AN ACT TO AMEND THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CREATION OF A DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Sponsored By: William J. Carson (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
More help from Veterans Trust Fund
The Department runs the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund. Veterans with at least a general discharge under honorable conditions can apply for grants. Money from the non‑administrative part of the $20 one‑time veteran plate fee goes into the Fund; the fee does not increase. You can also donate any amount to the Fund on your Delaware income tax return.
New Delaware Veterans Affairs Department
The law creates a cabinet‑level Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs. The Governor appoints a veteran as Secretary, who runs the Department and can hire staff and set rules. Beginning 180 days after enactment, all Commission employees become Department employees with the same pay, seniority, and benefits. On that date, the Department also takes over the Commission’s contracts, assets, and debts.
Easier claims, records, and cemetery care
The Department can accredit local claims helpers in each county to assist with benefit claims. The Department keeps all military discharge papers in a single state repository, and county recorders stop recording them. The Department runs the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemeteries and files a yearly report. Memorials and plaques cannot be moved without approval from the Capital Improvement Committee Co‑chairs.
Veterans get hiring edge at Department
For supervisor jobs at the Department, you must be a veteran. For other jobs, the Department must try to hire veterans first and can hire a non‑veteran only if no qualified veteran is available. A veteran includes Guard and reserve members with a discharge other than dishonorable.
New design rules for Combat Infantry plates
If you hold the Combat Infantry Badge, the Department and the Office of Veterans Services set your plate colors and design. The DMV can reject any design that creates a public safety or enforcement problem.
Veterans Commission stays with new rules
The 15‑member Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs remains in place. Ten seats go to statewide veterans groups and five are at‑large; all commissioners must be veterans and Delaware residents. Groups must send at least three nominees on set timelines, and their reps must stay members in good standing. The Commission hires a veteran Executive Director, and the Department provides staff support. The Commission submits a budget through the Department for a line item request to the General Assembly.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
William J. Carson
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Eric Buckson
Republican • Senate
Frank Burns
Democratic • House
William Bush
Democratic • House
Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Richard G. Collins
Republican • House
Daniel B. Short
Republican • House
Timothy D. Dukes
Republican • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Ronald E. Gray
Republican • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Jeff Hilovsky
Republican • House
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Larry Lambert
Democratic • House
Dave G. Lawson
Republican • Senate
Spiros Mantzavinos
Democratic • Senate
Michael F. Smith
Republican • House
Stell Parker Selby
Democratic • House
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Sophie Phillips
Democratic • House
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Charles S Postles Jr.
Republican • House
Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House
Melanie Ross Levin
Democratic • House
Bryan W. Shupe
Republican • House
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
Jesse R. Vanderwende
Republican • House
David L. Wilson
Republican • Senate
Madinah Wilson-Anton
Democratic • House
Lyndon D. Yearick
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
HS 1 for HB 1 - Signed by Governor
8/13/2025GovernorHS 1 for HB 1 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
6/26/2025SenateHS 1 for HB 1 - Reported Out of Committee (Veterans Affairs) in Senate with 9 Favorable
6/10/2025SenateHS 1 for HB 1 - Re-Assigned to Veterans Affairs Committee in Senate
5/21/2025SenateHS 1 for HB 1 - Assigned to Executive Committee in Senate
5/20/2025SenateHS 1 for HB 1 - Passed By House. Votes: 38 YES 3 ABSENT
5/20/2025HouseHS 1 for HB 1 - - Passed In House by Voice Vote
5/20/2025HouseSubstituted in House by HS 1 for HB 1
5/6/2025HouseSubstituted in House by HS 1 for HB 1
4/10/2025HouseAssigned to Appropriations Committee in House
1/28/2025HouseReported Out of Committee (Veterans Affairs) in House with 18 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits
1/28/2025HouseAmendment HA 1 to HB 1 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
1/16/2025HouseIntroduced and Assigned to Veterans Affairs Committee in House
12/19/2024House
Bill Text
Current
12/19/2024
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