**Bill Number:** [To be assigned] **Sponsored by:** [Legislator's Name] **Introduced in:** [House/Senate] --- **Section 1. Title** This Act shall be known as the "Delaware Legislative Refresher Education Act." --- **Section 2. Purpose** The purpose of this Act is to ensure that all elected legislators in the State of Delaware have a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the Delaware Constitution. This knowledge is fundamental to their roles in creating, interpreting, and enforcing laws that govern the citizens of Delaware. --- **Section 3. Definitions** For the purposes of this Act: 1. **Legislator**: Any individual elected to serve in the Delaware General Assembly. 2. **Refresher Class**: An educational course focusing on the key principles, amendments, and contemporary interpretations of both the U.S. Constitution and the Delaware Constitution. --- **Section 4. Mandatory Attendance** (a) **Requirement**: All elected legislators in the State of Delaware are required to attend a mandatory refresher class on the U.S. Constitution and the Delaware Constitution within six months of taking office. (b) **Frequency**: This refresher class must be taken: - Once within the first six months of the legislator’s initial term. - Once every subsequent two years thereafter, within the first six months of the commencement of each new legislative session. --- **Section 5. Curriculum** (a) **Content**: The curriculum of the refresher class shall include, but is not limited to: - The historical context, structure, and key amendments of the U.S. Constitution. - The historical context, structure, and key provisions of the Delaware Constitution. - Recent judicial interpretations and significant case law related to both constitutions. - Practical implications of constitutional provisions on legislative duties and responsibilities. (b) **Development and Approval**: The curriculum shall be developed and regularly updated by a committee consisting of: - Constitutional law scholars from accredited Delaware universities. - Representatives from the Delaware Bar Association. - Experienced legislators from both houses of the General Assembly. - Officials from the Delaware Department of Education. (c) **Delivery**: The refresher class shall be delivered by qualified instructors approved by the committee. The class may be conducted in-person, online, or through a hybrid format to accommodate various schedules. --- **Section 6. Compliance and Certification** (a) **Proof of Attendance**: Legislators must provide a certificate of completion to the Office of Legislative Services upon finishing the refresher class. (b) **Non-Compliance**: Any legislator who fails to comply with the mandatory attendance requirement will be subject to: - A written warning for the first offense. - A public reprimand for the second offense. - Referral to the Delaware House of Representatives or Senate Ethics Committee for further disciplinary action for any subsequent offenses. --- **Section 7. Funding** (a) **Appropriation**: Funds necessary for the implementation and administration of this Act shall be appropriated from the General Fund. (b) **Budget**: The budget for the refresher class program shall be included in the annual budget submitted by the Delaware Department of Education. --- **Section 8. Implementation and Review** (a) **Effective Date**: This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2025. (b) **Review and Report**: The committee responsible for the curriculum shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly detailing the participation rates, curriculum updates, and any recommendations for improvements to the program. --- **Section 9. Severability** If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Act are severable. --- **Section 10. Repeal of Conflicting Laws** All laws or parts of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict. --- **Section 11. Enactment** This Act shall be enacted upon its passage and approval by the Governor. --- **Signature** ______________________________ [Legislator's Name] [Title] [Date] --- **Co-Sponsors** [List of Co-Sponsors] --- This bill is designed to ensure that all elected legislators in Delaware maintain a thorough and current understanding of constitutional principles, thereby enhancing the quality and constitutionality of legislative processes and decisions.