Committee releases bill to pay DelDOT supervisors time-and-a-half for emergency responses

Representative Carson presented House Substitute 1 for HB 383, saying the bill would allow supervisors who respond to emergencies to be paid at time-and-a-half rather than straight time, closing a gap where supervisors sometimes earn less than employees they lead.

The proposal applies only to a small set of positions, Carson said, and DelDOT advised the committee there is no general-fund fiscal note because the agency expects to pay the cost from the Transportation Trust Fund. "This bill will allow supervisors that come out on emergencies to be paid a time and a half rate," Carson said.

Representative Spiegelman questioned the fiscal estimate, noting the fiscal note lists 31 positions as potentially eligible and asking whether that reflected a realistic or worst‑case cost. Carson and committee discussion clarified that while the fiscal note lists up to 31 positions, DelDOT and union representatives said far fewer supervisors typically respond in any single event—closer to a dozen in practical terms.

Michael Begato, executive director of AFSCME Council 81, testified in support during the public-comment period, saying supervisors hesitate to accept promotions if they lose overtime eligibility. "They don't wanna take the position because they're gonna lose money because they're not eligible for overtime," Begato said, urging the committee to relieve that disincentive.

After questions and no virtual public comment, Representative Spiegelman moved to release the bill and Representative Ozinski seconded. Roll-call votes recorded Chair Harris, Vice Chair Ozinski, Speaker Minor Brown, Representative Dukes and Representative Spiegelman voting yes; the motion carried and HB 383 was released from committee. The bill will be posted on the legislative website and may be reported out on the House floor if it receives sufficient signatures.

Next steps: HB 383 was released from committee for further legislative consideration.