Delaware House of Representatives

Delaware House of
Representatives

General Information
Party control: |  Democrat
Session start: |  January 14, 2025
Session end: |  June 30, 2025
Term length: |  2 years
Term limits: |  None
Redistricting: | Legislature-dominant
Salary: |  $45,291/year
Members
Total: | 41
Democrats: | 27
Republicans: | 14
Other: | 0
Vacancies: | 0
Leadership
Speaker: |  Melissa Minor-Brown (D)
Maj. Leader: |  Kerri Evelyn Harris (D)
Min. Leader: |  Timothy Dukes (R)
Elections
Last election: | November 5, 2024
Next election: | November 3, 2026

The Delaware House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Delaware State Legislature. Alongside the Delaware State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Delaware state government and works alongside the governor of Delaware to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Delaware House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Delaware House of Representatives meets in the state capitol building in Dover, Delaware.

* All 41 Delaware House seats were up for election in 2024. The chambers Democratic majority increased from 26-15 to 27-14.

* All 41 Delaware House seats were up for election in 2022. The chamber's Democratic majority remained 26-15.
* Delaware has a Democratic trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

This page contains the following information on the Delaware House of Representatives.

* Which party controls the chamber
* The chamber's current membership
* Partisan control of the chamber over time
* Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
* A district map
* How redistricting works in the state
* Legislation currently under consideration
* Legislative session dates
* Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
* A list of committees

## Contents

* 1 Party control
* 1.1 Current partisan control
* 2 Members
* 2.1 Leadership
* 2.2 Leadership and members
* 2.3 Salaries
* 2.4 Swearing in dates
* 2.5 Membership qualifications
* 3 Historical party control
* 3.1 Before 1992
* 3.2 Trifecta history
* 4 Elections
* 4.1 Elections by year
* 4.2 2026
* 4.3 2024
* 4.4 2022
* 4.5 2020
* 4.6 2018
* 4.7 2016
* 4.8 2014
* 4.9 2012
* 4.10 2010
* 4.11 2008
* 4.12 2006
* 4.13 2004
* 4.14 2002
* 4.15 2000
* 4.16 Vacancies
* 5 District map
* 6 Redistricting
* 6.1 2020
* 6.1.1 District map before and after 2020 redistricting
* 6.2 2010
* 7 Sessions
* 7.1 Legislation
* 7.2 Dates of legislative sessions in Delaware by year
* 7.3 2025
* 7.4 2024
* 7.5 2023
* 7.6 2022
* 7.7 2021
* 7.8 2020
* 7.8.1 Effect of coronavirus pandemic
* 7.9 2019
* 7.10 2018
* 7.11 2017
* 7.12 2016
* 7.13 2015
* 7.13.1 Major issues in 2015
* 7.14 2014
* 7.14.1 Major issues in 2014
* 7.15 2013
* 7.15.1 Major issues in 2013
* 7.16 2012
* 7.16.1 Major issues
* 7.17 2011
* 7.17.1 Session highlights
* 7.17.1.1 State employee benefit cuts
* 7.18 2010
* 7.19 About legislative sessions in Delaware
* 8 Legislative roles and procedures
* 8.1 Veto overrides
* 8.2 Role in state budget
* 9 Committees
* 10 Constitutional amendments
* 10.1 Legislature
* 10.2 Convention
* 11 See also
* 12 External links
* 13 Footnotes

## Party control[edit]

### Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Delaware House of Representatives as of March 2025:

Party  | As of March 2025

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| Democratic Party | 27
| Republican Party | 14
| Other  | 0
| Vacancies  | 0
Total |  41

## Members[edit]

### Leadership[edit]

The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body. Duties of the speaker include preserving order and decorum, deciding all questions of order, signing all bills and resolutions passed by the House, and appointing all committees and subcommittees.[1]

### Leadership and members[edit]

* Speaker of the House: Melissa Minor-Brown (D)
* Majority leader: Kerri Evelyn Harris (D)
* Minority leader: Timothy Dukes (R)

Office | Name | Party | Date assumed office

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Delaware House of Representatives District 1 | Nnamdi Chukwuocha | Democratic  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 2 | Stephanie Bolden | Democratic  | November 3, 2010
Delaware House of Representatives District 3 | Josue Ortega | Democratic  | November 6, 2024
Delaware House of Representatives District 4 | Jeff Hilovsky | Republican  | November 9, 2022
Delaware House of Representatives District 5 | Kendra Johnson | Democratic  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 6 | Debra Heffernan | Democratic  | November 3, 2010
Delaware House of Representatives District 7 | Larry Lambert | Democratic  | November 4, 2020
Delaware House of Representatives District 8 | Sherae'a Moore | Democratic  | November 4, 2020
Delaware House of Representatives District 9 | Kevin Hensley | Republican  | November 5, 2014
Delaware House of Representatives District 10 | Melanie Ross Levin | Democratic  | November 6, 2024
Delaware House of Representatives District 11 | Jeffrey Spiegelman | Republican  | November 7, 2012
Delaware House of Representatives District 12 | Krista Griffith | Democratic  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 13 | DeShanna Neal | Democratic  | November 9, 2022
Delaware House of Representatives District 14 | Claire Snyder-Hall | Democratic  | November 6, 2024
Delaware House of Representatives District 15 | Kamela Smith | Democratic  | November 6, 2024
Delaware House of Representatives District 16 | Franklin Cooke Jr. | Democratic  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 17 | Melissa Minor-Brown | Democratic  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 18 | Sophie Phillips | Democratic  | November 9, 2022
Delaware House of Representatives District 19 | Kimberly Williams | Democratic  | November 7, 2012
Delaware House of Representatives District 20 | Stell Selby | Democratic  | November 9, 2022
Delaware House of Representatives District 21 | Frank Burns | Democratic  | November 6, 2024
Delaware House of Representatives District 22 | Michael Smith | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 23 | Mara Gorman | Democratic  | November 6, 2024
Delaware House of Representatives District 24 | Edward S. Osienski | Democratic  | November 3, 2010
Delaware House of Representatives District 25 | Cyndie Romer | Democratic  | November 9, 2022
Delaware House of Representatives District 26 | Madinah Wilson-Anton | Democratic  | November 4, 2020
Delaware House of Representatives District 27 | Eric Morrison | Democratic  | November 4, 2020
Delaware House of Representatives District 28 | William Carson Jr. | Democratic  | December 9, 2007
Delaware House of Representatives District 29 | William Bush | Democratic  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 30 | Shannon Morris | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 31 | Sean Lynn | Democratic  | November 5, 2014
Delaware House of Representatives District 32 | Kerri Evelyn Harris | Democratic  | November 9, 2022
Delaware House of Representatives District 33 | Charles Postles | Republican  | November 9, 2016
Delaware House of Representatives District 34 | Lyndon Dean Yearick | Republican  | November 5, 2014
Delaware House of Representatives District 35 | Jesse Vanderwende | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 36 | Bryan Shupe | Republican  | November 7, 2018
Delaware House of Representatives District 37 | Valerie Jones Giltner | Republican  | December 22, 2023
Delaware House of Representatives District 38 | Ronald Gray | Republican  | November 7, 2012
Delaware House of Representatives District 39 | Daniel Short | Republican  | November 8, 2006
Delaware House of Representatives District 40 | Timothy Dukes | Republican  | November 7, 2012
Delaware House of Representatives District 41 | Richard Collins | Republican  | November 5, 2014

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislative salaries, 2024[2]

Salary| Per diem
$50,678/year| No per diem is paid.

### Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Delaware legislators assume office ​the first Wednesday after the first Monday in November (the day after election day).[3]

### Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

Article II, Section 3 of the Delaware Constitution states: "No person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained the age of twenty-four years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the State three years next preceding the day of his or her election, and the last year of that term an inhabitant of the Representative District in which he or she shall be chosen, unless he or she shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State."[4]

## Historical party control[edit]

Democrats won control of the Delaware House of Representatives in 2008. In 2024, they won a 27-14 majority.

The table below shows the partisan history of the Delaware House following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Delaware House of Representatives election results: 1992-2024

Year  | '92  | '94  | '96  | '98  | '00  | '02  | '04  | '06  | '08  | '10  | '12  | '14  | '16  | '18  | '20  | '22  | '24

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Democrats | 18 | 14 | 18 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27
Republicans | 23 | 27 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14

### Before 1992[edit]

The Delaware House was competitive during the early 1900s. It flipped partisan control 10 times between 1912 and 1938. Republicans maintained control from the 1938 election until 1954. After that election, the chamber continued to alternate control, although not as frequently. From 1954 to 1984, control flipped six times and ended in a Republican advantage that would last another 24 years.

### Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Delaware was under the following types of trifecta control:

* Democratic trifecta: 2009-2023
* Republican trifecta: None
* Divided government: 1992-2008

Delaware Party Control: 1992-2025
Seventeen years of Democratic trifectas • No Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22  | 23  | 24  | 25

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Governor | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D
Senate | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D
House | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D

## Elections[edit]

### Elections by year[edit]

Delaware state representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Delaware holds elections for its legislature in even years.

### 2026[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2026

Elections for the Delaware House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026.

### 2024[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2024

Elections for the Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was September 10, 2024. The filing deadline was July 9, 2024.

In the 2024 elections, the Democrats increased their majority in the Delaware House of Representatives from 26-15 to 27 to 14.

Delaware House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 5, 2024  | After November 6, 2024
| Democratic Party | 26 | 27
| Republican Party | 15  | 14
Total |  41 |  41

### 2022[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2022

Elections for the Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for September 13, 2022. The filing deadline was July 12, 2022.

In the 2022 elections, the Democrats maintained their 26-15 majority in the Delaware House of Representatives.

Delaware House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 8, 2022  | After November 9, 2022
| Democratic Party | 26 | 26
| Republican Party | 15  | 15
Total |  41 |  41

### 2020[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for September 15, 2020. The filing deadline was July 14, 2020.

Heading into the 2020 general election, there were 26 Democrats and 15 Republicans in the chamber. There was no change in the election.

Delaware House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 3, 2020  | After November 4, 2020
| Democratic Party | 26 | 26
| Republican Party | 15  | 15
Total |  41 |  41

### 2018[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2018

Elections for the Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2018. A closed primary election took place on September 6, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The major party candidate filing deadline was July 10, 2018.[5]

In the 2018 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Delaware House of Representatives from 25-16 to 26-15.

Delaware House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 6, 2018  | After November 7, 2018
| Democratic Party | 25 | 26
| Republican Party | 16  | 15
Total |  41 |  41

### 2016[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2016

Elections for the Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on September 13, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was July 12, 2016. All 41 seats in the Delaware House of Representatives were up for election in 2016.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 25-15 majority with one vacancy. Republicans reclaimed a single seat left vacant prior to the election, giving Democrats a 25-16 majority.

Delaware House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 7, 2016  | After November 8, 2016
| Democratic Party | 25 | 25
| Republican Party | 15  | 16
| Vacancy  | 1  | 0
Total |  41 |  41
Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

### 2014[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2014

Elections for the Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on September 9, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was July 8, 2014. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2014.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 27-14 majority. Democrats lost two seats in the election, giving them a 25-16 majority.

| Delaware House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 3, 2014  | After November 4, 2014
| Democratic Party | 27 | 25
| Republican Party | 14  | 16
Total |  41 |  41

### 2012[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2012

Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on September 11, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was July 10, 2012. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2012.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 26-15 majority. Democrats gained one seat in the election, giving them a 27-14 majority.

Delaware House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 5, 2012  | After the 2012 Election
| Democratic Party | 26 | 27
| Republican Party | 15  | 14
Total |  41 |  41

The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.

2012 Margin of Victory, Delaware House of Representatives

District  | Winner  | Margin of Victory  | Total Votes  | Top Opponent
District 41 |  John Atkins | 0.8% | 8,773 | Richard Collins
District 11 |  Jeffrey Spiegelman | 2.4% | 8,618 | Lynne Newlin
District 10 |  Dennis E. Williams | 4.2% | 10,657 | Robert Rhodunda
District 20 |  Stephen Smyk | 6.4% | 12,158 | M. Marie Mayor
District 33 |  Harold Peterman | 6.8% | 9,032 | John Klevin Robbins
District 29 |  William C. Paradee III | 8.6% | 9,541 | Lincoln Willis
District 37 |  Ruth Briggs King | 9.7% | 9,165 | Elizabeth McGinn
District 23 |  Paul Baumbach | 14.5% | 8,329 | Mark Doughty
District 34 |  Donald Blakey | 16% | 10,022 | Theodore Yacucci
District 38 |  Ronald Gray | 22.2% | 12,937 | Shirley Price

### 2010[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2010

Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on September 14, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The primary nomination process for candidates wishing to run in these elections was to gain the party's nomination at state conventions held by the state's two major political parties in May. Candidates wishing to run as independents could submit nominating signatures up through July 30. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2010.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 24-17 majority. Democrats gained two seats in the election, giving them a 26-15 majority.

Delaware House of Representatives

Party  | As of November 1, 2010  | After the 2010 Election
| Democratic Party | 24 | 26
| Republican Party | 17  | 15
Total |  41 |  41

In 2010, the total amount of contributions raised in house campaigns was $2,583,173. The top 10 overall contributors were:[6]

2010 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
Ellis, David E  | $83,043
LaVelle, Gregory Francis  | $52,700
King, Stanley & Ruth  | $30,000
Manolakos, Nick T  | $25,665
Delaware Racing Association  | $21,503
Delaware Association of Realtors | $20,731
Kenton, Harvey & Jeanne  | $20,000
Delaware Education Association  | $19,203
Gallogly, Kay Wilde  | $17,920
Delaware Citizens for Economic Development  | $14,700

### 2008[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2008

Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 9, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2008.

During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $2,334,401. The top 10 contributors were:[7]

2008 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
Atkins, John C  | $53,000
Delaware Democratic Party  | $22,350
Delaware Racing Association  | $22,075
Czerwinski, John J  | $22,069
Delaware State Dental Society  | $19,100
Delaware Republican Party  | $18,800
Delaware Association of Realtors  | $18,092
Carpenters & Joiners Local 626  | $17,921
Delaware Education Association  | $17,032
Lavelle, Gregory Francis  | $16,050

### 2006[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2006

Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 12, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2006.

During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $2,156,700. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

2006 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
Korn, Richard  | $25,000
Delaware Republican Party  | $22,773
Lindarducci, Gary  | $21,415
Delaware Racing Association  | $18,300
Delaware Education Association  | $17,400
Anheuser-Busch  | $17,300
Sternberg, Richard J  | $17,000
Delware Trial Lawyers Association  | $16,800
Delaware Association of Realtors  | $16,500
Manolakos, Nick  | $15,795

### 2004[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2004

Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 11, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2004.

During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $2,020,644. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

2004 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
Delaware Racing Association  | $22,500
New Castle County Democratic Cmte  | $16,700
Delaware Trial Lawyers Association  | $16,400
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 74  | $15,200
Delaware Automobile & Truck Dealers Association  | $15,000
First State Manufactured Housing Association  | $14,607
Delaware Democratic Party  | $13,900
Optometry Eye PAC  | $13,850
Nonpartisan Citizens for Business Expansion  | $13,300
Wal-Mart  | $12,750

### 2002[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2002

Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 7, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2002.

During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $1,824,680. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

2002 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
Meoli, Mike  | $25,000
Meoli, Michael A  | $25,000
Delaware Racing Association  | $21,725
Mbna Corp  | $20,100
First State Manufactured Housing Association  | $16,975
Philip Morris  | $16,900
Delaware Trial Lawyers Association  | $15,300
Delaware Automobile & Truck Dealers Association  | $15,275
Delaware Association of Realtors  | $14,475
Nonpartisan Citizens for Business Expansion  | $13,860

### 2000[edit]

See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2000

Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 9, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2000.

During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $1,452,617. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

2000 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives

Donor  | Amount
Delaware Racing Association  | $19,325
Delaware Republican Party  | $18,479
National Rifle Association  | $17,535
Valihura Jr, Robert J  | $17,078
Mbna Corp  | $16,600
Nonpartisan Citizens for Business Expansion  | $15,800
Medical Society of Delaware  | $14,775
Delaware State Dental Society  | $13,900
Cmte to Elect a Republican House of Delaware  | $13,200
First State Manufactured Housing Association  | $12,971

### Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Delaware General Assembly, the presiding officer of the house in which the vacancy happens must call for a special election within 10 days of the creation of the vacancy. The election must be called for no less than 30 days but no more than 35 days after the writ for the special election has been issued. The governor may issue a writ if the legislature is not in session.[12]

See sources: Delaware Code Ann. tit. 15, § 7101

## District map[edit]

See also: Delaware state legislative districts

The state of Delaware has 41 state House districts. Each district elects one representative.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

## Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Delaware

Because Delaware has only one congressional district, congressional redistricting is not necessary. The state legislature draws state legislative district lines. The governor may veto the lines drawn by the state legislature.[13][14]

State law requires that state legislative districts be "insofar as possible, contiguous and bounded by roads, streams and other natural boundaries." Further, state law stipulates that district lines "may not be drawn to unduly favor any person or political party." Because these requirements are statutory, the legislature may amend them at its discretion.[13][14]

### 2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Delaware after the 2020 census

On November 2, 2021, Gov. John Carney (D) signed Senate Bill 199 into law, enacting the state's new House and Senate district lines.[15] The Delaware General Assembly previously approved the final House and Senate map proposals on November 1, 2021.[16] The Delaware House of Representatives voted 40-1 in favor of the maps with state Rep. Michael Smith (R) voting against it. The Delaware State Senate approved the maps along party lines with all 14 Democrats in favor and all seven Republicans against.[16] These maps took effect for Delaware's 2022 legislative elections.

#### District map before and after 2020 redistricting[edit]

Below is the state House map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

### Delaware State House Districts
until November 8, 2022

Click a district to compare boundaries.

### Delaware State House Districts
starting November 9, 2022

Click a district to compare boundaries.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Delaware after the 2010 census

Delaware received its 2010 census data on March 1, 2011. The state population increased by over 115,000 (nearly 15%) from 2000-2010, growing to over 900,000 residents.[17] According to the Delaware Population Consortium, there was a large shift to the southern part of the state, with Sussex County growing by 25% while New Castle County experienced 7% growth.[18]

On May 17, 2011, the minority caucus of Republicans in the House released their proposal for the state's 41 districts. On May 19, House Democrats released their proposed redistricting map. A public hearing was held on May 26 at 7 p.m.[19] The House passed its redistricting map on June 28, 2011, on a party-line vote.[20] The Senate map was approved on June 30, 2011, by a 15-6 vote. Two districts were merged in the northern part of the state in order to make room for a new southern district.[21][22]

## Sessions[edit]

### Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Delaware House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

### Dates of legislative sessions in Delaware by year[edit]

### 2025[edit]

See also: 2025 Delaware legislative session and Dates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2025, and adjourn on June 30, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2024[edit]

See also: 2024 Delaware legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions

In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2024, and adjourn on June 30, 2024.

### 2023[edit]

See also: 2023 Delaware legislative session and Dates of 2023 state legislative sessions

In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2023, and adjourn on June 30, 2023.

### 2022[edit]

See also: 2022 Delaware legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions

In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2022, and adjourn on June 30, 2022.

### 2021[edit]

See also: 2021 Delaware legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 12, 2021, and adjourn on June 30, 2021.

### 2020[edit]

See also: 2020 Delaware legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2020, and adjourn on June 30, 2020.

#### Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.

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Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Delaware State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 18, 2020, through May 26, 2020. The suspension was initially scheduled to last through March 24, 2020. The legislature adjourned on June 30, 2020.[23][24][25]

### 2019[edit]

See also: 2019 Delaware legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2019, through June 30, 2019.

### 2018[edit]

See also: 2018 Delaware legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2018, through June 30, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 10, 2017, through June 30, 2017. The legislature held a special session on July 2.

* On the morning of July 3, 2017, Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) signed into law a budget passed by the Legislature on July 2, 2017. The state began the 2018 fiscal year without an annual budget in place and was one of six states Ballotpedia tracked in 2017 that were on the verge of a partial government shutdown or the implementation of spending cuts to nonessential government services. The Legislature passed a temporary funding package on July 1, 2017, in order to avoid a partial government shutdown. Delaware’s budget debate throughout the 2017 regular session centered largely on Democratic proposals to raise the personal income tax rate and Republican proposals to alter the state’s prevailing wage laws—neither of which ultimately made it into the final budget. Lawmakers agreed to a series of tax increases on real estate sales, alcohol, and cigarettes in order to address a projected $390 million shortfall.[26][27]

### 2016[edit]

See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 12 through July 1.

### 2015[edit]

See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 13 through June 30.

#### Major issues in 2015[edit]

Major issues in the 2015 legislative session included the annual budget, adding e-cigarettes to the Clean Indoor Air Act, and gun control.[28]

### 2014[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 14 through July 1.

#### Major issues in 2014[edit]

Major issues in the 2014 legislative session included raising the minimum wage, gun control, the 2015 budget, campaign finance, and the economy.[29]

### 2013[edit]

See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 8 to July 1.

#### Major issues in 2013[edit]

Major issues in the 2013 legislative session included gun control, gay marriage, and budgetary problems.[30]

### 2012[edit]

See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through June 30.

#### Major issues[edit]

Legislators focused more on economic rather than social issues this session, including reforms to Medicaid and addressing the budget deficit.[31]

### 2011[edit]

See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 11 through June 30.

#### Session highlights[edit]

##### State employee benefit cuts[edit]

Governor Jack Markell's (D) plan to cut public employee pension and health benefits received overwhelming support from officials within his administration, legislators and even public employee union officials. Markell's proposal, which became law on May 2, 2011, requires new state employees to pay 5% of their salary after the first $6,000 towards their pension, rather than 3%. It also eliminates the use of overtime when calculating pensions and the "double state share" health care benefit. According to the governor's office, the plan would save Delaware taxpayers $130 million over the next five years and $480 million over the next fifteen.[32][33]

### 2010[edit]

See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 12th to June 30th.

### About legislative sessions in Delaware[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[34] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article II of the Delaware Constitution establishes when the Delaware General Assembly, of which the House is a part, is to be in session. Section 4 of Article II states that the General Assembly is to convene on the second Tuesday of January of each calendar year, and it is not to extend beyond 5:00 p.m. on the last day of June.[35]

Section 4 also allows the General Assembly to be convened into special session by the Governor of Delaware or by the mutual call of the presiding officers of both Houses.

## Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.

### Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Delaware are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Three-fifths of members in both chambers.

Three-fifths of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 25 of the 41 members in the Delaware House of Representatives and 13 of the 21 members in the Delaware State Senate. Delaware is one of seven states that requires a three-fifths vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

Vetoes can be overridden when the next regular session convenes.[36]

Authority: Article III, Section 18 of the Delaware Constitution.

"Every bill which shall have passed both Houses of the General Assembly shall, before it becomes law, be presented to the Governor; if he or she approves, he or she shall sign it; but if he or she shall not approve, he or she shall return it with his or her objections to the House in which it shall have originated, which House shall enter the objections at large on the journal and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, three-fifths of all the members elected to that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent together with the objections to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by three-fifths of all the members elected to that House, it shall become a law; but in neither House shall the vote be taken on the day on which the bill shall be returned to it."

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Delaware state budget and finances
Delaware on

Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
Budgets • Civil liberties • Education • Elections • Energy • Environment • Healthcare • Pensions

* * *

The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[37]

1. In July, the governor sends budget instructions to state agencies.
2. In October, agencies submit their budget requests to the governor.
3. Budget hearings are held with the public in November.
4. On or before February 1, the governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature.
5. The legislature must pass a budget with a simple majority by June 30. The fiscal year begins on July 1.

The governor is statutorily required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. In turn, the legislature must pass a balanced budget, and any budget signed into law by the governor must be balanced.[37]

Delaware is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[37][38]

Delaware maintains two major governmental funds: the General Fund and the Special Fund. Within the Special Fund, there are four category types: Appropriated Special Funds (ASF), Non-appropriated Special Funds (NSF), Federal Funds, and Bond Funds.[39]

## Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Delaware state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

* Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
* Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
* Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Delaware House of Representatives has 23 standing committees:

* Appropriations Committee
* Capital Infrastructure Committee
* Corrections Committee
* Economic Development/Banking/Insurance/Commerce Committee
* Ethics Committee
* Gaming & Parimutuels Committee
* Health & Human Development Committee
* House Administration Committee
* House Agriculture Committee
* House Education Committee
* House Energy Committee
* House Judiciary Committee
* House Labor Committee
* House Rules Committee
* House Technology & Telecommunications Committee
* House Veterans Affairs Committee
* Housing & Community Affairs Committee
* Manufactured Housing Committee
* Natural Resources Committee
* Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
* Revenue & Finance Committee
* Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability)
* Transportation/Land Use and Infrastructure Committee

## Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Delaware Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Delaware

Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution defines two mechanisms by which the Delaware Constitution can be amended—a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Delaware does not feature the power of citizen initiative for either initiated constitutional amendments or initiated state statutes.

#### Legislature[edit]

The Delaware General Assembly can amend the constitution. Unlike in any other state, the state legislature can amend the constitution without a vote of the people. For the legislature to amend the constitution:

* Two-thirds of all the members elected to each chamber can vote in favor of a proposed amendment.
* The Delaware Secretary of State then must publish the proposed amendment(s) three months prior to the next general election in at least three newspapers in each county.
* The subsequent General Assembly then votes again on the proposed amendment(s) and if an amendment receives two-thirds majority approval of all members of each chamber, it becomes part of the constitution.

#### Convention[edit]

The state's constitution can also be amended through a constitutional convention.

* By a two-thirds vote of both chambers of the state legislature, the question, "Shall there be a Convention to revise the Constitution and amend the same?" can go on a statewide ballot. If a simple majority of those voting on the question vote "yes," then there will be a convention.

2022 measures:

See also: 2022 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

2021 measures:

Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2021 ballot by the legislature.

See also: 2021 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

## See also[edit]

Elections |  Delaware State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

|
|
|

* Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2024
* Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2022
* Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2020
* Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2018

* Delaware State Legislature
* Delaware State Senate
* Governor of Delaware
* Delaware Supreme Court

* State legislative elections: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018

* State government trifectas
* State government triplexes
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* The State Legislative Decade

## External links[edit]

* Delaware General Assembly

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Delaware General Assembly, "Glossary of Terms," accessed February 11. 2021
2. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
3. ↑ Delaware Constitution, "Article II, Section 3," accessed January 23, 2024
4. ↑ The Delaware Code Online, "Article II. Legislature - Section 3," accessed January 25, 2023
5. ↑ State Election Commissioner, "2018 Delaware Election Calendar," accessed October 23, 2017
6. ↑ Follow the Money: "Delaware House 2010 Campaign Contributions"
7. ↑ Follow the Money, "Delaware 2008 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
8. ↑ Follow the Money, "Delaware 2006 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
9. ↑ Follow the Money, "Delaware 2004 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
10. ↑ Follow the Money, "Delaware 2002 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
11. ↑ Follow the Money, "Delaware 2000 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
12. ↑ Delaware Legislature, "Delaware Election Code," accessed May 22, 2014 (Statutes § 7101 and § 7104, Delaware Code)
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 All About Redistricting, "Delaware," accessed April 22, 2015
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Delaware Code, "Title 29, Chapter 8," accessed April 22, 2015
15. ↑ Delaware General Assembly, "Senate Bill 199," accessed Nov. 15, 2021
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 WGMD, "Redistricting Legislation Passes in Delaware – Waiting for Governor’s Signature," Nov. 1, 2021
17. ↑ Delaware Online, "Delaware grows 15 percent, tops 900,000," December 22, 2010
18. ↑ Sussex Countian, "Redistricting looms in 2011 General Assembly session," January 12, 2011
19. ↑ Newsworks, "House Democrats release Delaware redistricting plan," May 19, 2011
20. ↑ Dover Post, "UPDATE: House passes redistricting legislation, Senate vote up next," June 29, 2011
21. ↑ The Republic, "Delaware lawmakers approve legislative redistricting plan for state House, Senate," June 30, 2011
22. ↑ Delaware Online, "General Assembly's pace picks up in late-night flurry," July 1, 2011
23. ↑ WHYY, "Delaware Gov. Carney declares state of emergency, puts National Guard on alert," March 12, 2020
24. ↑ Delaware General Assembly, "Home," accessed March 20, 2020
25. ↑ Delaware General Assembly, "Home," accessed May 26, 2020
26. ↑ Delaware State News, "It’s official: Carney signs $4.11 billion budget," July 3, 2017
27. ↑ Delaware State News, "Legislature compromises, passes budget," July 3, 2017
28. ↑ WDEL, "Delaware's finances likely to be a major focus at Leg Hall in 2015," January 23, 2015
29. ↑ delaware.newszap.com, "Delaware lawmakers to revisit guns, minimum wage," accessed January 15, 2014
30. ↑ Beaumont Enterprise, "Budget, guns among issues facing Del. lawmakers," January 8, 2013
31. ↑ Delaware First Media, "Legislators begin to form 2012 agenda," January 8, 2012
32. ↑ Office of the Governor of Delaware, "Markell Thanks Legislature for Overwhelming Votes of Support for Employee Pension and Healthcare Reform – Changes Will Save Taxpayers over $480M over 15 years," April 14, 2011
33. ↑ Stateline, "States overhaul pensions but pass on 401(k)-style plans," June 21, 2011
34. ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
35. ↑ The Delaware Code Online, "Article Ii. Legislature - § 4. Time and frequency of sessions," accessed September 18, 2023
36. ↑ Delaware State News, "Delaware legislators to attempt override of opt-out veto," January 13, 2016
37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
38. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
39. ↑ State of Delaware Office of Management and Budget, "Budget and Accounting Policy Manual: Chapter 3 - Delaware's Accounting Framework," accessed January 14, 2021

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