Civic Engagement Bill Goes to Governor

Rich Collins was the only no vote in the House. But in the Senate, he was joined by 7 Republicans and 1 dubious Democrat. House Bill 175 allows one excused absence per school year for students in grades 6 through 12 to attend civic engagements such as visits to the United States Capitol, Legislative Hall, and sites of political and cultural significance, or participation in a rally, march, or protest.

It passed the Senate by a vote of 13-8. Every Senate Republican opposed this bill, I suppose because they want to keep children disengaged from our civic institutions so that they don’t concern themselves with elections and politics. Republicans need a stupid and disengaged citizenry to win.

For a student to attend a civic engagement event, the student’s parent or guardian must provide written permission no later than 3 school days prior to the student’s planned absence.

House Bill 175 Sponsors	Yes Votes	No Votes
Morrison, Dorsey Walker, S. Moore, Baumbach, Bentz, Brady, Briggs King, Heffernan, K.Johnson, Kowalko, Lambert, Longhurst, Lynn, Minor-Brown, Osenski, M.Smith, K.Williams, Wilson-Anton	House Passed 38-1-2. Baumbach Bennett Bentz Brady Bush Carson Chukwuocha Cooke Dorsey-Walker Griffith Heffernan K.Johnson K.Williams Kowalko Lambert Longhurst Lynn Minor-Brown Mitchell Morrison Osienski S.Moore Schwartzkopf Wilson-Anton  Briggs King D.Short Dukes Gray Hensley M.Smith Morris Postles Ramone Shupe Smyk Spiegelman Vanderwende Yearick	Bolden (Absent), Collins, Matthews (Absent)
Sturgeon, Hansen, Lockman, S.McBride, Paradee, Pinkney, Walsh	Senate Passed 13-8. Ennis Gay Hansen Lockman Mantzavinos Paradee Pinkney Poore S.McBride Sokola Sturgeon Townsend Walsh	Brown Bonini Hocker Lawson Lopez Pettyjohn Richardson Wilson
Current Status —	Sent to the Governor

Senator Laura Sturgeon: “As a retired teacher, I can speak from experience when I say that there’s no better civics lesson than getting involved in your community. It’s why I was proud to serve as the Senate prime sponsor for Rep. Eric Morrison‘s HB 175, a bill that would permit one excused absence per school year for students grades 6 through 12 to attend civic engagements such as visits to the United States Capitol, Legislative Hall, and sites of political and cultural significance, or participation in a rally, march, protest, or walkout. The bill passed the Senate today and now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature!”

Representative Eric Morrison: “Once this bill is signed into law, Delaware will be the first state in the nation to have such a law. I hope it sets a precedent for other states to follow.”