MEDIA RELEASE: Senate Unanimously Passes Pettyjohn Bills Protecting Families and Strengthening Safeguards Against Sexual Extortion
DOVER, Del. β Two bipartisan bills sponsored by Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (RβGeorgetown) cleared the Senate Thursday with unanimous support, advancing legislation that strengthens protections against sexual extortion and ensures grieving families have timely access to their deceased children's digital accounts.
Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 142 (SB 142) significantly enhances Delawareβs laws regarding sexual extortion. Modeled after South Carolinaβs βGavinβs Law,β the bill upgrades sexual extortion to a Class B felony in cases involving children or vulnerable adults who suffer serious injury or death. It also incorporates sexual extortion awareness into Erinβs Law by requiring Delaware schools to educate students, parents, and staff about the growing risks of digital exploitation.
Senate Bill 143 (SB 143), inspired by Ohioβs βBradenβs Law,β allows parents or legal guardians of deceased minors to more swiftly access their childβs digital assets. The legislation directs courts to prioritize and expedite applications, ensuring families are not left navigating prolonged legal delays during an already devastating time.
βWhether it's the trauma of sexual extortion or the heartbreak of losing a child, these two bills address some of the most painful and personal challenges a family can face,β said Senator Pettyjohn. βIβm proud to see the Senate come together in unanimous agreement that Delaware must act swiftly and compassionately in these areas.β
Senator Pettyjohn emphasized that SB 142 is particularly urgent given the rise in online exploitation targeting children and teens.
βThe digital world is changing fast and predators are adapting with it,β Senator Pettyjohn added. βSB 142 helps ensure our laws evolve just as quickly to protect our kids.β
Both bills now head to the House for consideration.
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The Delaware Department of Transportation announces there will be overnight lane closures on SR 24 near Hollyville Road scheduled on the nights below from 8pm to 6am. The work is temporary widening to perform the tie-ins from SR 24 to the new Bypass.
Dates: June 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19th
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The Delaware Department of Transportation announces the closure of Hollyville Road between Washington Street Ext and SR 24 for work related to the North Millsboro bypass. This closure is to realign Hollyvillle Road to its new configuration. It will reopen on the new alignment with the opening of the Bypass.
WHEN: Monday, June 16th through mid-August. (weather permitting)
WHERE: Hollyville Road between Washington Street Ext and SR 24, Millsboro
Detour - Motorist southbound on Hollyvile Road will turn right onto Mount Joy Road, left on SR 30 / Gravel Hill Road, to SR 24 /John J. Williams Highway.
Motorist on SR 24 / John J. Williams Highway wanting to access Hollyville Road will need to take SR 30 / Gravel Hill Road northbound, right onto Mount Joy Road, to Hollyville Road.
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Senate bills 159, 87 and 75 and House Bill 135 are a series of proposals that form a troubling pattern of legislative overreach. Together, they threaten to centralize power in Dover and override the carefully considered decisions of county and municipal governments.
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Today, we remember the heroes of D-Day who stormed the beaches of Normandy to liberate a continent. Their courage changed the course of history.
We are forever grateful for their sacrifice and must always remember what they gave for freedomβs cause.
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Every once in a while, you meet someone who completely resets your view of life.
Over the past several days, Delaware had the profound honor of welcoming DJ Danielβa 13-year-old who was told in 2018 that he had just five months to live due to aggressive brain tumors. That was seven years ago.
DJβs story is more than a miracle. Itβs a masterclass in courage, gratitude, and the unshakable strength of the human spirit. And behind him stands his father, Theoβa man who refuses to let fear define their days. Theo doesnβt deny the weight of the diagnosis. He carries it, quietly. But he doesnβt let it stop him from giving his son every chance to liveβnot just exist, but truly live.
He doesnβt wrap DJ in bubble wrap. He lifts him up. He cheers him on. And together, they chase joy with urgency and intention. At 13, DJ has packed more life, more laughter, and more meaning into his days than most of us do in decades.
Thereβs something unmistakable about DJ. He glows. His presence, his gratitude, his love for every momentβitβs infectious. Everyone around him sees it, feels it, and believes that itβs this very spirit keeping him here. Not just surviving, but shining.
We could all stand to live a little more like DJ. Braver. Kinder. With open hearts, wide eyes, and zero time wasted.
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I was honored to join Senator Dave Wilson, Representative Valerie Jones Giltner, retired Representative Ruth Briggs King, Mayor Bill West, and passionate advocates as we broke ground on the renovation and expansion of the Richard Allen School.
Originally opened in the 1920s to serve African American students during segregation, the Richard Allen School has evolved into a cornerstone of our community. This next chapter will enhance its ability to serve residents and preserve its important legacy.
I'm proud to support the preservation of our history and the future of our town.
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Photos from Sussex Amvets Post 2's post
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Memorial Day is not just a long weekend, itβs a day of solemn remembrance for those who gave everything for our country.
Let us honor their sacrifice with gratitude, reflection, and a commitment to uphold the values they fought to protect.
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Yesterday, I was proud to sponsor a resolution proclaiming May 2025 as Community Action Month in Delaware, honoring the vital role Community Action Agencies play in Delaware. This resolution is a recognition of their tireless efforts and a call to continue building stronger, more resilient communities across our state.
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