To all the moms out thereβthank you for your love, your time, and your strength. Wishing you a very happy Motherβs Day.
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NEWS: Senate Passes Pettyjohn Bill to Address Legal Gap in Birth Certificate Law
DOVER, Del. β 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 fatherβs 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.
βThis bill ensures that Leviβs birth certificate accurately and rightfully reflects his fatherβs name,β said Senator Pettyjohn. βWhile 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.β
Senator Pettyjohn emphasized that although this legislation only serves one family, it underscores the need for a larger policy conversation.
βThis situation has revealed an urgent gap in our laws that the General Assembly must address,β Pettyjohn added. βAs 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.β
SB 119 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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MEDIA RELEASE: Senate Republican Leadership Applauds Governor Meyerβs Opposition to Controversial EV Mandate
Senator Pettyjohnβs updated bill to block regulation circulated for co-sponsorship.
DOVER, DE β Citing long-standing public opposition and the need to preserve consumer choice, Senate Republican leadership today expressed their support for Governor Matt Meyerβs stated opposition to Delawareβs electric vehicle (EV) mandate. Following the governorβs comments, Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) circulated an updated version of 2023βs 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 Californiaβs 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.
βThis was never about clean air, it was about control,β said Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View). βDelawareans 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.β
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 Californiaβs vehicle rules, including many who generally support environmental reforms.
βPeople deserve choices, not mandates,β said Senator Pettyjohn. βEVs 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 Californiaβs lead.β
Senator Pettyjohnβs 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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News Room
www.deldot.gov
News Room, DelDOT, Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware
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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News Room
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News Room, DelDOT, Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware
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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News Room, DelDOT, Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware
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 βidentify, 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.β
I'm grateful for the work they do to protect one of Sussex Countyβs most treasured resources and proud to support their efforts moving forward.
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This Easter, we remember the greatest gift of allβlove that conquers all. May Godβs grace be with you and your family today and always.
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Those closest to the people know what's best for the local communities they serve. That's why our caucus and I believe zoning regulations should be made by municipalities and counties, not by legislators in Dover. SB 75 is the first step in stripping that local authority away.
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