Governor Carney Signs Legislation Extending Cybersecurity Protections for Delawareans

Legislation, sponsored by Representative Baumbach, requires additional notifications, free credit monitoring

NEWARK, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday signed into law House Substitute 1 for House Bill 180, legislation that requires additional protections for Delawareans whose personal information may be compromised in a computer breach, including additional notifications and free credit monitoring services.

Representative Paul Baumbach sponsored the legislation, which passed the General Assembly with broad bipartisan support. The new law requires businesses to safeguard information, and requires businesses to provide free credit monitoring services for customers whose sensitive personal information is compromised in a cybersecurity breach. With Governor Carney’s signature on Thursday, Delaware became just the second state to require businesses to provide those services, after Connecticut.

Governor Carney Signs Legislation Extending Cybersecurity Protections for Delawareans
House Substitute 1 for House Bill 180, sponsored by Representative Baumbach, requires additional protections for Delawareans whose personal information may be compromised in a computer breach, including additional notifications and free credit monitoring services.

 

“We live in a digital world where threats to personal information are becoming more common, and the cyber threat is one of the most serious economic challenges we face,” said Governor John Carney. “It makes sense to offer additional protections for Delawareans who may have their information compromised in a cybersecurity breach. At the same time, we will continue to connect businesses to training and resources that will help them safeguard and protect their data. I was also proud to sign this legislation on Thursday alongside Dr. Assanis at the University of Delaware, an institution that is helping lead innovation around cybersecurity. Thank you to Representative Baumbach for leading on this issue, and to all members of the General Assembly who voted to approve these new consumer protections.”

“We have worked with many stakeholders to perfect this cybersecurity legislation so that Delawareans will have proper consumer notifications and protections in place when there is a security breach of personal information. In our technological-driven world these data breaches have become too common and impact a wide variety of individuals. We had to find a way to address those concerns,” said Representative Baumbach, D-Newark. “This is a meaningful step forward in addressing these breaches so that we guarantee better protections for our residents and help them rebuild their lives after a cyber-attack. In particular, the bill focuses on notification requirements and additional help with identity theft mitigation services in cases where Social Security numbers are breached.”

House Bill 180 provides the first updates in Delaware law in more than a decade to address advances in cyber threats. The new law will require all companies doing business in Delaware to implement and maintain reasonable security to protect personal information. Delaware is one of 14 states to impose explicit data security obligations on the private sector.

Thursday’s signing ceremony was held at the University of Delaware, which offers a master’s program in cybersecurity to help drive innovation. UD’s Small Business Development Center also trains small businesses to identify cybersecurity threats and protect their business and customer data.

“The University of Delaware is committed to working with the state and our other partners to address the large and growing challenges of cybersecurity,” said Dr. Dennis Assanis, President of the University of Delaware. “UD is devoting unique resources to developing and advancing technologies and solutions for a safe and resilient cyberspace by contributing our expertise in computer science, corporate governance and public policy.”

“The Delaware Small Business Development Center is proud to be part of the Governor’s signing of House Bill 180,” said Daniel Eliot, the Manager of Technology Business Development at UD’s Small Business Development Center. “For the last two years, we have worked closely with the state and other stakeholders, focused on providing training and resources to help Delaware’s small businesses make a reasonable effort to secure their businesses. It’s a matter of fact: all businesses today are technology-based businesses and are vulnerable to cyber breach. We want to be sure Delaware’s businesses are technologically and behaviorally prepared to combat such attacks.”

“The increase in cyberattacks and data breaches creates an imperative for Delaware to protect citizen information commonly used by criminals to perpetrate identity theft and fraud,” said James Collins, Chief Information Officer at the Delaware Department of Technology and Information. “We all know that prevention is the best strategy and that is our main goal. We want to be proactive so that our citizens and business community can avoid these threats.”

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Governor Carney Signs Legislation Forming a Behavioral Health Consortium and Addiction Action Committee in Delaware

Georgetown, Del. – On Wednesday, at the site of the future SUN Behavioral Health Hospital, Governor John Carney signed into law Senate Bill 111 and House Bill 220 – bipartisan legislation aimed at curbing the addiction epidemic Delaware faces and improving resources for those struggling with mental illness. Senate Bill 111 creates the Behavioral Health Consortium; an advisory body comprised of community advocates, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and state leaders that will assess and outline an integrated plan for action to address prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. House Bill 220 creates the Addiction Action Committee and has the specific charge of making recommendations on a strategic approach to address and monitor the addiction crisis.

The two pieces of legislation were sponsored by Senator Bryan Townsend and Representative David Bentz and passed the General Assembly with unanimous support. Lt. Governor Hall-Long has been the leading force behind the two pieces of legislation and has been tapped by Governor Carney to Chair the Consortium and lead Delaware’s efforts on improving behavioral health services. The creation of the consortium and coordinated plan is a recommendation of Governor Carney’s Action Plan For Delaware.

“Every day I receive phone calls from families with loved ones who are struggling with addiction, mental illness, and sometimes both. They often don’t know where to turn.” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “With the creation of the Behavioral Health Consortium and the Addiction Action Committee we are going to reduce barriers, improve services, and ultimately save lives. We believe Delaware can one day be a national model for other states to follow.”

“Delaware families are affected every day by the disease of addiction,” said Governor Carney. “These new laws will help us develop short-term and long-term strategies to combat our addiction crisis, and more effectively coordinate treatment and prevention services. The Lieutenant Governor has the experience lead these efforts, and help us make a real difference in the lives of Delawareans and Delaware families across our state. Thank you to Lt. Governor Hall-Long, members of the General Assembly, and all those across Delaware who are working to reduce the toll of addiction, for their leadership on this important issue.”

“Mental health is one of the great public health challenges facing Delaware and our nation today,” said Sen. Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, prime sponsor of Senate Bill 111. “Each year, the public is reminded of the growing scale and gravity of the problem, often because they or someone they know is affected by conditions ranging from clinical depression to substance abuse disorder. About 29,000 Delawarean adults—a population nearly the size of Newark—suffer from a serious mental health problem. While our scientific understanding of mental health is still evolving, the public and private sectors alike need to be a part of the solution. The Behavioral Health Consortium will pay a critical role in a collective, collaborative approach to this challenge, and I’m glad to have played a part in its formation.”

“By expanding and formalizing the Addiction Action Committee, policymakers will be doing much more than monitoring and addressing prescription drug use. This new committee will be focused on attacking the disease of addiction head-on,” said Rep. David Bentz, chair of the House Health Committee.

“Under this committee, the best minds in the state will have the opportunity to join forces and share their knowledge in the hopes of formulating better strategies in the fight against addiction. Families in Delaware depend on our efforts and it is my hope we can help in any possible way.”

In 2016, Delaware had over 300 opioid deaths, which is a 35 percent increase from the previous year. This year, Delaware has experienced 133 overdose deaths. Many from the service provider community recognize the need for swift action.

“Addiction is a chronic disease and no person or demographic group is immune to its devastating impact.  We must take it as seriously as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease,” said Division of Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay.  “Public Health is pleased to join with the Lt. Governor in this effort as we work to develop and implement a broader strategy to combat addiction in the First State as the Prescription Drug Action Committee evolves into the Addiction Action Committee.”

Not only do families and communities face the addiction epidemic, but many across the State struggle with finding critical behavioral health services, specifically those in Kent and Sussex County. SUN Behavioral Health, the host of the bill signing, will be offering nearly 100 psychiatric beds.

“We are honored that the Governor and Lt. Governor chose the Sun Behavioral Health site to have todays bill signing” said Jonathan Silver, Vice President of the ONIX Group, the developer of the hospital. “Having them here shows that at the highest level, our leaders recognize the magnitude of the shortage of mental health services in the State. Governor Carney and Lt. Governor Hall-Long are rolling up their sleeves to help people in need. Having the Psychiatric Hospital, the very first in Sussex County, as a backdrop sends a powerful message about Delaware’s determination to combat addiction and mental health issues in all geographic regions of the State”.

The Consortium and Committee will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including provider, advocates, and critical governmental agencies to conduct the work. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services have already launched resources to help individuals struggling with addiction. Please visit the newly updated Help is Here website at www.HelpIsHereDE.com. Individuals who are suffering from addiction can also call DHSS’ 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to treatment options. In New Castle County, call 800-652-2929, or Kent and Sussex Counties, call 800-345-6785.

 

 

 

 


Governor Carney, State Agencies Mark Completion of Hearns Pond Dam Project

$4.2 million project repaired failing century-old structure

Seaford, Del. – Governor John Carney, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Representative Daniel Short, Seaford Mayor David Genshaw, and local officials were joined by local residents today to cut the ribbon marking the completion of the Hearns Pond Dam project.

“Maintaining and improving our infrastructure is critical for our residents and our economy,” said Governor John Carney. “The dam at Hearns Pond was ranked as the highest priority dam in the state in need of repairs and increased capacity. With every heavy rainfall, the local community held their breath in concern for the stability of this dam. Today, residents and businesses of the Seaford community can rest easier knowing this dam is the first in the state to undergo a total rehabilitation and is fully compliant with our new dam safety program.”

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) work together as state agencies to inspect, design, construct, and maintain Dams statewide.

In 2013, Hearns Pond Dam was identified as the highest priority dam in the state in need of repairs and increased capacity. Hearns Pond Dam is the first project completed under this partnership agreement between DNREC and DelDOT.

“We’re grateful to the DNREC team for their work with us to develop a comprehensive dam safety program,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan. “With the successful completion of this project, we will now move on to performing similar projects for the dam at Trussum Pond next year, and the dam at Records Pond, which is in the design stage.”

“As we stand here on the new Hearns Pond Dam, we mark the end of its history of failure and flooding and the beginning of its role in properly protecting the Seaford community during future storm events,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Now, we look forward to working in partnership with DelDOT to do the same for other communities.”

Hearns Pond Dam failed during a storm in August 2001 and was overtopped with Damage during a June 2006 storm. DNREC funded a study to evaluate the condition and potential hazards of the dam and develop alternatives to bring the dam into conformance with new Delaware Dam Safety Regulations. The rehabilitation consisted of replacing the spillway and the twin box culverts at the dam with a larger spillway and culvert to pass the flow of water, plus the embankments are armored with precast articulated concrete blocks. A new boat ramp was also reconstructed. The contractor for these improvements is KC Construction of Ivyland, PA.

“I am thankful for the much needed safety improvements at Hearns Pond Dam,” said State Senator Bryant Richardson. “And greatly appreciate the amount of coordination between our state agencies, and the patience of nearby residents during this project.”

It’s reconstruction has been years in the making and was direly needed,” said State Representative Danny Short, R-Seaford. “It was twice damaged by storms and topped DNREC’s list of impoundment structures in need of repair. The new dam will safeguard homes and businesses downstream, as well as the historic Hearns & Rawlins Mill that sits on the banks of the pond.”

Mayor of Seaford, David Genshaw said, “Hearns Pond along with the Mill is a great part of Seaford’s history. Like many, I remember the storm back in 2001 and again in 2006 that washed out the dam. Hearns Pond is enjoyed by many and it will be wonderful to celebrate the completion of the dam securing its future for many to enjoy.”

Upcoming Rehabilitation Projects:

  • Records Pond Dam, Laurel (Construction FY 19)
  • Burtons Pond, Long Neck (Construction FY 21/22)
  • Blairs Pond Dam, Milford
  • Silver Lake Dam, Milford
  • Millsboro Pond Dam, Millsboro
  • Reconstruct dams in order of priority (one every two years). 100% state funds; availability of funding.

Repair Projects:

  • Spillway improvements at Chipmans Pond Dam, Laurel; Concord Pond Dam and Craigs Pond Dam, both near Seaford; Construction started in July 2017
  • Spillway improvements at Mudmill Pond Dam near Marydel (Tentative Schedule 2018)
  • Spillway repairs at Garrisons Lake Dam near Cheswold (Tentative Schedule 2018 or 2019)


Governor Carney Signs Legislation Improving Training for Educators to Prevent Child Abuse

Senate Bill 102, supported by Beau Biden Foundation, develops training program for educators, school staff

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed into law Senate Bill 102, legislation supported by the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children that develops a coordinated training program for educators to detect and prevent child abuse.  The bill consolidates Delaware law to improve child sexual abuse training and detection, suicide prevention,Governor Carney Signs Legislation Improving Training for Educators to Prevent Child Abuse anti-bullying programs, criminal youth gang detection, and teen dating violence and sexual assault prevention.

Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry sponsored the bill, which passed the General Assembly with unanimous, bipartisan support. It applies to all public schools, including charter schools, and vocational school districts.

“Beau Biden had a deep and unyielding commitment to protecting children from abuse, and I am honored to continue supporting his mission by signing this legislation into law,” said Governor Carney. “I cannot think of any job more important than protecting children. Educators who work every day with Delaware students are in a unique position to help detect warning signs, and act to prevent abuse. This law will help them do that by developing a program to coordinate training, and allowing schools the flexibility to tailor training to the needs of their students. Thank you to Senator Henry, and everyone who made this law a reality, including everyone at the Beau Biden Foundation.”

“Our schools are places of learning, but they also provide vital services to our kids,” said Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry, D-Wilmington East. “It’s on all of us to recognize and intervene in bullying, youth violence, child abuse, and teen depression, but it’s clear that our schools are a critical part of that fight. Senate Bill 102 builds on the great work of groups like the Beau Biden Foundation by ensuring that public and charter school employees across Delaware are capable of recognizing signs of non-academic problems in a student’s life and intervening appropriately. At a minimum, these trainings will help improve our kids’ quality of life—and they could even save a life. I’m proud to have sponsored this legislation and I thank my colleagues and Governor Carney for their support.”

The Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children, which advocated for the legislation, continues Beau’s lifelong commitment to protecting children from the threat of abuse and neglect. In 2011, Beau and his partners at the Delaware Department of Justice, Prevent Child Abuse Delaware and the Delaware YMCA pledged to train 5% of Delaware’s population in the only evidence informed child sexual abuse prevention program in the country – Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children. The Beau Biden Foundation continues to deliver the program, and to date, over 27,000 Delawareans have taken the training.

“We’re thrilled to see Senate Bill 102 signed in to law,” said Patty Dailey Lewis, Executive Director of the Beau Biden Foundation. “Delaware leads the nation in child sexual abuse prevention training. In the next few years, we will reach our goal of educating 5% of our population on ways to recognize the signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse, react responsibly when a child divulges they’ve been abused, and work to minimize opportunities for predators to harm children. Teachers and school staff are on the front lines of child protection – we stand ready to lead the way and assist them in fulfilling their training requirement.”

“By streamlining the non-academic trainings required by school district and charter school staff, Delaware is providing our state educators with additional flexibility and support,” said Dr. Susan Bunting, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education. “Schools are now able to reduce the burden of having multiple, different trainings and can also mix and match their training to meet specific professional development needs. This is a win for all educators in the state.”

“As we strive to bring greater awareness to issues such as child abuse and neglect, bullying, teen dating violence, youth gangs and suicide prevention, we recognize that our community partners are on the frontline, helping us protect Delaware’s children every day,” said Josette Manning, Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.  “Delaware has thousands of enthusiastic and dedicated educators, school nurses, and counselors, all of whom have frequent contact with our children and play key roles in keeping them safe.  Senate Bill 102 will provide one more tool to help them be the voice for our children. Working together, we can provide a brighter future for Delaware’s children.”

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Scientist behind Incyte’s Jakafi Ready to Strike Big in Delaware Again

New Castle, Del. – A founding scientist and previous vice president of the pharmaceutical company Incyte is growing his next venture in Delaware.

Dr. Kris Vaddi started Prelude Therapeutics in July 2016 with the vision of creating a leading cancer drug discovery-based biotech company. Prelude currently has about a dozen people working for it at the University of Delaware Star Campus. With assistance from the Delaware Division of Small Business, Development & Tourism, the company plans to grow to around 30 staff and move to a new, larger location in Delaware.

“Prelude is a strong investment for the state, because Dr. Vaddi has a proven track record of growing a biotech company here in Delaware,” said Cerron Cade, Director of the Division of Small Business, Development & Tourism. “In the biotech industry there is pressure to take startups to a place like Massachusetts. So, keeping the company and its significant potential in Delaware is a sign the state is a player in this space.”

The state Council on Development Finance (CDF) voted Monday to recommend a performance-based grant package for Prelude.

Dr. Vaddi said the grant is incredibly meaningful at this stage in his company’s evolution.

“It demonstrates to people who are here and may join the company that the state is supportive,” Dr. Vaddi said. “And there’s more than just financial resources here. There is an economic and research ecosystem that we want to be a part of. It’s a close-knit community, where people take pride in the success of the companies that are founded here.”

Incyte, which was the creation of former DuPont workers, certainly succeeded in Delaware. The company began with a handful of people. Now it has hundreds of well-paid employees and a new, large headquarters in Wilmington.

Armed with the experience of bringing novel drugs to market, Prelude is looking at some of the unfolding mechanisms of cancer to develop next generation medicines. Dr. Vaddi believes that a talented scientific team coupled with energy of a startup environment and the flexibility to move with the science will enable Prelude compete with Big Pharma.

“There’s certainly the pressure of expectations, but we are driven by science and the possibility of making a difference in cancer care,” said Dr. Vaddi. “If you do good science with clear goals, the rest will happen. I truly hope we can create the next successful biotech company for Delaware.”

CDF also Monday recommended performance-based grants for Sallie Mae and General Refrigeration and a bond refinancing for The Independence School.

 

Media Contact:
Michael Chesney
Director of Communications
Division of Small Business, Development & Tourism
Michael.Chesney@delaware.gov
(302) 672-6827 (office)
(302) 943-9508 (cell)