AGP Executive Report

Delaware Courts & Governance: Delaware Court of Chancery rulings keep sharpening the rules on LLC duties and litigation conduct, including fee shifting for “glaringly egregious” pre-litigation behavior and a reaffirmation that minority members in manager-managed LLCs generally don’t owe fiduciary duties. State Politics & Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer let a split property tax rate extension become law without his signature, saying it would otherwise misclassify apartments and other residential rentals; Rep. Kim Williams’ bill now sets the 2026-27 caps as Delaware continues correcting past assessment inequities. Federal Power & Delaware Stakes: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, a move civil rights groups warn could affect voting and civil rights enforcement. Public Safety & Corrections: Delaware DOC is taking applications for a free Fall 2026 Citizens Academy starting Sept. 21 in Dover. Health & Community: Delaware native Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has spread to his bones, according to Hunter Biden, with the former president seen in Wilmington after the update. Local Economy: Former state Sen. Charlie Copeland argues Delaware needs new direction focused on spending control, fewer barriers to private investment, and better alignment of policy with business and workers.

Delaware Economy & Governance: Former state Sen. Charlie Copeland says Delaware needs a “new direction” built on tighter spending, fewer barriers to private investment, and policies that better account for impacts on workers and taxpayers. Voting Rights & Civil Rights: Delaware’s John Lewis Voting Rights Act is now law, expanding protections against election discrimination and race-based barriers. Attorney General Fight: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, drawing sharp civil-rights backlash over concerns about voting rights and DOJ independence. Public Safety & Corrections: Delaware’s Department of Correction is taking applications for a free Fall 2026 Citizens Academy starting Sept. 21 in Dover. Education Policy: The Trump administration is pushing more federal education flexibility to states via waivers, including consolidating funding streams and easing requirements for local districts. Community & Culture: HOLA’s “Baila Con Dover” returns to Legislative Hall to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Health & National Politics: Hunter Biden says Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has spread further and is causing severe pain.

Delaware Health & Politics: Former Delaware native Joe Biden was seen in Wilmington for Mass while Hunter Biden says his prostate cancer has spread to his bones and is “very painful and very debilitating,” adding fresh pressure on how the public learns about the former president’s condition. State Government & Policy: Delaware Prosperity Partnership launched Innovate Delaware, a statewide hub meant to connect startups with capital and partners, with an early focus on a Rural Health Challenge for health-tech firms. Courts & Civil Rights: A Delaware Superior Court lawsuit targets major social media platforms over alleged harms tied to four teen suicides, filed by families and the Social Media Victims Law Center. Consumer & Public Safety: Delaware County fuel reports show the lowest E85 at $2.57 and diesel at $4.58 for the week ending Aug. 1, while a separate Delaware County update names new members of a Human Relations Commission. National Watch: Senate Democrats led by John Hickenlooper introduced a resolution to end unauthorized U.S. military involvement against Iran, while Washington and other states sue to stop federal sharing of TANF recipients’ personal data.

War Powers Showdown: Senate Democrats led by John Hickenlooper introduced a resolution to end what they call unauthorized U.S. military involvement against Iran, escalating pressure on President Trump’s conflict management. AG Confirmation Fallout: Todd Blanche’s razor-thin attorney general confirmation (50-49) drew immediate Democratic and watchdog backlash, with critics saying it gives Trump cover for corruption. Delaware Voting Rights: Delaware enacted the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, adding state protections against discrimination, suppression, intimidation, and dilution, with AG enforcement authority. Health Care Access: Gov. Matt Meyer signed new laws expanding pharmacists’ and dental hygienists’ roles and creating a healthcare apprenticeship study. Delaware Business & Innovation: The Delaware Prosperity Partnership launched Innovate Delaware, a statewide hub aimed at connecting startups to capital, corporate partners, and international opportunities, starting with a Rural Health Challenge. Local Government: Delaware County named members to a new Human Relations Commission focused on discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, and health care. Court Watch: A Delaware judge ruled in the Biggie catalog dispute that the Wallace trust can’t be locked out of Primary Wave proceeds.

Voting Rights: Delaware enacted the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, adding state-level protections against discrimination, suppression, dilution, intimidation, and deception, with AG enforcement authority and a clear message that it won’t expand eligibility—just strengthen access. Elections Litigation: A Delaware state senator sued to block the state’s permanent absentee voting system, arguing it’s unconstitutional. Healthcare Workforce: Gov. Matt Meyer signed laws expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice, increasing what dental hygienists can do, and directing study work on a healthcare apprenticeship degree pathway. Public Safety: Delaware State Police charged a motorcyclist’s alleged road-rage shooter after a fatal August 4 incident in Newark. Delaware Courts/Business: The Delaware Supreme Court denied Fox News’ bid for a mid-case review in a defamation fight; meanwhile, Delaware Chancery activity included disputes tied to deals and corporate governance. Energy/Policy: Meyer also let a property tax bill become law without his signature, while urging lawmakers to address apartment classification impacts on school taxes. National Security/Crime: Sen. Chris Coons introduced federal legislation targeting targeted deadly attacks on law enforcement, citing Delaware’s DMV killing of Cpl. Matthew “Ty” Snook. Economy/Tax: Delaware reported a 1.9% rise in selective sales and gross receipts tax collections in 2024.

Voting Rights Protections: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, adding state-level guardrails against discriminatory voting practices and vote dilution after the Supreme Court’s Callais decision. Property Taxes & Schools: Meyer let HB 462 become law without his signature, allowing school districts to use split residential/nonresidential property tax rates—but he criticized how apartments were treated like commercial property after New Castle County’s reassessment. U.S. Senate Race: Delaware GOP candidate John Shulli, a former Army colonel, pitched a “put Delaware on the map” agenda and support for small modular nuclear reactors ahead of the Sept. 15 primary. Delaware Courts & Governance: Delaware Court of Chancery guidance clarified how Revlon duties apply (or don’t) for public benefit corporations, reinforcing statutory safe harbors for PBC directors. Public Safety & Federal Law: Sen. Chris Coons introduced the Protect and Serve Act targeting deadly, intentional attacks on law enforcement, citing the Wilmington DMV killing of Cpl. Matthew “Ty” Snook. Corrections & Local Economy: Meyer highlighted a Farm to Processing Program at Sussex Correctional Institution, routing locally grown produce into meals for the Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club. Delaware Cannabis: Adult-use sales topped $53M in the first year, with the state also backing social equity grants for cannabis entrepreneurs.

Voting Rights in Delaware: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, creating state-level protections against voter discrimination, suppression, and vote dilution, with language assistance requirements and a new civil-action pathway for protected classes. Health Care Workforce: Meyer also signed three bills to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists and dental hygienists and to study a Delaware Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program aimed at boosting rural staffing. AI + Health Research: Penn announced an NSF-funded AI institute focused on human-AI cooperation in health care, funded by a $21.5 million, five-year award. Delaware Courts & Corporate Control: In Delaware Chancery, Kathleen Allman sued to remove Ondo Finance CEO Ian De Bode and to clarify who legally controls the company after founder Nathan Allman’s death. Public Safety & Justice: Delaware State Police arrested dance instructor Emily Pryor Albino on charges tied to alleged sexual abuse of two teen students at X-Treme Dance Studio. Local Government Lawsuit: A Collingdale police chief sued borough officials in federal court, alleging racial and gender discrimination tied to her prolonged leave and removal of duties. Business Litigation: Delaware Chancery stayed an Iridium Industries CFO dispute, sending it to arbitration under an old stockholder agreement.

Voting Rights: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, adding state-level protections against discrimination, suppression, and vote dilution, plus a language-assistance requirement; it takes effect July 1, 2027. Immigration & Labor: Two GOP governors—Spencer Cox and Kevin Stitt—joined Democrats in backing a work-permit approach for migrant workers through a National Governors Association task force, challenging Trump’s immigration crackdown. Energy Policy: Delaware’s Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force released its findings, with State Sen. Stephanie Hansen saying nuclear’s safety and spent-waste issues still require ongoing public and policy discussion. Elections: A Spotlight Delaware analysis says most statewide races will be decided in September primaries, with fewer general-election matchups than usual. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a Wilmington man tied to a multi-business burglary spree, and another arrest was made in a Laurel dance-studio sexual abuse investigation. Tech Oversight: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester pressed OpenAI and Anthropic for details in an AI hacking probe. Housing & Tenants: Delaware-area readers may want to watch how tenant confusion and court-ordered management changes are playing out in the Vesta Realty fallout. Banking: M&T Bank named Ryan Stanton chief corporate affairs officer, overseeing communications and government affairs.

Delaware State Parks Update: Delaware is proposing new state park rules covering e-bikes, surf-fishing reservations, magnet fishing and bait restrictions, 24/7 operations, signage and attire standards, drug and alcohol rules, and limits on political signs and the resale of campground reservations. Public Safety—Newark Road Rage: Delaware State Police arrested 28-year-old William Simpler Jr. for the Tuesday road rage shooting that killed motorcyclist Jason Paoletti; a vigil drew a couple hundred riders and supporters. Legal/Justice—Stalking Case: A Delaware County man pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking and witness tampering after threatening a Philadelphia TV news personality, including references to her children. Flooding & Heat Risk: After more downpours, the region faced renewed flood warnings and a heat advisory as humidity pushes heat indexes near 100. Delaware Cannabis—Year-One Numbers: Delaware’s legal recreational marijuana market topped $53 million in its first year, with 38 active licenses and more expected to open. Chancery Court—Alexion Merger Fight: Delaware Chancery adopted a hybrid approach for prejudgment interest in the long-running Alexion merger dispute. Local Community Policing: Dover held National Night Out with public safety partners amid recent shootings, emphasizing visibility and deterrence. Bankruptcy Watch: Vi-Jon LLC got interim cash-management approval in its Chapter 11 case.

Delaware Legal Cannabis: Delaware’s legal cannabis market is marking its one-year milestone, with regulators and operators still tightening the rules as the system matures. Criminal Justice: Defense teams for the “Chester 3” are asking Pennsylvania’s full Superior Court to revisit convictions tied to a 1997 Chester murder, after a panel decision opened the door to new trials. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested William Simpler Jr. of Saint Georges for murder after a road-rage shooting in Newark that killed Jason Paoletti. Energy & Environment: Delaware’s Environmental Appeals Board scheduled an Aug. 25 hearing on a challenge to DNREC’s federal review process for the US Wind offshore project. Health Care & Policy: Delaware is among states suing to block federal moves to share personal data of millions in antipoverty programs, arguing it’s unlawful. Community & Housing: Catholic Charities of Philadelphia is expanding affordable senior housing, while Delaware’s Milton Community Food Pantry received a $20,000 grant to boost fresh food options. Elections Watch: Delaware elections board concerns are resurfacing as the state’s election calendar approaches and the board has not met in months.

Tariff Fight in Delaware: Delaware is among 25 states suing the Trump administration over new Section 301 tariffs, arguing the move is a pretext to replace taxes the courts already struck down. Data Privacy vs. TANF: More than 20 states and D.C. also sued to stop federal officials from broadly accessing sensitive TANF recipient data, including Social Security numbers and immigration status. Delaware Marijuana Milestone: The Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner marked the first anniversary of legal recreational sales, reporting $53.4M in sales and $8M in state revenue, plus $1M+ in social equity grants. Local Crime & Accountability: Wilmington shootings are renewing debate over public safety and whether the justice system is doing enough to identify, detain, and prosecute dangerous offenders. Hydrogen in Dover: Aternium selected Dover for a $226M hydrogen production plant, aiming to start operations in 2028 without relying on uncertain federal hub funding. State Law Change: Delaware’s direct-to-consumer wine shipping law takes effect Aug. 15, with limits and age-verification requirements. Public Safety Ops: Dover police arrested two men and seized large amounts of cocaine and heroin/fentanyl after a traffic stop and search warrant.

Delaware Tariffs Fight: Delaware is among 25 Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration over new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the move exceeds legal authority and is a “pretext” after the Supreme Court struck down earlier tariff power. Delaware Health Policy: Delaware’s new surgeon general office is drawing scrutiny after a nearly $270,000 request, with Senate leaders saying they were blindsided and questioning how the role fits with DHSS. State Government Funding: Delaware’s Division of Small Business EDGE grant pitch-and-award event is set for Nov. 10, with applications opening Aug. 11 and a webinar that morning. Public Safety & Privacy: Delaware State Police trooper Thomas Catalfamo was indicted on official misconduct charges tied to alleged sexual contact during a mental-health crisis call. Local Governance: National Night Out events are scheduled across New Castle County, Newark, Dover, and Smyrna, with police departments hosting community meet-and-greets. Legal/Business Watch: Delaware Chancery Court partially revived HKA’s employment contract dispute, allowing some claims to proceed.

Tariff Lawsuit Hits Delaware: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings joined a coalition of 25 states suing the Trump administration over new 10%–12.5% “forced labor” tariffs on the EU and nearly 60 countries, arguing the move is a legal pretext to recreate duties the Supreme Court already struck down. Lewes Cost Scrutiny: Lewes’ legal bills have more than doubled since 2024, prompting an outside attorney review after questions about spending and a potential ethics conflict. Data-Privacy Fight: Delaware is also in the mix as states challenge federal plans to share sensitive welfare data tied to TANF recipients. Delaware Innovation Push: Gov. Matt Meyer and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership launched “Innovate Delaware” to help startups find capital and support, with added funding for fintech, clean energy, advanced materials, and biopharma. Higher-Ed Pressure: A new federal push asks colleges to publicly agree to reforms on campus protests, faculty hiring, admissions practices, and tuition costs.

Tariff Fight in Court: Delaware’s AG Kathy Jennings joined a multistate lawsuit targeting the Trump administration’s tariff moves, arguing they’re unlawful and will push higher costs onto families and businesses. TANF Data Privacy: Jennings also joined another coalition suit over a federal plan that would expand access to sensitive TANF recipient data, including Social Security numbers and immigration status. ACA Protection: Delaware joined a separate challenge to HHS/CMS rules aimed at undermining Affordable Care Act coverage, with the claim that it would raise premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Social Security Push: A bipartisan group including Delaware’s Chris Coons backed the “Promise Act,” which would force Congress to hold public meetings and consider Social Security reform proposals. Innovation Economy: Gov. Matt Meyer unveiled “Innovate Delaware,” a two-year pilot meant to connect founders with universities, investors, and corporate partners through a “digital front door.” Delaware Consumer Fraud Update: Delaware amended its Consumer Fraud Act to clarify that “in connection with” can include unfair or deceptive conduct occurring before, during, or after a transaction. Local Public Safety Tech: Delaware County (Indiana) approved an AI-assisted approach for non-emergency 911 calls to ease staffing strain.

Delaware Courts & Policy: A Delaware-based bankruptcy filing is now underway: Vi‑Jon LLC has started a voluntary Chapter 11 case in the District of Delaware to implement a global settlement resolving alleged legacy talc-related liabilities, with Emprise and affiliates staying out of the case. Public Safety & Local Government: Sussex County has frozen new housing permit applications under SB 23 while it reviews how the state law will affect zoning and building practices, creating near-term uncertainty for builders and buyers. Health Care Legal Fight: Delaware’s Attorney General is part of a broader coalition challenging a Trump administration rule that would expand catastrophic health plans and weaken Affordable Care Act protections, arguing it will raise costs and make coverage harder to get. Tech & Consumer Safety: Families have filed a Delaware lawsuit against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube over the deaths of four teens, alleging years of escalating harms from platform use. Environment & Industry: North Carolina officials are criticizing an EPA–Chemours settlement as negotiated “behind our backs,” while Delaware’s PFAS enforcement posture remains in the spotlight. Community & Civic Life: Southern Delaware Tourism is launching a fall arts-and-history campaign running September through November to draw visitors to Sussex County cultural events.

Affordable Care Act Fight: Delaware’s top attorneys general are joining a multi-state lawsuit to block a Trump administration rule that would expand “catastrophic” plans and weaken ACA protections, raising costs and making coverage harder to get. Local Housing Policy: Sussex County has paused new housing permit applications under SB 23 while it reviews how the state law changes local zoning and building practices. Public Safety Tech: Philadelphia’s license-plate reader network has scanned 25 million plates, and the city is adding automated speed cameras—while Delaware-area communities debate surveillance and oversight. Social Media Liability: Families of four teens who died by suicide filed a Delaware lawsuit against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, alleging years of escalating harms. Community & Civic Life: Amateur radio operators held a public info session in Rehoboth Beach, highlighting emergency communications and how to get licensed. Statewide Health Access: Delaware’s SNAP benefits schedule for August runs Aug. 2–23, depending on eligibility details.