SCR124 • 2025

A RESOLUTION ADVANCING CIVILITY AND STRENGTHENING DISCOURSE IN THE DELAWARE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Hoffner
Last action: 2026-01-13
Official status: Passed 1/13/26
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify how the resolution affects Delaware residents beyond lawmakers' commitment to civility.

Resolution for Better Communication in Delaware

This resolution aims to improve how lawmakers communicate with each other and the public by promoting respectful and constructive discussions.

What This Bill Does

It asks members of the General Assembly to be more civil when they talk about politics, both online and in person.
It encourages them to work together across different political parties to find solutions for Delaware's problems.
It tells lawmakers to set a good example by being respectful even if they disagree with each other.
It asks them to teach new members of the General Assembly how to be civil when making laws and talking about public issues.

Who It Names or Affects

Members of the Delaware General Assembly

Terms To Know

General Assembly: The group that makes laws for the state of Delaware, made up of two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Bipartisan: Working together with people from different political parties.

Limits and Unknowns

This resolution does not create new laws or give anyone legal power to enforce it.
It is a statement of intent and commitment by the lawmakers in Delaware.
The exact ways this will be put into practice are not detailed in the resolution.

Bill History

2026-01-13 Delaware General Assembly
Introduced in Senate
2026-01-13 Delaware General Assembly
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
2026-01-13 Delaware General Assembly
Passed In House by Voice Vote

Official Summary Text

A RESOLUTION ADVANCING CIVILITY AND STRENGTHENING DISCOURSE IN THE DELAWARE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
This resolution affirms that members of the General Assembly are committed to civility in public discourse and that they will lead by example to actively cultivate a political culture in Delaware where collaboration, respect, and productive discourse can thrive.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Hoffner & Rep. Dukes & Rep. Minor-Brown

Sens. Brown, Buckson, Cruce, Hansen, Hocker, Huxtable, Lawson, Lockman, Mantzavinos, Paradee, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Poore, Richardson, Seigfried, Sokola, Sturgeon, Townsend, Walsh, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Burns, Hilovsky, K. Johnson, Lambert, Osienski, D. Short, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 124

A RESOLUTION ADVANCING CIVILITY AND STRENGTHENING DISCOURSE IN THE DELAWARE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

WHEREAS, trust in democratic institutions is eroded when political discourse becomes hostile, personal, or unproductive; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware General Assembly, along with municipal and county governing bodies across this State, are forums where solutions are forged closest to the people, and elected officials bear responsibility to ensure that debate, both online and in-person, remains respectful, constructive, and focused on the common good; and

WHEREAS, civility is not weakness but strength, and demonstrating integrity, honesty, and respect in disagreement is essential to effective self-governance in the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, campaign rhetoric and national politics too often foster division, but Delaware legislators can set a different standard by modeling bipartisan cooperation and mutual respect in their official duties and public communications; and

WHEREAS, political violence and threats of violence are unacceptable and undermine public confidence in government and the safety of public servants, staff, and constituents; and

WHEREAS, public demand for civil, solutions-focused leadership is growing, and Delawareans increasingly expect their representatives to work together across political differences to address the needs of the State.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that members of the General Assembly commit to advancing civility in Delaware by:

1. Modeling respectful debate in chambers, committee meetings, and public forums, regardless of political disagreement.

2. Hosting and supporting bipartisan gatherings and dialogues to build personal trust and understanding across the aisle.

3. Encouraging civil engagement from constituents by promoting respectful communication at town halls, public meetings, and on online platforms.

4. Mentoring new legislators to embrace civility as a cornerstone of effective lawmaking and public service.

5. Speaking out against incivility in political discourse, including in campaigns, media, and legislative debate.

6. Partnering with colleagues across party lines to champion legislation, events, and initiatives that foster collaboration and unity in Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

that the members of the General Assembly

affirm civility as a public duty and pledge not only to lead by example but also to actively cultivate a political culture in this State where collaboration, respect, and productive discourse can thrive.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution affirms that members of the General Assembly are committed to civility in public discourse and that they will lead by example to actively cultivate a political culture in Delaware where collaboration, respect, and productive discourse can thrive.

Author: Senator Hoffner