Committee reviews mentor-background-check bill and a farmer-focused composting measure; no public testimony
June 25, 2026 | 2026 Legislature DE, Legislative, Delaware
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The Senate Executive Committee convened a legislative session that included two bills: House Bill 443, which would amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code to clarify background-check requirements for mentors in Department of Education programs, and House Bill 431 (with House Amendment 1), which would allow limited on-farm composting.
Chairman Secola introduced House Bill 443 as an update to Title 14, section 85 27, intended to ensure that individuals prospectively serving as mentors submit to state and federal criminal background checks so the Department of Education can continue receiving required reports. The chair noted the Department of Education currently has a one-year extension from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to continue receiving such reports; the bill would make the necessary statutory language permanent.
No members of the public were registered to speak on HB443. The committee clerk invited written comments to the committee email (senateexecutive@delaware.gov) and closed the public comment period.
Senator Hoeffner introduced House Bill 431 as “a pro farmer bill” that allows composting of yard waste, food residue, and other organic materials to divert waste from landfills, reduce methane generation, and help small farms and businesses. Hoeffner said the bill sets a limit of 5,000 square feet per 4 acres, preserves county control for inspections, and could enable farmers to sell compost as a second income stream.
Senator Townsend asked whether on-site composting was currently allowed; Hoeffner said concerns about hazardous materials and unclear rules have inhibited local composting and that HB431 is intended to provide clarity while keeping county oversight.
No public commenters were registered on HB431. After concluding discussion and circulating bill packets, a motion to adjourn was offered and seconded; the chair adjourned the meeting by unanimous consent.
The transcript does not record committee votes on either bill during this session.
Chairman Secola introduced House Bill 443 as an update to Title 14, section 85 27, intended to ensure that individuals prospectively serving as mentors submit to state and federal criminal background checks so the Department of Education can continue receiving required reports. The chair noted the Department of Education currently has a one-year extension from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to continue receiving such reports; the bill would make the necessary statutory language permanent.
No members of the public were registered to speak on HB443. The committee clerk invited written comments to the committee email (senateexecutive@delaware.gov) and closed the public comment period.
Senator Hoeffner introduced House Bill 431 as “a pro farmer bill” that allows composting of yard waste, food residue, and other organic materials to divert waste from landfills, reduce methane generation, and help small farms and businesses. Hoeffner said the bill sets a limit of 5,000 square feet per 4 acres, preserves county control for inspections, and could enable farmers to sell compost as a second income stream.
Senator Townsend asked whether on-site composting was currently allowed; Hoeffner said concerns about hazardous materials and unclear rules have inhibited local composting and that HB431 is intended to provide clarity while keeping county oversight.
No public commenters were registered on HB431. After concluding discussion and circulating bill packets, a motion to adjourn was offered and seconded; the chair adjourned the meeting by unanimous consent.
The transcript does not record committee votes on either bill during this session.
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