Nicole C. Freedman

Delaware Legislative Healthcare Update: End of 2021 Session

With the first leg of Delaware’s 151^st General Assembly in the rear-view mirror, we thought now would be a good time for a highlights reel on the unprecedented number of healthcare related legislation passed or considered in 2021, with a look ahead to the resumption of session in January of 2022, and annotations for those who do not reside in the First State. More ›

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After the Election a Step to the Left for the 151st General Assembly, and A Foot in the DC Door

On Saturday, November 7, Delaware’s Frawley Stadium in Wilmington became the most famous parking lot in the world as President-Elect Joe Biden delivered his victory speech, together with Vice-President-Elect, Kamala Harris. The Delaware Democratic Party faithful waived flags, honked horns and posted numerous photos of themselves from CNN on social media. The First State and the Nation’s Capital will become more connected than even Acela could make it until now. However, Democrats were also celebrating state-house wins, though not every seat under contention flipped blue, much like the national picture. So here is a roundup of things to watch for and expect based on where we are today. More ›

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Morris James LLP Offers Businesses Assistance with COVID-19 Grants from Delaware Division of Small Business

Small businesses and non-profits in Delaware that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for up to $100,000 as part of the Delaware Relief Grant program offered through the Division of Small Business. The funds are derived from the federal CARES Act. The first round of applications opens on September 8^th with additional rounds opening in October and November. A copy of your business or non-profit’s 2019 tax return, receipts for qualifying expenses, and a Delaware Business License are needed to get started. More information can be found at www.delbiz.com/relief. More ›

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Tobacco-Free Kids to Hold Youth Leadership Awards Ceremony

Is Delaware Poised to Further Curb Youth Smoking?

According to the High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted every two years by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Delaware high school students who smoke is higher than the national average. With Governor Carney taking action in April 2019 by signing Senate Bill 25, Delaware continues to take the right steps toward tobacco prevention. The First State now prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21. More ›

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Delaware General Assembly Acts to Extend Telehealth Availability as the COVID Crisis Continues

Like other states, in order to help Delawareans maintain access to critical medical services, the First State’s COVID-19 related emergency declaration and subsequent modifications embraced telehealth. Governor Carney’s Declaration of a State of Emergency, and accompanying modifications (2, 8, and 10) throughout the months of March and April expanded telehealth services in unprecedented ways, removing barriers such as the requirement that a first visit to a physician providing telehealth services take place in person. Now, the General Assembly has stepped in with House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 348, signed by the Governor on July 17, 2020, which will not expire until July 1, 2021. More ›

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Delaware General Assembly Announces Plans to Reconvene Legislative Session

On Thursday, May 14^th the Delaware General Assembly announced plans to virtually reconvene. Leveraging a Delaware Constitutional amendment made in 2018 allowing for sessions to take place in alternative locations during an emergency, the sessions will be broadcast via YouTube, which will be posted on the General Assembly’s website.

The first virtual session will be broadcast on Tuesday, May 26^th in which the House will pass the concurrent resolution to remove any impediments to conducting a virtual meeting. The Senate will convene virtually on Wednesday, May 27^th to pass the same House concurrent resolution and consider several gubernatorial nominations. The Joint Finance Committee hearing dates will be announced at a future date. *

Additional virtual sessions will be announced in the coming weeks, allowing the General Assembly to meet its Constitutional obligation to pass a balanced budget by June 30^th.  Leadership has also signaled there may be special sessions in the fall.  More ›

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