Delaware Senate adopts rules for meetings, bills, and public access

The Senate adopted rules for its work. The rules cover the Delaware Senate during the 153rd General Assembly. They remain in place until the Senate takes further action.

The Senate must show its proceedings and standing committee proceedings on the General Assembly website. These rules cover Senate proceedings and proceedings of its standing committees. The state Constitution may permit some Senate proceedings to be closed. A technology failure or limit on public access does not undo a meeting or an action taken there.

Standing committees must offer the public a chance to speak as they review bills and resolutions. The rule generally covers bills and resolutions assigned to a Senate standing committee. Committee chairs may set reasonable limits on when and how long people speak. This review rule does not apply to measures sent to the Finance Committee after another committee or to certain measures drafted by a joint committee. The committee review occurs before the measure reaches the Senate floor.

The Senate’s elected leader may approve remote participation by a member or witness. The rule covers members and witnesses joining a Senate session remotely. This rule applies when the Senate is not meeting under emergency virtual meeting rules. A member must request approval for themself or a witness in writing and give a reason. A member may join remotely only if a quorum meets at the location required by the state Constitution. An approved member may vote remotely. The request is due no later than noon on the day of remote participation.

The Senate limits visitors’ conduct in its gallery and may bar visitors who break the rules. These rules cover people observing from the Senate gallery. The presiding officer may permit expressions of support or opposition to a matter before the Senate. A first violation may bring a 24-hour ban. A third violation during the General Assembly may bring a ban for the rest of it.