Committee reviews mentor background-check bill and on-farm composting bill; no public comment recorded

The Senate Executive Committee reviewed two bills during the legislative portion of its meeting. Chairman Secola described House Bill 443 as an amendment to Title 14, section 8527 of the Delaware Code to require state and federal criminal background checks for individuals prospectively serving as mentors through the Department of Education's mentoring program. "This bill would allow DOE to continue to receive reports in the future," the chair said, noting the measure builds on prior work to support mentoring.

The committee clerk announced there were no in-person or virtual registrants to speak on HB 443 and provided the committee email for written comments.

Sen. Hoeffner introduced House Bill 431 (with House Amendment 1), saying the measure would allow composting of yard waste, food residue and other organics to divert material from landfills, extend landfill life and help small farmers. "So this is a pro farmer bill... it does give local control," Sen. Hoeffner said, and described a footprint limit of "5,000 square feet per 4 acres" intended to limit neighbor impacts while allowing local inspections.

There was no registered public comment on HB 431 either. After circulation of bills and materials, Sen. Hawker moved to adjourn, Sen. Townsend seconded, and, "with no objection," the committee adjourned. The transcript does not record a committee vote on either bill.