Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Delaware House Bill HCR21

Introduced
3/25/25  

Caption

Recognizing March 25, 2025, As Women And Girls In Stem Day In The State Of Delaware.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 21 is a ceremonial resolution that designates March 25, 2025, as Women and Girls in STEM Day in Delaware. The resolution states that STEM fields are a major driver of economic activity, that Delaware has strong demand for STEM workers, and that women and girls remain underrepresented in those fields, especially in engineering and architecture. It also highlights the importance of mentorship, role models, and outreach to encourage more girls and women to pursue STEM education and careers. The resolution does not create or amend any state statutes, impose regulatory requirements, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is limited to an official state recognition and observance, intended to promote awareness of women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to encourage educational and workforce participation in those areas. It also serves to recognize organizations and individuals involved in STEM mentorship and advocacy in Delaware. The general sentiment around the bill appears strongly supportive and celebratory. The sponsor list includes bipartisan and bicameral support, and the Senate third reading vote was unanimous among those voting, indicating broad agreement with the resolution’s goals. The bill’s tone is affirmative and promotional, emphasizing inclusion, workforce development, and economic competitiveness. There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record. Because the measure is a concurrent resolution rather than a statutory change, it appears to have been noncontroversial. Any underlying policy concerns are implicit rather than debated in the record, such as the persistent gender pay gap, underrepresentation of women in STEM, and the need for mentorship and access to role models, but no opposing arguments or amendments are shown. Overall, HCR 21 is a symbolic recognition measure aimed at elevating awareness of women and girls in STEM and encouraging participation in STEM education, literacy, and careers in Delaware.

Impact

HCR 21 has no direct effect on Delaware statutes, agency authority, or private legal obligations. Its impact is primarily symbolic and promotional: it establishes an official state observance for March 25, 2025, and uses that designation to encourage STEM education, mentorship, and workforce participation among women and girls. The resolution may support public awareness efforts and partner activities, but it does not mandate programs or funding.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the resolution is broadly positive and bipartisan. The sponsorship reflects support from both chambers, and the available vote record shows no recorded opposition in the Senate third reading. The resolution’s language is celebratory and aspirational, focusing on inclusion, mentorship, and Delaware’s economic competitiveness.

Contention

No notable contention appears in the available record. The measure is a nonbinding concurrent resolution, and there were no committee transcripts or recorded debate indicating disagreement. The only potentially sensitive issues referenced in the text are the gender gap in STEM, pay disparities, and underrepresentation of women and minority women, but these are presented as reasons for support rather than points of dispute.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

DE SCR157

Recognizing March 25, 2026, As Women And Girls In Stem Day In The State Of Delaware.

DE SCR70

Recognizing May 13, 2025, As Delaware Local Government Day In The State Of Delaware.

DE HCR91

Recognizing February 5, 2026, As National Girls & Women In Sports Day In The State Of Delaware.

DE HCR15

Designating March 8th, 2025 As International Womens Day In Delaware.

DE HCR7

Recognizing February 5, 2025 As National Girls & Women In Sports Day In The State Of Delaware.

DE HCR25

Designating March 25, 2025 As "equal Pay Day" In The State Of Delaware.

DE SCR92

Recognizing July 10, 2025, As Black Womens Equal Pay Day In The State Of Delaware.

DE SCR158

Recognizing March 25, 2026, As Greek Independence Day In The State Of Delaware.

DE SCR39

Recognizing The Month Of March 2025 As Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month In The State Of Delaware.

DE HCR103

Recognizing March 2026 As Social Work Month In The State Of Delaware.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.