AGP Executive Report

Marijuana Policy: Delaware lawmakers overrode Gov. Matt Meyer’s veto of SB 75, limiting counties’ ability to impose restrictive zoning on legal cannabis shops and aiming to protect access to the regulated market. Courts & Accountability: A Delaware judge ruled JPMorgan must keep paying Charlie Javice’s legal bills, rejecting the bank’s claim the costs were “astronomical” and unreasonable while Javice appeals her fraud conviction. Public Safety & Tech: Delaware County said “unauthorized activity” disrupted its network, shutting down systems to protect data; service is being restored as the investigation continues. Heat & Infrastructure: Federal officials ordered data centers and other large users to switch to backup power amid a heat wave pushing the PJM grid toward record demand across Delaware and the region. Local Justice: The family of Kadir Skinner, killed in a Wilmington police shooting, is demanding more transparency, saying they still haven’t received body-camera footage more than a week later. Water & Data Centers: A Delaware company, AirJoule, is demonstrating waste-heat tech that pulls drinkable water from the air for data centers.

Delaware Election Watch: Delaware lawmakers ended the 153rd General Assembly session early Wednesday, but several election bills stalled—HB 65 (moving primaries to the fourth Tuesday in April) died in the Senate Executive Committee, HB 188 (letting unaffiliated voters choose a party primary) passed the House but missed final Senate approval, and HB 183 (special primaries for vacant seats) also failed to clear before adjournment. Late-Session Policy Push: Lawmakers still cleared a slate of major measures before nearly 5 a.m. adjournment, including a large-energy/data-center package requiring utility agreements and renewable procurement, plus other items tied to firearms rules, schools, and firefighter background checks. Wetlands Win: The Nature Conservancy praised passage of the Wetland Stewardship Act (SB 9), a long-fought effort to protect freshwater and non-tidal wetlands and tighten DNREC permitting timelines. National Health Fight With Delaware Ties: A coalition of at least 25 states (including Delaware) sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule unlawfully restricts access and forces extra documentation for medically vulnerable people. Heat Relief: Cooling centers opened across Delmarva as a heat wave hit, with Delaware and regional partners urging seniors to use free air-conditioned spaces.

Delaware Legislative Wrap: Delaware lawmakers cleared a $1.25 billion FY2027 bond bill on the final day of session, with major funding for roads, school construction, affordable housing, clean water, parks/trails, and economic development. Public Safety & Health: The Senate also passed a $99.4 million grants-in-aid package, including support for senior centers, fire and ambulance services, paramedics, veterans groups, and emergency transitional housing. Police Accountability: Wilmington city leaders renewed calls for body-camera access and an independent review after a 19-year-old was shot and killed by an officer last week. Courts & Policy: Delaware’s Senate Pro Tempore David Sokola’s final push helped stall a child sexual abuse civil suit bill by adding a $500,000 damages cap and narrowing liability definitions. State Government Watch: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the FY2027 operating budget, while lawmakers also moved on measures tied to elections and other governance issues.

Delaware Budget & Governance: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s FY2027 operating budget, a $6.99B plan focused on education, affordable housing, healthcare, and workforce investments, including pay raises and expanded childcare eligibility. Marriage Equality Amendment: Delaware House passed the first leg of a constitutional amendment protecting marriage equality after three lawmakers reversed earlier positions, setting up a two-consecutive-session path for final adoption. Election Law Change: Delaware advanced an amendment to ban LLCs from voting in elections, a move aimed at tightening election rules. Public Safety & Fire/EMS: Lawmakers highlighted new state laws taking effect July 1, including expanded volunteer firefighter/EMS background-check requirements and other public-safety measures. Health Care Fraud: A Lewes lab owner faces charges tied to alleged Medicare/Medicaid fraud through false laboratory diagnostic claims. Environment & Water: Drinking-water providers are grappling with PFAS and funding needs as utilities seek workable treatment and compliance paths. Heat Preparedness: Sussex County opened cooling stations ahead of an extreme heat wave over the July 4 weekend. Court/Legal Watch: Delaware-related corporate litigation coverage includes guidance on Delaware “Revlon duties” during company sales and a Chancery dispute involving a claimed sham freeze-out.

Medicaid Fight: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule unlawfully narrows exemptions for people who are “medically frail.” Birthright Citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the administration’s bid to end birthright citizenship, with Delaware and Maryland leaders calling it a win for the 14th Amendment. Delaware Lawmaking: On the final legislative day, Delaware lawmakers moved bills tied to voting rights protections and gun dealer oversight, while also advancing a measure that would require criminal background checks for fire and EMS personnel. Public Safety & Local Rules: Dewey Beach is weighing an ordinance to keep alcohol service at 1 a.m. despite a state bill that would allow later hours. Community & Economy: Delaware on Main Street grew to 17 accredited/affiliated downtown organizations, boosting local reinvestment and jobs. America 250 (Delaware): Sail250 tall ships are expected to pass through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, and New Hope/Lambertville are teaming up for a three-day America 250 celebration.

Utility Affordability Fight: Gov. Matt Meyer urged the Delaware Public Service Commission to suspend Delmarva Power’s July 9 interim rate increase, arguing it could exceed what regulators ultimately find “just and reasonable” and worsen an affordability crisis for families, seniors, and small businesses. Volunteer Fire/EMS Oversight: A Delaware bill to expand volunteer firefighter background checks is moving forward, but a new amendment narrows who must be screened and who is automatically barred. Public Safety & Accountability: Wilmington officials are calling for patience as investigations continue after a fatal officer-involved shooting, while a City Councilmember renewed demands for an independent external police audit focused on use of force and racial disparities. Health Care Policy: Delaware is tied to a broader, multi-state legal push against Trump administration Medicaid work requirements, with states challenging how “medically frail” exemptions are defined. Courts & Delaware Business Law: Delaware Chancery is set to weigh whether a term sheet can be enforced as a binding IP licensing deal, and updated guides cover director independence and when stockholder votes are required for “substantially all” asset sales. Bond Bill Deadline: Delaware’s bond bill heads to lawmakers for a final-day vote, including one-time school construction funding and a plan to buy the Summit North Marina. Community & Culture: The Delaware Valley Fire Museum launched “SALUTE!”—a military tribute exhibit running through Veterans Day 2026.

Delaware Legislative Session Watch: Lawmakers head into the final day with major bills still in play, including a capital budget that would push nearly $1.26 billion in projects—partly funded by Delaware’s unclaimed property pot, which is drawing fresh legal scrutiny. Public Safety & Health: DNREC released the 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Guide, expanding Sunday hunting, setting a year-round coyote season, and updating rules after Chronic Wasting Disease was detected in Delaware. State Government & Crime: Delaware State Police arrested a Wilmington man tied to an organized retail theft ring that allegedly recruited people with drug addiction, with thousands of items seized and charges filed. Community & Local Governance: Delaware lawmakers are also considering a bill to require criminal background checks for fire and EMS members, aiming to tighten screening for current and prospective volunteers. National Politics With Delaware Stakes: AG Kwame Raoul urged ICE to reverse a policy that would end death investigations and reporting after releases from custody, arguing it weakens oversight. Courts & Elections: Federal courts continue blocking Trump administration efforts to control state election processes, with multiple states winning in court.

Delaware Senate Crash: Sen. Chris Coons says he’s expected to fully recover after a multi-car crash in Sussex County triggered by another driver’s medical incident; Coons was treated for minor injuries at Beebe Hospital and returned home. Delaware Budget & Energy: Delaware’s FY2027 operating budget and one-time funding cleared the House, while Gov. Matt Meyer highlighted faster community-solar permitting through the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator. PFAS Accountability: Regulators secured a $450M Chemours settlement over “forever chemicals” discharged into the Delaware River and other waterways, with penalties plus long-term cleanup and drinking-water spending. Election-Rule Fight: A federal judge blocked parts of a Trump effort to condition transportation funds on state cooperation with immigration enforcement. Public Safety & Justice: Wilmington’s police shooting of 19-year-old Kadir Skinner is drawing renewed calls for transparency and body-camera footage from his family. Education Policy Debate: A new study and commentary question whether career pathways are truly working—arguing the state of outcomes data is still too thin.

Police Accountability: Wilmington family of Kadir Skinner, 19, says he was shot by officers after allegedly carrying a gun toward a crowd; they’re demanding body-camera footage and allege he was shot in the back and not taken to an ambulance. Delaware Budget: The Delaware House passed the FY2027 operating budget (nearly $7B) plus $146M in one-time funding, with GOP lawmakers warning of sustainability and “Dexit” pressures on corporate revenue. Energy & Permitting: Gov. Matt Meyer’s JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator is speeding community solar approvals, with projects expected to come online months earlier and offer at least 10% bill savings. PFAS Enforcement: Federal regulators secured a $450M Chemours settlement tied to PFAS discharges into the Delaware River and other waterways, including penalties and long-term controls/cleanup funding. Rehoboth Governance: Delaware House charter changes for Rehoboth Beach cleared the chamber, but a hot-button spouse-serving provision sent the measure back to the Senate. Civil Rights at the Statehouse: A proposed Delaware constitutional amendment to enshrine marriage equality failed in the House, falling short of the two-thirds vote needed.

Federal Courts & Immigration: A judge blocked the Trump administration from threatening to withhold billions in transportation funds from states that won’t join parts of the administration’s immigration enforcement agenda. Delaware Politics: The Delaware House failed to advance a constitutional amendment enshrining marriage equality, falling short of the supermajority needed. Local Governance (Rehoboth Beach): Rehoboth charter changes cleared the House, but a hot-button provision about barring close relatives from serving on the same body sent the measure back to the Senate. Public Safety (Rehoboth Beach): Police reported a heavy, multi-jurisdictional presence around Rehoboth Beach after warnings of a possible “takeover” event—then said no takeover activity materialized. Food Assistance Oversight: SNAP payment error-rate reporting continues to drive scrutiny and potential penalties, with Delaware among the states flagged at the high end. Community & Service: Delaware’s Blue Star Museums program is offering free admission for active-duty military families at participating museums through Sept. 7. Sports & Culture: Luka Modrić, now the World Cup’s oldest player, helped Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in Philly; and Delaware-area audiences are gearing up for July 4 events tied to the 250th anniversary.

Elections & Courts: Delaware AG Ford and Sec. of State Aguilar scored another major win blocking Trump administration efforts to exert federal control over elections, after earlier court action stopped key parts of the plan. Immigration: Gov. Matt Meyer and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons criticized the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, warning it will disrupt Delaware families and communities. Public Safety: Delaware’s General Assembly passed a fireworks bill (HB 63) tightening rules for legal sales, including safety literature and site inspections ahead of the July 4th weekend. Environment & Industry: Chemours agreed to a landmark $450M PFAS settlement with federal and state authorities, including penalties and long-term mitigation. Corporate Delaware: Dell shareholders approved moving the company’s legal base from Delaware to Texas, with Michael Dell citing 97% approval. Community & Culture: Blue Star Museums is offering free admission to active-duty military families at Delaware sites through Sept. 7. Local Watch: Rehoboth Beach saw heavy police presence after a “takeover-style” event warning, but officials reported no incident.

Election Law Fight: Delaware’s AG Ford and Sec. of State Aguilar say courts permanently blocked Trump administration efforts to exert federal control over elections, rejecting unlawful rules aimed at mail voting and voter lists. Immigration & TPS: Gov. Matt Meyer and Delaware lawmakers blasted the U.S. Supreme Court’s move clearing the way to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians—raising fears for Delaware’s Haitian community, including in Milford. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a roughly $450M federal settlement to resolve “forever chemicals” claims, with penalties plus long-term mitigation and clean-water commitments. Local Governance: A bill would let Delaware towns extend “last call” from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., a potential boost for nightlife and small businesses. Public Safety: Delaware’s fireworks rules get a fresh push ahead of the 250th, with new requirements for safety literature and site inspections for legal sellers. Business/Corporate Law: Dell shareholders approved moving the company’s incorporation from Delaware to Texas, a reminder that Delaware’s corporate footprint is still under pressure.

Delaware Gun Oversight: The Delaware House passed a bill creating a state licensing system for gun dealers, adding inspection, reporting, training, and security requirements—now back to the Senate for final action. Rehoboth Charter Fight: Rehoboth Beach charter changes cleared the House after a late amendment removed a hot-button ban on two people from the same household holding office at the same time, keeping the rest of the slate moving. Public Safety—ChristianaCare Shooting: A suspect was arrested after a shooting at ChristianaCare’s Wilmington Hospital left one dead and another injured; prosecutors plan charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder. Courts—Christina Superintendent Appeal: Former Christina School District Superintendent Dan Shelton appealed a $2.7M wrongful termination dismissal, arguing the lower court relied on facts outside the record. State Economic Development: Delaware awarded nearly $800,000 to Gradbridge, a startup student-loan company, described as “unusual” given its early stage. Environment—PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450M federal settlement over chronic PFAS pollution, with alleged violations tied to releases into the Delaware River and beyond. Health & Welfare—SNAP Errors: USDA says improper SNAP payments hit $10B in FY2025; Delaware is among the highest-error states, raising stakes for future administrative cost penalties. Energy Efficiency: Energize Delaware boosted incentives for weatherization and heating/cooling projects through Sept. 30, while new federal changes threaten to end certain EV-related tax rebates. Community Spotlight: Special Olympics Delaware held its Summer Games in Newark, drawing hundreds of athletes and a statewide law enforcement torch run.

Delaware Gun Oversight: The Delaware House passed a firearm dealer oversight bill creating a state licensing system and adding inspection, reporting, training, and security requirements, sending it back to the Senate for final action. SNAP Accountability: A new USDA report shows SNAP payment error rates remain high nationwide, with Delaware at 16%—a level that could trigger federal cost-sharing penalties unless the state improves. Delaware Budget Push: Lawmakers sent a nearly $7 billion FY2027 operating budget to Gov. Matt Meyer, with raises, education, and Medicaid driving spending as the June 30 deadline nears. Immigration Enforcement Bills: Two immigration-related bills cleared the Delaware House, including limits on when local police can cooperate with ICE and restrictions on detaining people based only on immigration warrants. Corrections Leadership: Delaware County’s George W. Hill Correctional Facility chief warden resigned after under six months, citing family reasons. Local Governance: New Castle County Council approved Wilmington’s annexation of unincorporated land to expand the Chase Fieldhouse. Public Safety—Scam Warning: A Delaware lawmaker argues Delaware must do more than badges and bills to stop online scams, including fake E-ZPass text schemes.

Delaware Politics & Governance: Delaware House Speaker Mimi Minor Brown is pushing a framework to repurpose “underutilized” school buildings as enrollment dips leave more than a dozen schools—mostly in New Castle County—operating below 60% capacity. State Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed SB 250, expanding Delaware’s parentage law to better cover children born through assisted reproduction and surrogacy, aiming to secure legal parent-child relationships and reduce insurance/decision-making barriers. Public Safety & Local Control: Lewes joined other Delaware municipalities opposing the Housing for Every Delawarean Act, arguing SB 23 would give the state too much say over local land-use decisions. Community Watch: Rehoboth Beach warned residents about another planned “Takeover” on the boardwalk, stressing permits, ordinances, and extra staffing costs for large gatherings. Environment & Accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450M PFAS settlement with the U.S. government tied to “forever chemicals” releases affecting the Cape Fear, Delaware, and Ohio Rivers. Arts & Economy: SMU DataArts ranked Delaware 11th for arts vibrancy and Wilmington 57th among arts-vibrant communities.

Delaware Courts & Public Safety: A Delaware County woman tied to the extremist “Zizians” cult, Michelle Zajko, has been charged with murdering her parents in Chester Heights in 2022, with prosecutors saying doorbell video, ballistics, and cellphone data show she was at least partly responsible. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a $450 million “forever chemicals” settlement with the Trump administration/DOJ covering facilities in West Virginia, New Jersey, and North Carolina, including penalties and major spending for drinking-water supply and emission controls. Consumer Protection & Data: A Pennsylvania privacy bill advanced after passing unanimously in a Senate committee, aiming to let residents opt out of targeted ads, correct data, and demand deletion—while a separate measure would let municipalities pause data center proposals for six months. Delaware Housing: The Delaware House passed an affordable housing bill (“Housing for Every Delawarean Act”) pushing denser housing options, drawing local-control concerns but gaining enough support to move forward. Civil Rights in Delaware: A proposed Delaware constitutional amendment to protect same-sex marriage failed in the House, reviving fears about future challenges to marriage rights. Education & Tech: Delaware-area coverage also highlights teachers training on how to use AI critically, not just avoid it. Health Policy: A federal judge permanently blocked key parts of a Trump elections executive order tied to proof-of-citizenship voting.