BETHEL YARD SALE

BETHEL YARD SALE

WHEN:  SATURDAY, MAY 9TH, 7 AM – UNTIL

RAIN DATE:  SATURDAY, MAY 23RD

BETHEL YARD SALE – Saturday, May 9th 7 am – Until

TOWN OF BETHEL

YARD SALE

WHEN:  SATURDAY, MAY 9TH, FROM 7 AM-UNTIL

RAIN DATE:  SATURDAY, MAY 23RD

2026 Bethel Town Council Members

2026 Town Council Members:

• President: Pat Kough
  • Term Expires February 2027
• President Pro Tempore: Kevin Phillips
  • Term Expires February 2028
• Secretary:  Linda Crawshaw 
  • Term Expires February 2028 
• Treasurer: Mark Shaver 
  • Term Expires February 2029
• Member at Large: Larry Davis
  • Term Expires February 2029

Note: Town Council Members are elected officials serving three-year terms.

Town Solicitor:

Mike Smith, Esq. , The Smith Firm

Town Clerk:

Martha Hawkins, betheltownclerk@gmail.com

CURRENT SUSSEX COUNTY LEASH LAW ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 2090
AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT CHAPTER 60 DOG CONTROL
WHEREAS, House Bill 233 was signed by the Governor of Delaware on July 22, 2009; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 233 transferred the responsibility of dog control from the State of
Delaware to each county to commence by January 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Dog Control shall be contained within Chapter 60 of the Sussex County Code,
a previously reserved section of the Code.
NOW THEREFORE THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX HEREBY ORDAINS:
Chapter 60 Dog Control
§ 60-1. Definitions.
The following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this chapter
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) “Animal shelter” shall mean a facility which is used to house or contain animals and
which is owned, operated or maintained by an incorporated humane society, animal
welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals or other not-forprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection and humane treatment of such
animals.
(2) “Primary enclosure” shall mean any structure used or designed for use to restrict a
dog to a limited amount of space, including, but not limited to, a room, pen, cage,
compartment or hutch.
(3) “Retail dog outlet” shall mean any premises where dogs are sold, or offered or
maintained for sale, on a retail basis. The term shall not include:
a. Dogs which are produced and raised on such premises and are sold,
offered or maintained for sale, by a person who resides on such premises;
b. The selling of a single litter of puppies or any part thereof during a calendar
year; or
c. Any publicly operated or private, charitable or nonprofit animal shelter,
pound, humane society, or animal rescue organization.
(4) “County” shall mean Sussex County.
(5) “Dog Control Agent” shall mean an individual employed by the County or employed
by an independent contractor of the County, for the purpose of enforcing dog control
laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.
§ 60-2. Fees for dog and kennel licenses; terms.
(a) Fees – The fees to be charged by the County to the appropriate parties and to be paid by
such appropriate parties to the County for the licenses and services specified in this
chapter shall be as follows:

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(1) For an Individual dog owner license for a spayed or neutered dog: $10.00 per
calendar year.
(2) For an Individual dog owner license for an unspayed or unneutered dog:
$15.00 per calendar year.
(3) Retail Dog Outlet license: $60.00 per calendar year.
(4) To keep or operate a kennel having the capacity to accommodate no more
than 12 dogs at any time during the calendar year: $60.00.
(5) To keep or operate a kennel having the capacity to accommodate no more
than 25 dogs at any time during the calendar year: $75.00.
(6) To keep or operate a kennel having the capacity to accommodate no more
than 50 dogs at any time during the calendar year: $125.00.
(7) To keep or operate a kennel having the capacity to accommodate more than
50 dogs at any time during the calendar year: $200.00.
(b) Dog licenses — The owner of any dog, 6 months of age or older, on or before March 1,
shall apply to the County or its duly authorized agents on a form prescribed by the County
for a license for such dog.
(1) Individual dog licenses — The owner of any dog, 6 months of age or older, on or
before March 1, shall apply to the County or its duly authorized agents on a form
prescribed by the County for a license for such dog. All dog licenses shall be valid
through December 31 and the valid period of the license can be for one, two or three
calendar years.
(2) Retail dog outlet licenses — Each owner of a Retail dog outlet must apply to the
County or its duly authorized agents on or before March 1 on a form prescribed by
the County for a retail dog outlet license. Retail dog outlet licenses shall be valid
through December 31 but may not exceed one calendar year. The application shall
be accompanied by the appropriate license fee according to the fee schedule
prescribed in subsection (a) of this section.
(3) Kennel licenses — Any person who maintains a kennel wherein more than four dogs
are kept for show, trial, sale, breeding or other purposes may apply to the County or
its duly authorized agents on a form prescribed by the County for a kennel license in
lieu of a license for each dog and pay the appropriate fee indicated in subsection (a)
of this section. Kennel licenses shall be valid through December 31, and shall not be
valid for more than 1 calendar year.
(c) On or before March 1, any person without a kennel license who becomes the owner
of a dog 6 months of age or older shall forthwith apply for and secure a license for
such dog in accordance with this section.
(d) Upon application and payment of the fee for a dog license, retail dog outlet license or
kennel license, the applicant shall be entitled to receive a license, provided proof of a
currently valid rabies vaccination can be presented for each dog for which the license
is sought. Each dog and kennel license shall show the date on which the license fee
is paid. The County or its duly authorized agent shall issue each license showing the
year for which the license is paid and the serial number of the license. Each issued
license will be accompanied by either a metal tag or an alternative method of
identification, such as, but not limited to, a microchip or tattoo. In the event a dog tag
is issued, the tag shall be of a design to be adopted by the County, and shall be
affixed to the collar by the owner of such dog. Dog collars with associated county
tags may be removed and need not be worn when the dog is licensed as a kennel or

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retail dog outlet and is housed in an enclosure or a pen. If the collar has been
removed, a valid dog tag and license must be readily available for review by a dog
control agent as proof that the individual dog is licensed. Dogs engaged in the act of
hunting are exempted from wearing county tags while they are in the act of hunting,
but must have some means of valid identification on the dog, and a valid dog tag and
license must be available for review by a dog license agent while the dog is in the act
of hunting.
(e) Whoever fails to secure a valid dog license, retail dog outlet license or kennel license
for the calendar year on or before March 1, or when otherwise required by this
chapter shall be fined $50.00. For each subsequent offense occurring within 12
months of a prior offense, the person shall be fined $100.00. The minimum fine for a
subsequent offense shall not be subject to suspension. Conviction for the failure to
pay the license tax is a violation.
(f) The County may revoke any individual dog owner license, retail dog outlet license or
kennel license issued by it and may deny any person the right to secure any such
licenses for a period of time within its discretion, if the licensee or person has been
convicted of animal cruelty under the Laws of Delaware or any state or federal law.
(g) The license fee set by the County pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall not
be required to be paid when the dog is one which qualifies as a seeing eye, lead or
guide dog or as a dog which has previously served in a branch of the United States
armed forces. The County shall issue either a metal license tag or an alternative
method for identification in accordance with subsection (d) of this section to such
persons without the necessity of the payment of the dog license fee.
§ 60-3. Inspections of facilities and premises; suspension of kennel or retail dog dealer
license.
(a) Dog control agents are hereby authorized to inspect the facilities for which
a kennel or retail dog outlet license is sought or obtained during normal
business hours or by appointment for the purpose of ascertaining whether the
facilities satisfy the requirements for the humane handling, care and
treatment of dogs specified in § 60-4 of this chapter. It shall be unlawful for
any person to refuse admittance to a dog control agent for the purpose of
making inspections.
(b) Any dog control agent having probable cause to believe a violation of §60-4
of this chapter has or is taking place may enter upon the premises of the
owner or custodian of any dog subject to such violation for purposes of
investigating the violation, provided the investigation can be conducted
without having to enter a dwelling house or other structure used in
connection therewith. A dog control agent may enter into a dwelling house
or other structure only with the permission of the owner or occupant thereof
or with a duly issued search warrant, and is accompanied by a police officer
or is a police officer as that term is defined in 11 Del. Code § 1911.
(c) If, upon inspection or investigation, the premises or facilities are found not
to satisfy the requirements for the humane handling, care and treatment of
dogs specified in this chapter, the operator of such premises or facilities shall
be issued a warning identifying the deficiencies. Such operator shall have at
least 10 days to bring the premises or facility into compliance with § 60-4 of
this chapter; provided, that this time period may be extended by the County,
at its direction, for up to 60 days depending upon the nature of the violation
and the action necessary for compliance. If, upon expiration of the warning
period, such premises or facilities have not been brought into compliance, the
operator shall be fined in accordance with the terms specified in §1714 of
Title 7 of the Delaware Code. The County may also issue an order
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suspending the kennel or retail dog outlet license, if any, until the cited
deficiencies are remedied. The licensee shall be entitled to an administrative
review of such order as established by the County. Said administrative
review shall, at a minimum, establish those procedural rights as found in the
State Administrative Procedures Act.
(d) Whenever the County suspends a license in accordance with this section, a
dog control agent may seize and impound any dog in possession, custody or
care of the person whose license is suspended if there are reasonable grounds
to believe that the dog’s health, safety or welfare is endangered.
§ 60- 4. Specifications for the humane handling, care and treatment of dogs.
(a) General facilities.
(1) Structural strength — housing facilities for dogs shall be designed and
constructed so that they are structurally sound. They shall have no sharp
points or edges that could injure the dogs, and they shall contain the dogs
securely and restrict other animals from entering.
(2) Storage — Supplies of food and bedding shall be stored in a manner that
protects the supplies from spoilage, contamination and vermin infestation.
Foods requiring refrigeration shall be stored accordingly.
(3) Drainage and waste disposal — Provision shall be made for the regular
collection, removal and disposal of animal and food wastes, bedding, debris
and dead animals in a manner that minimizes contamination and disease
risks. If housing facilities are equipped with disposal facilities and drainage
systems, they shall be constructed and operated so that animal wastes and
water are rapidly eliminated and the dogs stay dry. All drains shall be
properly constructed, installed and maintained. If closed drainage systems
are used, they shall be equipped with traps and prevent the backflow of gases
and the backup of sewage onto the floor.
(b) Indoor housing facilities.
(1) Heating, cooling and temperature — Indoor housing facilities for dogs shall
be sufficiently heated and cooled when necessary to protect the dogs from
temperature extremes and to provide for their health and well-being. When
dogs are present, the ambient temperature in the facility shall not be allowed
to fall below 50/df (10/dC) for dogs not acclimated to lower temperatures and
for those breeds that cannot tolerate lower temperatures without stress or
discomfort (such as short-haired breeds). Dry bedding or other methods of
conserving body heat shall be provided when temperatures are below 50/dF
(10/dC). The ambient temperature shall not fall below 45/dF (7.2/dC) for
more than 4 consecutive hours when dogs are present, and shall not rise
above 85/dF (29.5/dC) for more than 4 consecutive hours when dogs are
present.
(2) Ventilation — Indoor housing facilities for dogs shall be sufficiently
ventilated when dogs are present to provide for their health and well-being,
and to minimize odors, drafts, ammonia levels and moisture condensation.
Ventilation shall be provided by windows, vents, fans or air conditioning.

(3) Lighting — Indoor housing facilities for dogs shall have ample lighting by
natural or artificial means. Lighting in indoor housing facilities shall be
sufficient to allow observation of the physical condition of the dogs so
housed, and to permit routine inspection and cleaning of the facility. Dogs
housed in these facilities shall be provided a regular diurnal lighting cycle of
5
either natural or artificial light. Primary enclosures shall be placed so as to
protect the dogs from excessive light.
(4) Interior surfaces — The floors and walls of indoor housing facilities shall be
constructed and maintained so that they are substantially impervious to
moisture and may be readily sanitized.
(c) Outdoor housing facilities.
(1) Restrictions — Dogs that are not acclimated to the outdoor temperatures
prevalent in the area or region where they are maintained and breeds of dogs
that cannot tolerate the prevalent outdoor temperatures without stress or
discomfort (such as short-haired breeds in cold climates) may not be kept in
outdoor facilities unless the practice is specifically approved by a licensed
veterinarian.
(2) Shelter from the elements — Dogs shall be provided with proper shelter to
protect them against inclement weather, preserve their body heat, and allow
them to remain dry during rain or snow. Sufficient clean bedding material or
other means of protection from the weather shall be provided when the
ambient temperature falls below the temperature to which the dog is
acclimated. Additional bedding material or other means of protection shall
be provided when the temperature is 35/dF (1.7/dC) or lower.
(3) Shelter from sunlight — In addition to the shelter structure, 1 or more
separate outside areas of shade shall be provided to allow the dogs to protect
themselves when sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort.
(4) Construction — Housing facilities for dogs shall be constructed to provide
for the health and comfort of the animals. The floors and walls of outdoor
housing facilities shall be constructed and maintained so that they are
substantially impervious to moisture and may be readily sanitized. Mobile or
traveling housing facilities, metal barrels, cars, refrigerators or freezers, and
the like shall not constitute proper shelter.
(d) Primary enclosures.
(1) Space requirements — Primary enclosures shall be constructed and
maintained to provide sufficient space to allow each dog to turn about freely
and to stand erect, sit and lie down in a comfortable, normal position. Each
dog housed in a primary enclosure shall be provided with a minimum amount
of floor space, which shall be calculated according to the procedure
prescribed in Title 9, Code of Federal Regulations §3.6(c)(1).
(2) Space requirements when nursing puppies — Each bitch with nursing
puppies shall be provided with an additional amount of floor space, based on
her breed and behavioral characteristics, and in accordance with generally
accepted husbandry practices. If the additional amount of floor space for
each nursing puppy is less than 5% of the minimum requirement for the
bitch, the housing shall be approved by a licensed veterinarian.
(3) Height — The interior height of a primary enclosure shall be at least 6 inches
higher than the head of the tallest dog in the enclosure when it is in a normal
standing position.
(4) Use of tethers — If dog houses with tethers are used as primary enclosures
for dogs kept outdoors, the tethers shall be attached so that the dog cannot
become entangled with other objects or come into physical contact with other
dogs in the housing facility, and so the dog can roam to the full range of the
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tether. The tether shall be of a type commonly used for the size dog
involved, made of material not normally susceptible to being severed by the
dog through chewing or otherwise, and shall be attached to the dog by means
of a well-fitted collar that will not cause trauma or injury to the dog. The
tether shall be a minimum of 10 feet and allow the dog convenient access to
the dog house and to food and water containers.
(5) Wire flooring — A dog may be sheltered in a primary enclosure having wire
flooring if the wire flooring is kept in good repair and does not result in
injuries to the dog. The flooring shall be constructed so as not to allow
passage of the animal’s feet through any openings in the floor of the
enclosure. Such flooring shall not sag or bend significantly between
structural supports. For primary enclosures built after October 1, 1998, or
any floors installed after that date, if the flooring is constructed of metal
strands, such strands shall either be greater than 1/8 of an inch in diameter (9
gauge wire) or shall be coated with a material such as plastic or fiberglass.
(6) Exceptions — Paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection shall not apply to
licensed retail dog outlet if all of the following conditions are met:
a. The primary enclosure is constructed and maintained to provide
sufficient space to allow the dog to turn about freely and to stand
erect, sit and lie down in a comfortable, normal position;
b. The dog is being offered for sale on a retail basis, or has been sold
and is awaiting physical transfer to its new owner; and
c. The dog is maintained in a primary enclosure that keeps the dog on
display to patrons of the retail dog outlet during its normal business
hours.
(e) Animal health and husbandry standards.
(1) Compatible grouping. — Dogs that are housed in the same primary enclosure
shall be compatible with the following restrictions:
a. Females in heat may not be housed in the same primary enclosure
with males, except for breeding purposes.
b. Any dog exhibiting a vicious or overly aggressive disposition shall
be housed separately.
c. Puppies 4 months of age or less may not be housed in the same
primary enclosure with adult dogs other than their dams or foster
dams.
d. Dogs may not be housed in the same primary enclosure with any
other animal species, unless they are compatible.
e. Dogs under quarantine or treatment for a communicable disease shall
be separated from other dogs and other susceptible animal species in
such a manner as to minimize the dissemination of such disease.
(2) Feeding — Dogs shall be fed at least once each day, except as otherwise
might be required to provide adequate veterinary care. The food shall be free
from contamination, wholesome, palatable and of sufficient quantity and
nutritive value to maintain the normal condition and weight of the dog. The
diet shall be appropriate for the individual dog’s age and condition.
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(3) Food receptacles — Food receptacles shall be readily accessible to all dogs
and shall be located so as to minimize contamination by excreta. The
receptacles shall be durable and shall be kept clean. The food receptacles
shall be sanitized at lease once per week. Disposable food receptacles may
be used but shall be discarded after each feeding. Self feeders may be used
for the feeding of dry food but shall be sanitized regularly to prevent
molding, deterioration or caking of feed.
(4) Watering — If potable water is not continually available to the dogs, it shall
be offered to the dogs as often as necessary to ensure their health and wellbeing. Watering receptacles shall be kept clean and shall be sanitized at least
once per week.
(5) Cleaning of primary enclosure — Excreta and food waste shall be removed
from a primary enclosure, including any floor area or ground surface beneath
the primary enclosure, on a daily basis. When steam or water is used to clean
the primary enclosure, whether by hosing, flushing or other methods, dogs
shall be removed, unless the enclosure is large enough to ensure that the dogs
will not be harmed, wetted or distressed in the process. Standing water shall
be removed from the primary enclosure and dogs in other primary enclosures
shall be protected from being contaminated with water and other wastes
during the cleaning.
(6) Housekeeping for premises — premises where housing facilities are located,
including buildings and surrounding grounds, shall be kept clean and in good
repair to protect the dogs from injury and to facilitate the husbandry practices
set forth in this section.
§ 60-5. Licensing Agents; bond requirement; service charge; regulations.
(a) The County may authorize as many qualified persons or companies as Licensing
Agents as it deems necessary to effectuate the efficient distribution of dog licenses.
(b) The bond requirement may be determined by the County.
(c) Licensing agents may add a service charge to the required fee for a license.
(d) The County may adopt, amend, modify or repeal rules and regulations to effectuate
the policy and purpose of this section.

§ 60-6. Reciprocity of Dog License.
(a) The County shall establish a licensing system which identifies the county in which
the dog’s owner maintains his or her primary residence.
(b) When by or pursuant to the authority under this Chapter a dog is licensed by its
owner within the County then such dog shall not need an additional license within
the other counties of this State.
§ 60-7. Rules and Regulations.
(a) The County shall have the authority to enact all rules and regulations, in furtherance
of the provisions of this Chapter.
(b) The County shall have the authority to charge administrative fees in order to
administer the provisions of this Chapter based on approval by the Sussex County
Council.
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I DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE FOREGOING IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF
ORDINANCE NO. 2090 ADOPTED BY THE SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL ON THE 1ST DAY
OF DECEMBER 2009.
ROBIN A. GRIFFITH
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL

LET ME BE BLUNT – Latest Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester Newsletter

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester

SAFETY MATTERS – State of Delaware Issue CCXXVII Dec. 2025

Consumer Product Safety Commission Offers Safe Cooking Tips for a Joyful Holiday \Season
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is
issuing an urgent reminder that the holiday season marks
the most dangerous time of year for cooking-related fires
and injuries.

Forty-five percent of annual residential fires are cooking-related, according to CPSC’s report on Residential Fire and Loss Estimates. Cooking fires spike on Thanksgiving Day, with an average of 1,400 cooking fires. That’s more than three times the daily average of cooking fires.  “Every year, we see preventable fires and injuries caused by cooking accidents during the holidays,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman. “We’re urging everyone to stay focused when in the kitchen because a few minutes of attention can make the difference
between a happy holiday and a heartbreaking one.” 

Follow CPSC’s practical holiday cooking safety tips:
• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stand by your
pan!
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from
the cooking area.
• Keep flammable items, like oven mitts, wooden
utensils and food packaging, away from the stovetop.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills
and burns.
• If a grease fire starts, smother the flames by sliding a
lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Never use
water on a grease fire.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use
it.

Turkey fryers create particular risks, causing fires, injuries
and property damage. Remember COOK when using one.
C: Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions.
O: Overheat–Never overheat oil and use an oil with
a high smoke point.
O: Overfill–Never overfill the oil in your turkey fryer.
K: Keep the fryer out of the garage, off the deck and
away from the house.
Always, make sure you have a working smoke alarm
on each level of your home, outside sleeping areas and
inside bedrooms.
Go to https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education for more information.

December 10, 2025, through January 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and local law enforcement will step up efforts to stop impaired driving and protect road users’ safety in alignment with the winter holiday high-
visibility enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

· Always drive 100% sober. Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many.
· Plan ahead: Before you have even one drink, designate a sober driver to get you home safely. If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make this decision, you might not make the best one. You have options to get home safely: designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or rideshare.
Getting home safely is always worth it.
· Designate: If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
· Report: If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
· Be a friend: If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.

Did You Know?

62% of people who died in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2020 were the alcohol-impaired drivers themselves; 38% were passengers of the alcohol-impaired drivers, drivers or passengers of another vehicle, or nonoccupants (such as a pedestrian).
Go to www.nhtsa.gov to get more facts about drinking and driving.

DECEMBER IS SAFE TOYS & GIFTS AWARENESS MONTH

This holiday season, consider these guidelines and concerns when choosing safe toys and gifts.
• Buy age-appropriate gifts. What is the recommended age and developmental level?
• Inspect all toys before purchasing. Does it have sharp edges, loose or breakable parts?
• Check labels for testing by the American Society for Testing and Material Standards.
• Are you giving sports equipment? Is there accompanying protective gear?
• Pay particular attention to small parts, magnets, button batteries or other easily swallowed hazards.
• Is it made of fabric? Is it labeled flame resistant or flame retardant?
• Is it stuffed or plush? Is it washable?
• Be very cautious with toys that launch projectiles, such as BB guns, slingshots, and darts.
• Before purchasing, check the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website for warnings and recalls.
Go to https://www.cpsc.gov/ for more toy safety information.

DE House of Rep. Newsletter – #663- April 18, 2026

These are the latest articles from the DE House of Representatives:

IN THIS ISSUE

• Lawmakers Continue Efforts to Limit Federal Immigration Enforcement in Delaware
• Audit Shows Continuing Issues with State’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund
• Bill Seeking to Raise $150 Million by Hiking Business Fees Advances
• Debate Continues Over Proposal to Ban Credit Card Fee on Tips
• Bill Seeks to Curtail High-Tech Car Theft

View this newsletter on your browser.

Lawmakers Continue Efforts to Limit Federal Immigration Enforcement in Delaware

Last October, the U.S. Justice Department designated Delaware as a “sanctuary jurisdiction” based on “actions and policies that materially impede the enforcement of federal immigration statutes and regulations.” Since then, Delaware House and Senate Democrats have worked to double down on that status.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed two bills intended to further limit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the First State.

The first bill, House Substitute 2 for House Bill 94 (as amended), sponsored by House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris (D-Dover East), restricts Delaware law enforcement officers from directly participating with ICE agents conducting civil immigration enforcement at certain sites, including healthcare facilities, colleges or universities, places of worship, public and private schools, and daycare centers. The bill passed 27 to 14, along party lines.

The second bill approved by the House and sent to the Senate was House Substitute 2 for House Bill 151, a measure that seeks to prohibit state and local officials from entering into any agreements with privately operated detention facilities. Prime sponsor of the legislation, State Rep. Mara Gorman (D-Newark), introduced the first version of the measure last May.

ICE reportedly contracts with private detention facilities in more than two-dozen states, using them to house approximately 80% of its immigration law violators during processing.

While HS 2 for HB 151 would not entirely close the door to private detention centers operating in Delaware under contract to the federal government, it would make it more difficult for them to do so. If enacted, the law would not apply to Dover Air Force Base, which is under federal jurisdiction.

Also on Thursday, three new House bills related to ICE operations were filed.

House Bill 368 would prohibit holding any person solely based on an immigration detainer or a civil immigration warrant. It would largely bar any Delaware law enforcement agency from cooperating with federal immigration authorities to enforce civil immigration law.

House Bill 366 seeks to ban local, state, and federal law-enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings such as balaclavas, ski masks, or tactical masks that obscure the face. The measure includes exceptions for undercover operations and exigent circumstances. House Bill 367 would require all law enforcement officers to display identification while performing enforcement duties, with limited exceptions. Both measures are sponsored by Rep. Gorman.

ICE agents often obscure their identities during enforcement operations. As noted in a recently updated NOLO article: “In July 2025, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told CBS News that he wasn’t a proponent of agents wearing masks, but he would allow it to keep ICE agents and their families safe.” Some ICE agents have had their personal information and photos of their homes and families posted online without their permission — a practice called “doxxing” — as a means of harassment and intimidation.

HB 366, HB 367, and HB 368 are pending action in the House Judiciary Committee.

Audit Shows Continuing Issues with State’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund

An annual audit continues to report problems with the management and accountability of the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

Thousands of Delaware employers contribute to this fund, which pays out unemployment benefits to Delawareans every week. While the fund’s assets vary, it typically has a balance of several hundred million dollars. The Delaware Department of Labor manages the fund, with federal funds contributing to its administration.

Red flags about the fund have been flying for several years.

Three years ago, a staffer was found to have embezzled over $180,000. (The Delaware Coalition for Open Government has published a complete timeline of the crime and its fallout.)

Two years ago, an independent auditor, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), determined the fund was “not auditable” for Fiscal Year 2023, a situation that has persisted since then.

A March 2024 report by the Delaware State Auditor revealed multiple weaknesses and procedural issues with the fund dating back to 2021, with the wheels coming off in 2023. Among the issues leading to the decline were antiquated, siloed systems, a unique fiscal structure that prevented oversight, and a failure to commit to corrective actions.

Under federal law, the State of Delaware is required to have an independent audit conducted of its administration of federal assistance programs. The latest audit was released earlier this week. In Fiscal Year 2025, the state administered over $4.1 billion in federal funding across 18 major programs.

The report continued to find problems with the Department of Labor and the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. While the independent auditor recognized that the department has made progress, it noted that it still could not confirm that the fund’s account balances “are fairly stated…due to a pervasive lack of internal controls over the accounting and financial reporting process.”

The auditor says “enhanced controls” have been implemented and are in operation, but provided no timeline for when those fixes would yield results in the form of verifiable accounting.

Bill Seeking to Raise $150 Million by Hiking Business Fees Advances

A bill to increase a host of fees imposed on businesses incorporated in Delaware, collectively raising more than $150 million in new annual income for the state, cleared the House Administration Committee this week.

Sponsored by House Democratic Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris (D-Dover East) and Senate Democratic Leader Bryan Townsend (D-Newark, Bear), House Bill 400 would raise annual fees paid by Limited Liability Corporations and other “Alternative Entities,” as well as the fees associated with various services provided by the Division of Corporations.

In an earlier statement justifying the proposal, Rep. Evelyn-Harris said the state is running short of funds and needs the money. “That means reviewing every revenue source and expenditure in our state with a fine-toothed comb, and making changes where they make sense and where they won’t hurt our residents and the businesses.”

The State of Delaware gets more than a third of its annual revenue from income tied to its top national position as a business-friendly incorporation venue. The strength of the Court of Chancery, which adjudicates business lawsuits, has also been a draw for corporations to establish their legal residence here.

Committee member, State House Republican Leader Tim Dukes (R-Laurel), questioned the wisdom of imposing higher fees on corporations, noting the state’s slipping standing in the business community and the rising threat posed by Texas and Nevada, which are actively trying to unseat Delaware as the premier incorporation destination.

Despite the objections, HB 400 was released from committee on a 3-2 vote along party lines.

The day before Wednesday’s committee action, Newsmax posted an article lending credence to Rep. Dukes’s concerns:

“A tsunami of corporate departures continues to hit Delaware as more than 60 public companies with a combined market cap of over $3 trillion have quit the state in the past two years alone. In just the past week, two significant public companies — FirstCash Holdings and GPGI Inc. — have announced plans to leave Delaware, underscoring what many analysts now describe as a corporate exodus.

FirstCash Holdings (NASDAQ: FCFS), a $9 billion market cap company, filed plans with shareholders to reincorporate in Texas. The move, the company said, is driven by a desire for ‘more clarity and predictability’ in legal matters, along with efforts to reduce ‘opportunistic and frivolous litigation.'”

To many observers, the article accurately illustrated the problem of “DExit,” the term coined for the recent corporate flight from Delaware.

While there are about 2.3 million businesses incorporated in Delaware, the lion’s share of the state’s revenue comes from a comparatively small number of high-value companies, like those that have recently chosen to incorporate in competing states.

A significant reduction in Delaware’s corporate revenue stream, valued at $2.5 billion to $3 billion annually, would affect everyone, as elected officials would face a no-win dilemma: cut services to reduce spending or raise other taxes and fees to cover the lost income.

Debate Continues Over Proposal to Ban Credit Card Fee on Tips

Whenever someone uses a credit card to pay a bill, the credit card company charges a fee (typically bewteen 2% and 3% of the transaction cost) to process the payment. A controversial bill to change that in a single narrow instance has sparked a heated, ongoing debate between supporters and detractors.

House Bill 315 would prohibit credit card companies from charging processing fees on tips. It has been released from committee and is on the House Ready List, awaiting consideration of the chamber.

The Delaware Restaurant Association supports the passage of this bill. From the perspective of restaurant owners, they are currently paying processing fees on tips, which is money they do not receive as revenue. That is a high cost in an industry with extremely thin profit margins that has never fully recovered from the pandemic and continues to struggle.

“Every single day, restaurant owners are forced to watch thousands of dollars disappear in unnecessary fees on tips,” stated a recent post from the Delaware Restaurant Association. “This isn’t just a small inconvenience—it’s money that should be supporting hardworking staff and the businesses that employ them.”

Under Delaware law, restaurants cannot deduct transaction fees from their workers’ tips.

The banking and credit card industries oppose the measure. Assuming a typical restaurant patron pays his bill with a credit card and adds a 20% tip, credit card companies would lose roughly one-sixth of their revenue on such transactions if the bill were signed into law.

The Electronic Payments Coalition (EPC), a trade group representing the institutions and networks that form the backbone of the nation’s electronic payments system, has launched a public lobbying campaign to pressure lawmakers to withdraw their support. At the moment, the measure is unusually popular, with broad bipartisan backing. Thirty-eight of the legislature’s 62 members are sponsoring or co-sponsoring the bill.

The coalition says enacting the law would require systemic changes to credit transaction networks and warned that credit card companies may bar the use of their cards to pay tips. One social media ad posted by the group said that if the proposal becomes law, “credit & debit cards may not work for tips—risking the incomes of tipped workers.”

While similar proposals have reportedly been made in more than two dozen states, only one, Illinois, has enacted it.

Even there, the matter remains unsettled. The Illinois Bankers Association et al. is challenging the constitutionality of the law in an appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Bill Seeks to Curtail High-Tech Car Theft

Car thieves are increasingly using advanced technology to clone vehicle key fobs, a method particularly effective against newer models equipped with “push-to-start” ignition systems. 

State Rep. Jeff Hilovsky is co-sponsoring a new bipartisan bill authored by State Rep. Franklin Cooke (D-Wilmington South, New Castle) to crack down on this type of theft.

House Bill 351 would make it a crime to manufacture, sell, or possess a vehicle key programming device, or any other apparatus, or computer program intended to intercept a key fob signal, or electronically unlock or start a motor vehicle.

The bill banning the sale or use of “vehicle security circumvention technology” would not apply to lawful and reasonable actions, such as tasks performed by police officers, vehicle dealers and distributors, locksmiths, and repossession agencies.

First-time offenders would face a fine of up to $115 and 90 days in jail. Those committing subsequent offenses would face a maximum fine of $230 and 6 months behind bars.

The measure is pending consideration in the House Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee.

Dog(s) MUST Be Leashed within Bethel Town Limits

PLEASE NOTE:

ALL dogs are to be leashed while out and about within the Bethel Town Limits.  Further any/all waste must be picked up immediately by  he person in charge of the dog(s) while out in Town limits.  There are public signs posted noting this requirement in Bethel.  

Office of State Planning (OSPC) Newsletter

Please see the following information newsletter from the OSPC:

LATEST TIM DUKES NEWLETTER – 3/24/2026

Delmarva Power ratepayers are encouraged to participate in a virtual public session TONIGHT @ 6 pm

PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION – DOCKET #25-1554

Delmarve Power Affordability and Load Feasibility

3/25/26 – starting at 6 pm

Click here for more information, including how to take part virtually.

DMV implements new security measures

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has implemented new security screening protocols at all four of its locations.

Customers are now required to pass through weapons detection systems staffed by private security when entering a DMV facility. Additionally, changes have been made to how the public enters and exits these facilities. All DMV locations will continue to have law enforcement present.

The security protocols are a reaction to the unprovoked murder of Delaware State Police Cpl./1 Matthew Snook on December 23d while he was working an overtime shift at the entrance of the Wilmington DMV office near New Castle.

“The Delaware DMV processes nearly one million transactions annually, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we enhance security at our facilities statewide,” said Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings.

For more information about DMV branch locations, hours, and access to online services, use this link: https://dmv.de.gov/.

LAUREL HERITAGE DAY – April 11th

Laurel Heritage Day Car Show – April 11th

From 10 am – 2 pm

Janosik Park – Front Street, Laurel, DE

Live Music, Food and Non-Food Vendors

1st 50 – Plaques –    30 Trophies

    3 Best in Show

Registration starts at 9 am – Registration Fee $10

Contact Person – Will Warren @ 410-726-5617

To contact Tim: Timothy.Dukes@delaware.gov