Senator Stephanie Hansen, chair of the Senate Environment, Energy and Transportation Committee, on behalf of the committee, heard testimony in March 2025 on Senate Bill 49, sponsored by Senator Bridal Pettyjohn, which would authorize FCC‑licensed radio and television personnel to travel to maintain broadcast facilities during state declarations of emergency.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Bridal Pettyjohn, told the committee the measure responds to requests from Delaware broadcasters who need to reach transmitters and maintain equipment during emergencies so the public receives timely information. "Our broadcasters... provide very important information to Delawareans during times of emergency," Pettyjohn said during the hearing.

Walter Palmer, director of broadcast operations for Data Tech Digital LLC, which manages WGMD and WUSX, testified the current rule that restricts travel during certain emergency levels prevents technicians and engineers from reaching transmitters when Internet and phone systems fail. Palmer, who also identified himself as an amateur radio operator and chair of the Delaware Emergency Communications Committee, said some studios use Internet links to relay audio to transmitters and that when those links fail, staff must reach towers in person. "We need to be able to get our people to where they need to be to get this information out," Palmer said.

Palmer told the committee that WGMD has a 400‑foot tower on a generator and can continue broadcasting from Southern Delaware, while other facilities that rely on Internet links cannot. He also noted that National Weather Service forecast zones cross the Delaware–Maryland line, producing different weather guidance for the same locations; that makes reliable local broadcasting especially important for mariners and residents in affected coastal and bay areas.

Committee members asked about details the bill would leave to rulemaking. Senator Trey Paradee asked whether identification requirements for authorized personnel would be addressed under the promulgation of rules; Senator Pettyjohn said identification would be handled through the promulgation process and that the bill is tailored to FCC‑licensed stations. Pettyjohn said the proposal is not intended to cover every individual with a microphone, but specifically "FCC licensed radio and television stations."

A member of the public who signed up to comment during the meeting — identified in committee sign‑in as Joe Wall — supported the bill, saying that when internet service fails, broadcast alerts are important for receiving weather and emergency warnings in towns such as Smyrna, Clayton and Townsend.

The committee did not take a final vote on SB 49 during the hearing. Committee staff asked members who wished to be added to the bill to notify staff, and the committee proceeded to the next agenda item. No committee action or adoption of language was recorded in the transcript.

The bill, as presented to the committee, addresses access for broadcast personnel during declared statewide emergencies and leaves implementation details, including identification and specific rulemaking, to administrative promulgation.