Delaware House Bill HR7

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25

Caption

Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The 153rd General Assembly Relating Setting A Date Certain For A Bill To Be Heard On The Agenda.

Impact

The implications of HR7 extend to the procedural dynamics within the Delaware House of Representatives. With the amended rule, there will be better predictability regarding when certain bills will be addressed, potentially leading to improved legislative prioritization. This could facilitate more strategic planning for both lawmakers and constituents who are keen to influence legislative discussions. Moreover, this amendment may help streamline the process, reducing the likelihood of legislative bottlenecks that can occur without firm scheduling guidelines.

Summary

House Resolution 7 (HR7) proposes an amendment to the rules governing the House of Representatives of the 153rd General Assembly of Delaware. The core focus of this resolution is to allow a representative to set a specific date for a bill to be heard on the House agenda. This change aligns Delaware's House procedures more closely with those already established in the Senate, aiming to provide clarity and structure to the legislative process. By enabling representatives to set dates for consideration, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency of legislative operations.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HR7 appears to be supportive among legislative members who value enhanced procedural efficiency. Proponents argue that allowing representatives to set dates for bills will improve legislative order and ensure that critical issues are addressed in a timely manner. However, there may be some concerns about the power dynamics this amendment introduces, as it places additional authority in the hands of the speaker and prime sponsors at the expense of broader legislative input.

Contention

While the bill aims for a more organized legislative agenda, some members might contend that it centralizes too much control with leadership, potentially marginalizing the voices of other legislators and limiting the free flow of debate. The discussion surrounding HR7 may also highlight greater tensions between maintaining democratic practices within legislative procedures and the need for efficient governance. Ultimately, HR7 embodies a movement toward reforming how legislative priorities are set in Delaware, with potential ramifications for both procedural transparency and legislative autonomy.