MEDIA RELEASE: Senator Pettyjohn, Representative Williams Introduce Bills to Combat Sexual Extortion and Enhance Protections for Digital Assets
DOVER, Del. — Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R – Georgetown) and Representative Kim Williams (D – Stanton) have introduced two significant pieces of bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting Delaware families and strengthening legal safeguards against sexual extortion.
These bills address critical issues affecting vulnerable populations and reflect Delaware’s commitment to adapting laws to modern challenges.
“By updating our laws to reflect the realities of the digital age and the growing threat of sexual extortion, we’re taking proactive steps to protect our communities,” Senator Pettyjohn said. “These measures send a clear message: Delaware stands with victims and their families, and we will act swiftly to ensure justice and support.”
The first bill, Senate Bill 142, strengthens penalties for sexual extortion and mandates educational outreach. Modeled after South Carolina’s “Gavin’s Law,” it elevates sexual extortion to a Class B felony when the victim is a child, vulnerable adult, and suffers serious injury or death. Additionally, the legislation integrates sexual extortion awareness into Delaware’s Erin's Law curriculum, requiring school districts and charter schools to educate students, employees, and parents about this crime.
The second, Senate Bill 143, enhances fiduciary access to digital assets and accounts, particularly for parents of deceased minors. Inspired by Ohio’s “Braden’s Law,” this legislation requires courts to expedite applications from parents or legal guardians seeking access to a deceased minor’s digital assets, aiming to resolve such cases within 30 days. This change ensures timely access to critical digital information, alleviating prolonged distress for grieving families.
“These two bills address real-world tragedies and aim to prevent further harm,” said Representative Williams. “No family should endure unnecessary delays in accessing a loved one’s digital accounts, and no child should face the horrors of sexual extortion without robust legal and educational protections. These laws provide Delawareans with the tools to combat these issues in the years ahead.”
SB 142 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and SB 143 will be heard in the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee. Both are expected to receive committee consideration in the coming weeks.
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To all the moms out there—thank you for your love, your time, and your strength. Wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day.
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NEWS: Senate Passes Pettyjohn Bill to Address Legal Gap in Birth Certificate Law
DOVER, Del. — The Delaware State Senate Thursday passed legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R - Georgetown) to resolve a legal conflict affecting the ability to list a deceased father’s name on a birth certificate in certain assisted reproduction cases.
Senate Substitute 1 to Senate Bill 119 (SB 119) directs the State Registrar of Vital Statistics to amend the birth certificate of Levi Ryan Murray to include the name of his father, Ryan Murray, who passed away after the creation of the embryo but before its implantation. Current Delaware law does not clearly address this circumstance, leading to uncertainty and delays for the Murray family.
“This bill ensures that Levi’s birth certificate accurately and rightfully reflects his father’s name,” said Senator Pettyjohn. “While SB 119 provides a necessary and immediate solution for this family, it also brings to light a broader issue within Delaware code. Our laws must evolve to keep pace with advancements in reproductive medicine and the real-life circumstances families face.”
Senator Pettyjohn emphasized that although this legislation only serves one family, it underscores the need for a larger policy conversation.
“This situation has revealed an urgent gap in our laws that the General Assembly must address,” Pettyjohn added. “As reproductive technology continues to advance, we need to ensure that Delaware law is clear, compassionate, and adaptable. Families facing similar circumstances in the future deserve both legal certainty and the dignity of having their loved ones properly recognized.”
SB 119 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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MEDIA RELEASE: Senate Republican Leadership Applauds Governor Meyer’s Opposition to Controversial EV Mandate
Senator Pettyjohn’s updated bill to block regulation circulated for co-sponsorship.
DOVER, DE — Citing long-standing public opposition and the need to preserve consumer choice, Senate Republican leadership today expressed their support for Governor Matt Meyer’s stated opposition to Delaware’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate. Following the governor’s comments, Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) circulated an updated version of 2023’s Senate Bill 96 to block the controversial regulation.
The mandate, initiated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) under former Governor John Carney, adopts a modified version of California’s Advanced Clean Car II regulations. Under the current regulation, 43% of new vehicles sold in Delaware by model year 2027 must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or plug-in hybrid, with that figure rising incrementally to 82% by 2032.
“This was never about clean air, it was about control,” said Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View). “Delawareans have made it overwhelmingly clear they do not want an unelected state agency unilaterally dictating what kind of new cars they can or cannot buy.”
Republican lawmakers have opposed the mandate since it was first proposed nearly three years ago. In 2023, more than 93% of the nearly 5,000 public comments submitted to DNREC opposed the mandate. That same year, polling showed 73% of Delaware voters were against adopting California’s vehicle rules, including many who generally support environmental reforms.
“People deserve choices, not mandates,” said Senator Pettyjohn. “EVs may work well for some, but practically forcing them on everyone, especially without the infrastructure in place, is reckless. I thank Governor Meyer for recognizing that and listening to the people of Delaware instead of blindly following California’s lead.”
Senator Pettyjohn’s revised legislation was sent to legislators this afternoon for co-sponsorship consideration.
Senate Republicans reaffirmed their commitment to advancing clean energy solutions that are market-driven, affordable, attainable, and respectful of individual choice.
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This morning, I had the pleasure of meeting with some special guests from Sussex County who were visiting the state capitol. During their tour, they stopped by the Senate Chamber for a visit and conversation. It was great to welcome them to Legislative Hall!
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The Delaware Department of Transportation announces the closure of Deep Branch Road between Zoar Road and Peterkins Road for the replacement of a crossroad pipe.
WHEN: Monday, May 5th through Friday, May 23rd (weather permitting)
WHERE: Deep Branch Road between Zoar Road and Peterkins Road, Georgetown
Detour - Motorists traveling north on Deep Branch Road will continue on Zoar Road and turn right onto Peterkins Road to continue on Deep Branch Road.
Motorists traveling south on Deep Branch Road will turn right onto Peterkins Road and then turn left onto Zoar Road to return to Deep Branch Road.
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TRAFFIC ALERT - Georgetown: All-Way Stop Implementation - Prettyman Road at Pettyjohn Road
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) will be converting the two way stop control at the intersection of Prettyman Road and Pettyjohn Road to an All-Way Stop control with new signs and pavement markings. The work will occur starting at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday, May 12 (weather permitting). Flaggers will be on-site to direct motorists at the intersection.
Motorists are advised to use caution and reduce their speed in work zones.
For more information, visit DelDOT's website at www.deldot.gov or tune to WTMC-AM 1380.
View full press release at: www.deldot.gov/About/news/index.shtml?dc=release&id=10530
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Delmarva Central Railroad forces will be making crossing repairs and performing general maintenance including paving the approaches at the RR crossing on Wood Branch Road. The work will require the full closure of Wood Branch Road.
WHEN: Beginning at 5:00 am on Friday, May 2, 2025 through Thursday, May 8th.
WHERE: The RR crossing on Wood Branch Road, Georgetown
A vehicular detour will be posted as follows:
Northbound: Wood Branch Road onto Sussex Pines Road to Cedar Lane back to Wood Branch Road
Southbound: Wood Branch Road onto Cedar Lane to Sussex Pines Road back to Wood Branch Road
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News Room
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This afternoon, Representative Danny Short and I joined board members and volunteers for the office dedication of the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy.
The Conservancy plays an important role in preserving the natural beauty and historic character of the Nanticoke River watershed. Their mission is to “identify, promote and actively seek the acquisition of lands with natural, aesthetic and historic significance in the Nanticoke River watershed and to promote the protection and balanced use of these lands.”
I'm grateful for the work they do to protect one of Sussex County’s most treasured resources and proud to support their efforts moving forward.
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This Easter, we remember the greatest gift of all—love that conquers all. May God’s grace be with you and your family today and always.
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