Memorial Day is not just a long weekend, it’s 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.
... See MoreSee Less
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.
... See MoreSee Less
Like many of you, I was puzzled by the new pavement markings recently installed leading up to The Circle in Georgetown. After making a few inquiries, I learned that the symbol is an approved marking under the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). However, despite its federal approval, many residents have found the symbol to be unclear and confusing.
After raising these concerns with the Secretary of Transportation, the Department has agreed to replace the marking with a more familiar right-turn arrow. We are currently awaiting a timeline for when this change will be implemented.
I appreciate the community’s outreach on this issue, as well as the Secretary’s responsiveness and willingness to make adjustments based on public feedback.
... See MoreSee Less
Today, I introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 80, officially designating May 2025 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Delaware. We were joined in the Senate chamber by advocates, including Judy Setting and Rebecca Benson, who shared their stories to help raise awareness about prevention, early detection, and the serious impacts of Lyme disease in our state.
... See MoreSee Less
Great news! Governor Meyer has signed SB 119 into law and Levi Murray's birth certificate has been updated to include his father's name! Thank you to everyone who played a role in helping get this legislation drafted, passed, and signed!
... See MoreSee Less
MEDIA RELEASE: Senator Pettyjohn Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Consumer Choice in Vehicle Purchases
DOVER — With a controversial electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate still on the books and set to take effect without legislative action or regulatory repeal, Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R – Georgetown) has introduced Senate Bill 140 (SB 140). The legislation seeks to prohibit the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) from enacting regulations that limit the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs.
This measure mirrors 2023’s Senate Bill 96 and comes on the heels of Governor Matt Meyer’s public opposition to the EV mandate advanced by the previous administration.
“Electric vehicles have a place in our transportation future, and anyone who wants to buy one should be free to do so,” said Senator Pettyjohn. “But EVs are not a realistic option for every Delawarean, especially those living in rural areas, those with long commutes, or people without access to reliable charging infrastructure. This one-size-fits-all mandate ignores those realities and pushes us closer to an energy supply crisis.”
SB 140 would prevent DNREC from enforcing any future regulations that restrict the sale of vehicles currently legal under Delaware’s Clean Car standards. The bill would not impact existing emissions requirements but would halt the agency’s ability to pursue California-style bans on fuel-powered vehicles.
“Delaware’s electric grid is already under increasing strain. Forcing more EVs onto car lots, and subsequently into garages, will only compound the problem,” Senator Pettyjohn added. “We should be working to expand energy options and consumer freedom, not limit them.”
Senate Bill 140 has been filed and awaits consideration in the Senate Environment, Energy, & Transportation Committee.
###
... See MoreSee Less
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.
###
... See MoreSee Less
To all the moms out there—thank you for your love, your time, and your strength. Wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day.
... See MoreSee Less
