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Division director warns of heavy drafting workload; council adopts 2027 calendar
Summary
Director Mark Catrona said the Division of Legislative Services is handling a record drafting workload — "as of now, we have 480 drafting projects open" — and staff reported 93 bills introduced in the last 14 days; the council also adopted the 2027 legislative calendar by roll call (9 yes, 1 absent).
Director Mark Catrona told the Legislative Council that the Division of Legislative Services is managing an elevated workload ahead of the session, and staff are preparing a new database for tracking reports to the General Assembly.
"As of now, we have 480 drafting projects open," Catrona said, noting that the work varies widely in complexity and that the division has been triaging requests. He added that in the last 14 days the General Assembly has "already introduced 93 pieces of legislation," reflecting a busy drafting period.
Catrona also previewed plans for the General Assembly's 250th ceremonial session on Sept. 24 at the Old Courthouse Museum in New Castle and noted ongoing design work for the Legislative Hall expansion.
Council members then considered the proposed 2027 legislative calendar presented by staff. The schedule would mirror the current year's cadence, starting in January with three full weeks of session, joint finance hearings late in the January cycle, planned breaks in spring, bond bill hearings in May, and a heavier session block in June. Members also noted Juneteenth observance for calendar planning.
A motion to adopt the calendar as presented passed by roll call (9 yes, 1 absent). The calendar information will be distributed to members and staff for planning.
Catrona thanked staff for support during the division's 60th anniversary events and listed multiple staff contributions to the celebration and ongoing operations.
