House passes $1.25 billion FY2027 bond and capital improvements bill

The Delaware House passed House Bill 500, the FY2027 bond and capital improvements act, authorizing approximately $1.25 billion in capital investments statewide for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Representative Heffernan, co‑chair of the bond committee and lead sponsor, summarized the bill's high‑level allocations: roughly $294.1 million for K‑12 education projects; $273.3 million for statewide transportation initiatives; $259.1 million for facility needs; $168.7 million for economic development; $68.1 million for natural‑resource investments; $55.0 million for higher‑education facilities; and about $47.0 million for community supports including affordable housing programs. A debt‑limit statement certified by the Secretary of Finance accompanied the bill on the floor.

Members engaged in targeted questions and comments. Representative Smith asked for, and said he had not received, certain port development documentation; he urged stricter follow‑up on development contracts tied to large appropriations. Representative Cook and Representative Gray publicly thanked bond‑committee members and staff for work on project selection. Representative Halofsky and others urged attention to long‑term project outcomes and fiscal restraint on certain allocations.

After debate the House recorded a roll‑call vote. The clerk announced the result as 39 yes, 1 no and 1 absent, and HB 500 passed with the required three‑fourths vote. The bond bill will proceed as required for enactment; floor speakers emphasized the bill’s job‑creation and infrastructure aims across the state.

Lawmakers asked that executive branch agencies provide follow‑up details and development contracts for large projects, particularly where future appropriations depend on prior commitments. Sponsors said oversight language and reporting were part of the bill’s implementation plan.