Del. Senate passes Public Health Emergency Commission reform bill

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Senate has passed Senate Bill 66 with Senate Amendment 1.

The bill, introduced by Senator Eric Buckson, requires the Public Health Emergency Commission to meet within 30 days after the declaration of a state of emergency related to public health. The Commission would then meet every 30 days until the termination of the state of emergency order.

SB 66 also adds the Senate Minority Leader and House Minority Leader to the Commission, which acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor during a public health emergency. The Commission currently includes the Governor, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, the Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, and more.

SB 66 unanimously passed the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.