Governor also signs bill to create new William Penn special license plate

NEW CASTLE - On July 30, 2025, Governor Matt Meyer signed two bills into law that advance student safety in athletics and support educational opportunities at William Penn High School.

“Our students deserve to learn, play, and grow in safe and supportive environments,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “With these bills, we’re taking concrete steps to protect student-athletes and uplift school communities like William Penn. Investing in safety and education is how we build a stronger, more resilient Delaware.”

House Bill 71, sponsored by House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris and Sen. Nicole Poore, enhances emergency preparedness in school athletic programs by requiring all coaches to be trained in CPR, first aid, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill also mandates that every school with an athletic program have a clear Emergency Action Plan for cardiac events, ensures AEDs are easily accessible at all athletic events, and requires regular maintenance and registration of the devices with state emergency services.

“As a mother of a student-athlete, I know the pride and joy of watching our kids give their all on the field, and I also know the quiet worries we carry in the stands,” said House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris. “Like many other parents, I am my child’s biggest supporter both on and off the field, so for me, this is more than just a bill. It’s about ensuring our kids’ coaches have the necessary tools, training, and emergency plans to act quickly if the unthinkable happens. For us parents, it’s about peace of mind and doing everything we can to make sure our young athletes come home safe after every game and practice.”

Governor Meyer also signed Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Sen. Nicole Poore, House Speaker Melissa Minor Brown, and Rep. Kamela Smith, which authorizes the creation of a special license plate for William Penn High School. Proceeds from those plate sales will support scholarships and community events sponsored by the school. This initiative offers Delawareans a new way to show school pride while directly investing in students and the local community.

“SB 99 is more than a license plate bill—it’s a symbol. A symbol of connection, pride, and enduring commitment to the William Penn High School community,” said Sen. Nicole Poore, prime sponsor of SB 99. “Thanks to the help of my colleagues Rep. Minor Brown and Rep. Cooke, this legislation authorizes the creation of a special license plate that celebrates the school’s legacy while supporting its future. Proceeds from plate sales will fund scholarships, community events, and initiatives like clothing and toy drives. They’ll also support the revival of the William Penn Hall of Fame—recognizing alumni, staff, local businesses, and community members who’ve made a lasting impact on students across all grade levels. Special thanks to Gary Phillips and his son Gabe for being such a driving force on this project.”

“Any time we can invest in our students’ futures, it’s a win for the entire community,” said Rep. Kam Smith. “This special license plate will do just that – providing new opportunities for our students while showing pride for our school.”

For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor Meyer, please email [email protected].