The Delaware Senate is now set to get legislation that could quell the fierce dispute over the powers of the Sheriff’s office in Sussex County.
The measure would clearly establish that the state’s Sheriffs do not have the authority to investigate crime or make arrests.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that the House version of the bill easily got out of the Senate Executive Committee and should be heard on the Senate floor sometime next week.
Sussex County Sheriff Jeff Christopher claims that he has those powers under the state Constitution.
A lawsuit has been filed against the Sussex County Council and its members who have ordered Christopher to stop from investigating crimes or making arrests.
The battle in Sussex County has drawn support from conservative groups in and outside Delaware.
The suit is being funded by the Iowa-based non-profit called the Legacy Foundation.
