House committee advances bill to designate June 11 as Puerto Rico Day

Representative John Ortega introduced House Bill 290 to the House committee, saying the measure would amend Title 1 of the Delaware Code to designate June 11 as Puerto Rico Day and encourage commemorations across the state. "This act proposes to amend Title 1 of the Delaware Code by designating June 11 as Puerto Rico Day," Ortega said, describing the change as ceremonial and without a fiscal note.

Ortega told the committee that Delaware is home to an estimated 2.5% of Puerto Rican residents — "over 30,000 individuals" — and said the day would honor the community's cultural contributions. Representative Spiegelman asked why June 11 was chosen; Ortega replied it commemorates the date the Puerto Rican flag was adopted (06/11/1895).

There was no in-person public comment on HB 290; virtual participation included a committee member who said they had signed on to sponsor the measure to "celebrate our heritage." After the presentation and brief public remarks, a motion to release the bill was made by Speaker Minor Brown and seconded by Representative Dukes. The committee conducted a roll-call vote: Chair Harris yes; Vice Chair Oczynski yes; Speaker Minor Brown yes; Dukes yes; Representative Spiegelman yes. The clerk announced the motion carried.

Because the sponsor and staff described HB 290 as ceremonial with no fiscal note, the measure would not create a state holiday or paid day off, but would authorize communities, schools and local organizations to mark June 11 with appropriate events. The committee will offer the bill for signatures and, if it receives enough signatures for release, it will be posted on the legislative website and announced on the House floor.