SB96 Summary

• Removes voting rights for residents who are not property owners or leaseholders in special annexation elections for the City of Lewes, making only property owners and leaseholders eligible to vote.

• Adds "leaseholder" as a defined term for voter eligibility purposes in annexation elections, with the same meaning as provided in Section 1(b) of the City Charter.

• Creates new Section 40 to allow the City to defend City officers and employees in civil, criminal, quasi-judicial, and administrative proceedings arising from their official duties, with exceptions for claims alleging official misconduct, bribery, or misuse of office.

• Authorizes the City to indemnify officers and employees for damages, settlements, and legal fees from civil claims if the Mayor and City Council determine by majority vote that the actions were done in good faith, within scope of authority, and not willful or malicious.

• Allows the City Council to authorize payment of legal fees for criminal representation of City officers and employees, except where the officer or employee has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a crime involving breach of public trust.