descriptions.
In the descriptions of the various House of Representatives districts, all references to a road, highway, street, drive, place, parkway, lane, avenue, boulevard, route, turnpike, river, stream, branch, gut, boundary line or other physical feature shall refer to the center line thereof unless otherwise specified.
68 Del. Laws, c. 188, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 243, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  5;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 8. COMPOSITION OF AND REAPPORTIONMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY › Subchapter IV. Effectuation › § 846. Senate district descriptions.

§ 846. Senate district descriptions.
In the descriptions of the various Senate districts, all references to a road, highway, street, drive, place, parkway, lane, avenue, boulevard, route, turnpike, river, stream, branch, gut, boundary line or other physical feature shall refer to the center line thereof unless otherwise specified.
78 Del. Laws, c. 105, §  6;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 901. Altering, defacing, or concealing bills or acts; penalties.

§ 901. Altering, defacing, or concealing bills or acts; penalties.
(a) (1) It is unlawful to wilfully do any of the following to an act passed by the General Assembly or a bill pending before a House of the General Assembly, a committee of a House of the General Assembly, or a joint committee of the General Assembly:
a. Add to.
b. Alter.
c. Deface.
d. Erase.
e. Obliterate.
f. Mutilate.
g. Blot.
h. Blur.
i. Steal.
j. Hide.
k. Conceal.
l. Destroy.
m. Misplace with the intent to conceal.
(2) A violation of paragraph (a)(1) of this section is a felony and is to be punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $5,000 and costs of prosecution and imprisonment of not less than 1 year nor more than 10 years.
(b) For purposes of this section:
(1) “Act” means a bill that has been enacted under § 18 of Article III of the Delaware Constitution.
(2) “Bill pending” means a bill that is introduced but has not yet been enacted under § 18 of Article III of the Delaware Constitution.
(c) An alteration or amendment of an act passed by the General Assembly or a bill pending before a House of the General Assembly, a committee of a House of the General Assembly, or a joint committee of the General Assembly made in the regular course of proceedings, including under Chapter 2 of Title 1 and §§ 904 and 906 of this title, is not a violation of this section.
(d) This section does not prevent or limit a House of the General Assembly from punishing an individual who violates paragraph (a)(1) of this section for contempt according to parliamentary usage. A punishment for contempt by a House of the General Assembly does not prevent or limit a prosecution under this section.
19 Del. Laws, c. 276, §§  1-4;  Code 1915, §  363;  Code 1935, §  4;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  901;  65 Del. Laws, c. 425, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 11;  84 Del. Laws, c. 233, § 55;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 902. Preservation of bills and resolutions passed.

§ 902. Preservation of bills and resolutions passed.
All bills and resolutions passed by the General Assembly which are published in the Session Laws are to be preserved by being printed, stenciled, or typewritten and not copied or transcribed with the pen. The original of all bills and resolutions are to be produced in a manner approved by the State Archivist and Records Administrator and the Director of Research of the Legislative Council, or the Director's designee, for permanency and legibility.
27 Del. Laws, c. 12, §  1;  Code 1915, §  366;  Code 1935, §  337;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  902;  53 Del. Laws, c. 7, §§  2, 3;  59 Del. Laws, c. 253, §  7;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  72 Del. Laws, c. 382, §  4;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 12;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 903. Appointment and duties of Bill Clerks.

§ 903. Appointment and duties of Bill Clerks.
(a) The Senate and the House of Representatives shall appoint a Bill Clerk for their respective House of the General Assembly.
(b) A Bill Clerk shall have general supervision over all bills and resolutions introduced at a session of the General Assembly. When a bill or resolution passes both Houses of the General Assembly, the Bill Clerks shall attach a parchment backing to the bill or resolution and initial and seal or stamp each page of the bill or resolution and present them to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for their signatures. The Bill Clerks shall certify with the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House, on the backing of the bill or resolution, that the bill or resolution is the same as that which passed both Houses, and the Bill Clerk of the House in which the bill or resolution was introduced shall then deliver the bill or resolution, with an engrossment under § 904(a) of this title, if necessary, to the Secretary of the Senate, for a Senate bill or resolution, or the Chief Clerk of the House, for a House bill or resolution.
27 Del. Laws, c. 12, §§  2, 3;  Code 1935, §  337;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  903;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 13;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 904. Engrossment; duty of Secretary of the Senate and Chief Clerk of the House as to passed bills or resolutions.

§ 904. Engrossment; duty of Secretary of the Senate and Chief Clerk of the House as to passed bills or resolutions.
(a) (1) If a bill or resolution is amended, the Division of Research shall prepare an engrossed copy of the bill or joint resolution for the Governor and publication in the Session Laws and the simple or concurrent resolution for publication on the General Assembly's website.
(2) In preparing the engrossed copy of a bill or resolution, the Division of Research may correct manifest clerical, typographical, and grammatical errors created during the amendment process.
(3) In preparing the engrossed copy of a bill or resolution, the Division of Research shall proofread the engrossed copy before release to ensure accurate engrossment.
(b) The Secretary of the Senate or the Chief Clerk of the House, as appropriate, shall do all of the following:
(1) Present to the Governor a bill or resolution that is required to be presented to the Governor under § 18 of Article III of the Delaware Constitution.
(2) Document the Governor's receipt of a bill or resolution presented under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(3) Report to their respective Houses and the Division of Research on each bill or resolution presented under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(c) The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House shall report to their respective Houses on a bill or resolution that becomes law without the Governor's signature under § 18 of Article III of the Delaware Constitution. The Division of Research shall publish the bill or resolution under § 906 of this title in the same manner as if the Governor had signed it.
(d) The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House shall report to their respective members on the action taken by the Governor on each bill or resolution presented.
27 Del. Laws, c. 12, §§  3-7;  Code 1935, §  337;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  904;  53 Del. Laws, c. 7, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 14;  84 Del. Laws, c. 233, § 56;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 906. Publication of Session Laws; typographical errors; Executive Register.

§ 906. Publication of Session Laws; typographical errors; Executive Register.
(a) (1) The Director of Research of the Legislative Council (“Director”), or the Director's designee, shall, as soon as practicable after the adjournment of the General Assembly, have published accurately in volume form, with an index thereto, copies of all of the following:
a. Bills enacted.
b. All resolutions enacted requiring the approval of the Governor, executive orders, and proclamations of the Governor, other than proclamations directing the repeal of corporate charters which are promulgated pursuant to legislative enactment.
c. Municipal charters or amendments to municipal charters adopted pursuant to a referendum and filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to Chapter 8 of Title 22.
d. Other legislative and executive papers as may be required by Legislative Council.
(2) The volume published under subsection (a) of this section is to be known as the Session Laws or the Laws of Delaware.
(3) The publication of the Session Laws is to be done under contract made by the Director, or the Director's designee, and in accordance with the specifications furnished by the Director.
(4) In the preparation of the Session Laws for publication, the Director, or the Director's designee, may do the following:
a. For a portion of a Session Law that is to be codified by the Code Revisors, and with the Code Revisors' agreement, correct manifest clerical, typographical, and grammatical errors.
b. For a portion of a Session Law that is not to be codified by the Code Revisors, correct manifest clerical, typographical, and grammatical errors.
(b) The Secretary of State shall maintain and annually publish, in a manner as the Secretary of State determines, an Executive Register containing copies or abstracts of all official acts of the Governor and an index thereto, excepting therefrom acts and resolutions of the General Assembly.
21 Del. Laws, c. 9, §§  1, 2;  23 Del. Laws, c. 82, §  5;  24 Del. Laws, c. 14;  Code 1915, §  368;  36 Del. Laws, c. 77, §  2;  Code 1935, §  338;  46 Del. Laws, c. 4;  29 Del. C. 1953, §  907;  49 Del. Laws, c. 66;  50 Del. Laws, c. 453, §  1;  50 Del. Laws, c. 584, §  1;  51 Del. Laws, c. 134, §  4;  55 Del. Laws, c. 350, §  1;  55 Del. Laws, c. 384, §§  1, 2;  56 Del. Laws, c. 89, §  1;  59 Del. Laws, c. 253, §  9;  61 Del. Laws, c. 257, §§  1, 2;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 16;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 910. Consideration of agency rules during legislative interim.

§ 910. Consideration of agency rules during legislative interim.
(a) When an agency adopts a rule or regulation, or makes a substantive amendment to a rule or regulation of the agency during the legislative interim between July 1 and the second Tuesday in January, and the chair of a standing committee of either house believes in good faith that the rule, regulation, or amendment to the rule or regulation impacts or is within the subject-matter jurisdiction of the committee, the chair may schedule a meeting of the committee to consider the rule, regulation, or amendment to the rule or regulation.
(b) When more than 1 standing committee wishes to hold a meeting to consider the same rule, regulation, or amendment to the rule or regulation, the standing committees shall become a joint committee and shall remain as a joint committee for that purpose until the first day of the next following General Assembly session, or until the adjournment of the joint committee, whichever comes first. A standing committee may withdraw from the joint committee at any time. Each joint committee consisting of standing committees from both Houses of the General Assembly must be co-chaired by a House standing committee chair and a Senate standing committee chair.
(c) Each joint committee shall have the power, by a majority vote of its members, to draft a committee report setting forth its suggestions and recommendations, and to request the President Pro Tempore of the Senate or the Speaker of the House to call a special session to consider committee recommendations. Each joint committee shall provide its committee report to the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee.
68 Del. Laws, c. 159, §  4;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  80 Del. Laws, c. 260, §  3;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 20;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 911. Deliberative process.

§ 911. Deliberative process.
(a) (1) A bill, resolution, or other legislative matter assigned to a standing committee must pass through a deliberative process before being brought to the floor of either House, unless the bill or resolution is sooner petitioned out of committee.
(2) The deliberative process required under paragraph (a)(1) of this section must include regularly scheduled preannounced meetings at which the standing committee does all of the following:
a. Receives testimony from the general public, including those affected by the proposed legislation.
b. Considers an analysis of the proposed legislation, including a fiscal note or fee impact statement prepared by the Office of the Controller General.
c. After notice to the sponsor, makes time available for each prime sponsor to explain the legislation and answer questions from the standing committee.
(b) Each Thursday each standing committee shall release a committee agenda which must include all matters to be considered by the committee at that meeting, a listing of all bills in the committee, and any other announcements from the committee including the times, places, and dates of future meetings.
(c) Minutes must be taken at each formal standing committee meeting, and the results of a committee vote must be recorded. A committee member who dissents from a committee decision may state the member's dissent and reasoning in the minutes.
61 Del. Laws, c. 420, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 21;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 912. Vote requirement for ratification of amendments to United States Constitution.

§ 912. Vote requirement for ratification of amendments to United States Constitution.
The General Assembly shall approve a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution by a majority of the members elected to each House of the General Assembly in a roll call vote. The vote on the proposed amendment must be entered on the journals of each House with the “ayes” and “nays” taken on the vote.
62 Del. Laws, c. 110, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 22;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 913. Legislation affecting fees charged by state agencies.

§ 913. Legislation affecting fees charged by state agencies.
(a) The Office of the Controller General shall prepare a statement to be attached to legislation that proposes a fee to be charged by, or an increase in a fee charged by, a state agency. The statement must include an explanation of all of the following:
(1) The purpose of the proposed fee or fee increase.
(2) A general identification of the persons, business entities, or organizations affected by the legislation.
(3) Impact of the proposed fee or fee increase on these affected persons, business entities, or organizations.
(4) Intended use by the agency of the revenues generated by the proposed fee or fee increase.
(b) (1) The Office of the Controller General shall contact the state agency in preparation of the statement. The Office of the Controller General shall review or audit the information provided by the agency as deemed necessary to evaluate the reasons presented for the proposed fee or fee increase and shall include in the statement a report of its findings.
(2) The Office of the Controller General shall attach the statement to the legislation before the legislation's initial committee consideration in the House of origin.
(c) Each House may waive the requirements of this section as to legislation pending before the House by a vote of the majority of all members elected to the House.
68 Del. Laws, c. 216, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 458, § 23;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 9. LEGISLATIVE BILLS, LAWS, JOURNALS AND COMMITTEES › § 914. Procedure for notice to the public of a proposed amendment to the Delaware Constitution.

§ 914. Procedure for notice to the public of a proposed amendment to the Delaware Constitution.
(a) For purposes of this section:
(1) “Newspaper of general circulation” means a newspaper that meets all of the following:
a. Is published at least on a weekly basis.
b. Is distributed throughout a county.
c. Is published in the language most commonly spoken in the area in which it circulates.
(2) “Newspaper of general circulation” does not include any of the following:
a. A newspaper intended primarily for members of a particular professional or occupational group.
b. A newspaper whose primary function is to carry legal notices.
(3) “Proposed amendment” means the full text of the legislation proposing an amendment to the Delaware Constitution.
(b) The notice required for a proposed amendment under §  1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution must occur as follows:
(1) The proposed amendment must be published not more than 120 days before the next general election and not less than 90 days before the next general election in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in each county.
(2) The proposed amendment must be posted for at least the 90 days before the next general election prominently on the Department of Election's and General Assembly's websites.
(c) The individual responsible for ensuring dissemination of the proposed amendment under subsection (b) of this section is as follows:
(1) The Secretary of the Senate, for an amendment proposed by a Senate bill.
(2) The Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, for an amendment proposed by a House bill.
(d) The Secretary of the Senate, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, State Election Commissioner, and Director of the Division of Research shall review and approve the notice to be disseminated under subsection (b) of this section.
(e) (1) The individual responsible for dissemination under subsection (c) of this section shall provide immediate notice of doing so to all of the following:
a. The Governor.
b. The members of the General Assembly.
c. The Director and Legislative Librarian of the Division of Research of Legislative Council.
d. The State Archivist and Records Administrator.
(2) The notice provided under paragraph (e)(1) of this section must include all of the following:
a. A list of the newspapers in which the publication of the proposed amendment required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section occurred and the date of publication in those newspapers.
b. The place within the websites in which the posting required under paragraph (b)(2) of this section is to be found and the date of the posting.
83 Del. Laws, c. 217, § 1;  84 Del. Laws, c. 16, § 1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 10. LEGISLATIVE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST › § 1001. Findings; purpose.

§ 1001. Findings; purpose.
(a) The General Assembly hereby declares that public office is a public trust and that any effort to realize personal financial gain through public office other than compensation provided by law is a violation of that trust. In serving the public interest, it is a legislator's right and responsibility to vote upon all questions before the House of which he or she is a member and to participate in the business of the House and its committees, and in doing so, he or she is presumed to be acting in good faith and in the public interest.
(b) The General Assembly also acknowledges that the exercise of legislative rights is subject to limitations provided in article II, § 20 of the Delaware Constitution when personal or private interests conflict with the public interest.
(c) The purpose of this chapter is to define the limitations of article II, § 20 of the Delaware Constitution and to provide for its implementation and enforcement.
67 Del. Laws, c. 419, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;
2023 Delaware Code › Title 29 - State Government › Chapter 10. LEGISLATIVE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST › § 1002. Restrictions relating to personal or private interest.

§ 1002. Restrictions relating to personal or private interest.
(a) A legislator who has a personal or private interest in any measure or bill pending in the General Assembly shall disclose the fact to the House of which he or she is a member and shall not participate in the debate nor vote thereon; provided, that upon the request of any other member of the House or Senate, as the case may be, a legislator who has such a personal or private interest may nevertheless respond to questions concerning any such measure or bill. A personal or private interest in a measure or bill is an interest which tends to impair a legislator's independence of judgment in the performance of his or her legislative duties with respect to that measure or bill.
(b) A legislator has an interest which tends to impair his or her independence of judgment in the performance of his or her legislative duties with regard to any bill or measure when any of the following apply:
(1) The enactment or defeat of the measure or bill would result in a financial benefit or detriment to accrue to the legislator or a close relative to a greater extent than such benefit or detriment would accrue to others who are members of the same class or group of persons.
(2) The legislator or a close relative has a financial interest in a private enterprise which enterprise or interest would be affected by a measure or bill to a lesser or greater extent than like enterprises or other interests in the same enterprise.
(3) A person required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 58 of this title is a close relative of the legislator and that person acts to promote, advocate, influence, or oppose the measure or bill.
(c) Disclosure required under subsection (a) of this section shall be made in open session:
(1) Prior to the vote on the measure or bill by any committee of which the legislator is a member; and
(2) Prior to the vote on the measure or bill in the House of which the legislator is a member.
(d) A legislator who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to such sanction as shall be prescribed by the House of which he or she is a member pursuant to rules adopted under article II, § 9 of the Delaware Constitution.
67 Del. Laws, c. 419, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 283, § 41;