It was a largely successful night for Attorney General Beau Biden.
Three bills he supports sailed through the General Assembly with little controversy, but a bill addressing the issue of gun possession by those with mental health issues remains stalled.
One Biden-backed measure increases mandatory minimum sentences for convicted felons who are later convicted of possessing a gun.
Another would amend the state constitution to allow state judges to withhold bail in certain circumstances that don’t involve capital murder charges.
Finally, criminals convicted of using a firearm while committing a felony three times would be issued automatic life sentences.
However, lawmakers failed to revisit another bill that aimed to expand efforts to keep guns out of the hands of those found to be mentally ill and dangerous. The Senate soundly defeated that proposal a few days before.
The bill can be taken up again when the legislature reconvenes in January – and Biden says he is not giving up on the measure.
And the House unanimously approved legislation further regulating abortion clinics. State and federal regulators recently cited a Wilmington Planned Parenthood clinic for unsanitary conditions and a poor work environment.
The bill - as approved by the Senate now just needs Gov. Markell's signature.