DelawareSB 183153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF HARRINGTON RELATING TO TERM LIMITS, BANKING, BUDGET AND AUDIT DEADLINES, SUCCESSION OF AUTHORITY, AND SIGNING CHECKS.

Sponsored By: Dave G. Lawson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Audit reports due in 150 days

The City’s books are audited each year by a certified public accountant. The auditor must deliver a detailed report within 150 days after the fiscal year ends. The City must publish notice of the report in a local newspaper within 30 days after the Council receives it. The auditor may access all City records and accounts to do the work.

Clear chain of command in emergencies

If the Mayor cannot act in a sudden emergency, authority passes in this order: the Vice Mayor; City Council members by total years served; the City Manager; the Chief of Police; then the Clerk of the Council.

Stronger controls on city money and checks

The Treasurer holds city funds and may deposit them only in federally insured banks approved by the City Council. A claim cannot be paid unless the City Manager approves it and the Mayor (or a Mayor‑designated Council member) signs the warrant or check. The City Manager must review bills and give the Council a monthly report of claims paid, except payroll and payroll‑related expenses. The Treasurer must keep detailed, current records open to the Mayor and Council. The Treasurer must post a bond in the amount the Council sets, and the City pays the bond cost.

Budget and revenue decisions due in June

The Budget Committee and City Manager must submit the annual budget by June 1 each year. After assessments are complete and the budget is adopted, the City Council must, by June 1, set the total amount the City needs to raise for the fiscal year. These deadlines move from May to June.

Council elects Vice Mayor and officers

At its organizational meeting, the City Council elects a Vice Mayor from among its members. The Vice Mayor serves for one year or until the June organizational meeting after the next election. Except for the Vice Mayor, the City Council appoints other City officers under the Charter.

Term limits removed for mayor and council

The law repeals term limits for Harrington’s elected leaders. The Mayor may serve more than two consecutive terms. City Council members may serve more than three consecutive terms.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Dave G. Lawson
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Shannon Morris
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 61 • No: 0

House vote • 6/30/2025

Passed (3/4 required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/24/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
6/30/2025Governor
Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 VACANT
6/30/2025House
Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 5 On Its Merits
6/25/2025House
Assigned to Administration Committee in House
6/25/2025House
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
6/24/2025Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits
6/18/2025Senate
Introduced and Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in Senate
6/11/2025Senate

Bill Text

Current
6/11/2025
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