The Senate Judiciary Committee took up Senate Bill 232, which would create a Class F felony for intentionally damaging an authorized emergency vehicle, with the Chair stating the bill would be circulated to be signed out of committee, though no formal vote was recorded. The bill faced opposition from the Office of Defense Services and skepticism from Senator Pinkney, who stated he would most likely not support the bill.
Senator Pinkney argued 'I struggle with the idea of enhancing penalties for things that I think currently exist in law' and asked whether the conduct could already be covered under current criminal mischief charges. Senator Wilson responded that the conduct is currently only covered as a misdemeanor and not as a felony charge. Senator Pinkney stated he would 'most likely not be supporting this.'
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“It could be if they were going to a fire or it could be a burning dwelling. And here something's being interfered with. That could be a difference of life and death for someone if they were trapped in a house, a dwelling.”
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Sign in to subscribeBefore we begin, I want to go over some ground rules to ensure a smooth process that will allow as many people to speak when we get to public comment. For those that desire to public comment will be limited to two minutes. If you have written comment, it can be sent to Ikeisha Stuckey through email electronically. To the email senatejudiciarydelaware.gov if you have any technical difficulties, you can contact Ms. Stuck, Kentucky at 302-744-4199. At this time, we'll begin the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting with our roll call or attendance. Senator Brown Present. Senator Townsend Present. Senator Cruz Senator Hoffner Present. Senator Pinkney Present. Senator Petty John Senator Richardson, thank you very much. Ask that you would entertain the and review the approval of minutes from Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Is there a motion to accept the minutes? The minutes have been moved and seconded. All those in favor signed by saying Aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. Thank you very much. We'll now move to agenda item number two, which is Senate Bill 232 sponsored by Senator Wilson. Senator Wilson, thank you for being here, Sir. Thank you Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. Senate Bill 232…
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