Delaware House Bill HB385

Delaware 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/24
• Engrossed: 6/20/24
• Refer: 5/2/24
• Enrolled: 6/27/24
• Refer: 6/20/24
• Passed: 11/1/24

Caption

An Act To Amend Title 4, Title 5, Title 6, Title 7, Title 9, Title 10, Title 11, Title 14, Title 16, Title 18, Title 19, Title 21, Title 24, Title 26, Title 29, And Title 30 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Technical Corrections.

Impact

The impact of HB385 is notable within the context of statutory law, as it looks to streamline and clarify existing statutes across multiple titles of the Delaware Code. The technical amendments proposed in the bill assure that the language of the law aligns with modern standards, as recommended by the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. By regularly updating the code, the bill minimizes legal ambiguities and potential misapplications, thus interpreting laws in ways that reflect both the legislative intent and current best practices.

Summary

House Bill 385 aims to amend various titles of the Delaware Code by implementing technical corrections identified by the Code Revisors throughout 2023. The bill serves as a legislative measure to update state laws by correcting typographical errors, stylistic issues, and other minor inaccuracies observed during revisions. It underscores the need for meticulous attention to legislative language, which is critical for ensuring the effective functioning of the law. By addressing these technical corrections, HB385 contributes to the clarity and consistency of the Delaware Code, benefiting all stakeholders involved in its application and enforcement.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB385 appears to be supportive among legislators, as technical corrections are typically non-controversial. Both proponents and legislative staff regard such bills as necessary for maintaining the integrity of the law and ensuring legislative accuracy. There seems to be a collective understanding that ongoing revisions are crucial for the legislative process, reflecting an appreciation for precise statutory language and legislative craftsmanship.

Contention

While HB385 encompasses necessary technical corrections, a couple of points of contention arise regarding the procedural aspects of its passage. Given that certain sections of the Delaware Code may require a super-majority vote for any substantive revisions, the bill mandates a greater than majority vote to preemptively address any potential constitutional concerns. This requirement highlights the balance legislators must strike between making needed law updates while adhering to constitutional mandates that can complicate legislative process and outcomes.