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DelawareHB 41153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)House

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF MILLSBORO RELATING TO ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY AND THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES.

Sponsored By: Richard G. Collins (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Millsboro changes complaint and committee duties

The Council President no longer must receive residents’ nuisance or law-violation complaints and report them at the next regular meeting. This does not bar residents from using other complaint channels. The President can appoint other needed committees with advice and approval from a majority of the Council. Every Council member can recommend new committees, committee members, and chairs; the President and other members must reasonably consider those recommendations. The President leads Council meetings, votes on all matters, and can direct the Alderman or Assistant Alderman to act immediately on violations. The Council can assign the President other duties and powers that do not conflict with the Charter. The Mayor can act without prior Council approval during sudden emergencies to protect public health, safety, and welfare. These include major fires, significant flooding or serious storms threatening damage, civic disturbances, toxic spills, and county, state, or federal emergency declarations covering Millsboro.

New rules for joining Millsboro

For the all-owner annexation process, land must border Millsboro, and every property owner must sign a written petition. The petition must describe the land, explain the reasons for joining, and name the requested zoning. Town staff must confirm it is complete before submission to Town Hall. The Mayor and Town Council must appoint a review committee by resolution, with at least three Council members. Within 90 days after appointment, it must report advantages and disadvantages for both the Town and the land being added. Its report must recommend whether to proceed, explain why, and recommend zoning. If it finds annexation benefits both sides, the Council can schedule a public zoning hearing by a second resolution. After that hearing, a third resolution can approve annexation and zoning with a majority of all Council members. If either side would be disadvantaged, the process follows the route for petitions signed by five or more owners but fewer than all.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Richard G. Collins

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Gerald W. Hocker

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 57 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/15/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 3/20/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 36 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    5/22/2025Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    5/15/2025Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 5 On Its Merits

    5/7/2025Senate

  4. Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in Senate

    3/20/2025Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 36 YES 5 ABSENT

    3/20/2025House

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 5 On Its Merits

    3/19/2025House

  7. Introduced and Assigned to Administration Committee in House

    3/6/2025House

Bill Text

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