Delaware Senate Bill SB35

Delaware 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Engrossed: 1/24/23
• Refer: 1/25/23
• Enrolled: 1/26/23
• Passed: 1/26/23

Caption

An Act To Amend The Laws Of Delaware Relating To The Bond And Capital Improvements Act Of The State Of Delaware And Certain Of Its Authorities For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023.

Impact

The practices introduced by SB 35 are expected to have significant implications on state laws and local governance. For instance, the bill permits school districts to use state funds for hiring additional safety personnel at extracurricular events, aiming to create a safer environment for students. Additionally, it amends regulations to allow districts to establish a local match program, thus encouraging collaboration between state and local governments in funding improvements. The language regarding remediation of lead in water demonstrates an urgent response to public health concerns and aligns with broader governmental goals of securing safer schooling conditions.

Summary

Senate Bill 35 amends the Bond and Capital Improvements Act of Delaware for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, primarily focusing on education and infrastructure funding. It allocates a minimum of $1 million to enhance safety and security measures in schools, particularly targeting extracurricular activities and the use of advanced reporting tools. The bill allows for the remediation of lead contamination in drinking water infrastructure within schools, recognizing the critical health implications for students. This approach represents a proactive measure toward improving safety standards in educational institutions across the state.

Sentiment

General sentiment regarding SB 35 appears to be supportive among many legislators, particularly in the context of enhancing school safety and addressing urgent health issues like lead contamination. However, there may be contention regarding the distribution of funds and responsibilities among various educational authorities and local districts. Concerns over financial burdens on local governments and the implementation of new regulations introduce complexities that may evoke mixed reactions, especially from those wary of unfunded mandates.

Contention

Despite broad support, notable points of contention include the mechanisms of fund allocation and oversight. Some legislators may argue about the appropriateness of reallocating existing funds or the sufficiency of the $1 million appropriations for effective execution of the safety measures. Furthermore, establishing a local match system could face opposition from districts struggling with budget constraints, which might lead to perceived inequities among richer versus poorer districts in executing the improvements outlined in the bill.