House passes bill requiring Public Service Commission to livestream meetings

The Delaware House on March 26 passed House Bill 308, a transparency measure that requires the Delaware Public Service Commission to livestream its meetings and allow for virtual public comment.

Representative Barry, the bill’s sponsor, told colleagues the measure “simply codifies” practices that many commissions already use and ensures consistent access for Delawareans who cannot travel to Dover during work hours. She framed the proposal as a step to keep “government accessible, visible, and responsible.”

Members pressed the sponsor on operational details during floor debate. Representative Spiegelman sought clarification about what counts as a legitimate technological failure; Representative Barry said a “good faith effort” could include simple diagnostics such as restarting a feed and, if needed, calling technical support. Representative Burns suggested exploring advertising during streams to raise revenue; Barry said she had not seen that model used elsewhere but did not rule out future study.

Representative Gray and others asked about which utilities fall under the commission’s authority; Barry said the commission oversees utilities such as electric, gas and water and noted the commission’s executive director was available to answer further questions.

The House adopted House Amendment 1 on the floor; debate focused on exemption language for technical difficulties and how to define “good faith” restoration efforts. After debate and a roll-call vote, the House recorded the bill’s passage by a constitutional majority.

The bill’s sponsor and supporters said the change preserves the commission’s existing authorities and aims only to guarantee public access to proceedings and virtual participation in public comment. The measure now moves to the next steps required for enactment.