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DelawareSB 49 w/ HA 1153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 AND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DRIVING RESTRICTIONS DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY.

Sponsored By: Brian Pettyjohn (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Job protection during road closures

Employers cannot fire, discipline, or punish you for not reporting to work during a Level 3 Driving Ban. During a Level 2 Driving Restriction, you have the same protection unless your employer has an approved waiver. These protections last while the restriction is active.

Who can drive in emergencies

During a state of emergency, the Governor can set Level 2 or Level 3 driving limits, statewide or by area. When these are active, it is illegal to drive unless you are a first responder, a first informer broadcaster, essential personnel, or a snow‑removal operator. Essential personnel include workers who keep utilities running, provide health care, deliver food and fuel, and run emergency broadcasts, in public or private jobs. A first informer includes on‑air staff and broadcast engineers for licensed radio or TV who run or repair broadcast gear. You or your business can get a Level 2 waiver if you show a significant safety, health, or business need. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security sets the rules and handles enforcement.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Pettyjohn

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Eric Buckson

    Republican • Senate

  • Richard G. Collins

    Republican • House

  • Stephanie L. Hansen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Hilovsky

    Republican • House

  • Gerald W. Hocker

    Republican • Senate

  • Kyra L. Hoffner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Russell Huxtable

    Democratic • Senate

  • Valerie Jones Giltner

    Republican • House

  • S. Elizabeth Lockman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Spiros Mantzavinos

    Democratic • Senate

  • Trey Paradee

    Democratic • Senate

  • Bryant L. Richardson

    Republican • Senate

  • Ray Seigfried

    Democratic • Senate

  • David L. Wilson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 75 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/15/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 5/8/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    5/22/2025Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    5/15/2025Senate

  3. Passed By House. Votes: 33 YES 8 ABSENT

    5/8/2025House

  4. Amendment HA 1 to SB 49 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    5/8/2025House

  5. Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 4 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits

    5/6/2025House

  6. Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in House

    4/15/2025House

  7. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    4/10/2025Senate

  8. Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 3 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

    3/26/2025Senate

  9. Introduced and Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate

    1/23/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Current

    1/23/2025

    HTML

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