In a recent Senate Legislative Session, Delaware lawmakers focused on significant technical corrections to the state constitution, aiming to modernize its language and structure. The proposed changes, which include making the constitution gender-neutral and correcting various typographical errors, are seen as essential steps toward ensuring clarity and accuracy in the state's foundational document.

One of the key highlights of the session was the discussion around the removal of outdated language, such as the hyphen in titles like "Lieutenant Governor" and "Attorney General." These adjustments are part of a broader effort to streamline the constitution, which has not seen comprehensive updates since its adoption in 1897. The bill, which spans over 38,000 words, also addresses inconsistencies in formatting and terminology, such as the use of the Oxford comma, which has sparked light-hearted debate among senators.

Senator Richardson raised concerns about the implications of certain constitutional provisions, particularly regarding the composition of the Senate and the voting age. He questioned why the constitution stipulates an equal number of senators from each county when population-based districts are now the norm, a point clarified by legislative staff who noted that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the 1960s rendered such provisions unconstitutional. This highlights the ongoing tension between historical constitutional mandates and contemporary legal standards.

The session also touched on the need for future legislative efforts to address more substantive changes, such as lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, which has been deemed unconstitutional. Lawmakers expressed a commitment to revisit these issues after addressing the technical corrections, indicating a proactive approach to ensuring the constitution reflects current societal values and legal standards.

As Delaware moves forward with these technical updates, the discussions underscore the importance of maintaining an accurate and relevant constitution that serves the needs of its residents. The Senate's commitment to revising outdated language and addressing inconsistencies is a crucial step in fostering a more inclusive and modern governance framework.