DelawareHB 160153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATED TO DELAWARE NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATION BENEFITS.

Sponsored By: Daniel B. Short (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Guard members face tuition benefit requirements

Beginning July 1, 2026, members must submit a completed application before each course starts, plus their latest college transcript when applicable. Program rules also require enrollment documents before classes start. Members must commit to at least six years of satisfactory Delaware Guard service, counting service before, during, or after benefits. A cumulative grade average below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, blocks further benefits until restored. Failure to meet the service commitment, termination for cause, or other program noncompliance ends eligibility and requires prorated repayment of benefits plus interest, as set by the Adjutant General. Termination for reasons other than cause does not require repayment of benefits already received. Regardless of the reason, benefits not paid before Guard membership ends cannot be paid afterward.

Delaware Guard tuition help has limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible active Delaware National Guard members can get tuition help for full-time or part-time study in Delaware. State-supported schools must treat members as in-state students for admission and tuition, and payments cannot exceed the in-state rate. Private Delaware school payments are capped at average in-state tuition and fees at state-supported schools offering the same course. Members must first use all other reasonably available tuition aid; covered courses must be required for a certificate or degree. Benefits cover one program each at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels, within 15 years of the first funded course; active duty or activation extends that period.

Guard master’s tuition benefits face cuts first

Beginning July 1, 2026, master’s degree benefits take the first cuts when Guard education requests exceed available state funding. The Guard must reduce those benefits before reducing help for certificate, associate, or bachelor’s programs. The law does not set the size of these cuts.

Guard tuition payments go straight to schools

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Delaware National Guard pays schools directly instead of reimbursing members. Approved tuition and fee payments must reach schools within 60 days after the Guard receives the member’s bill. Payments require the Adjutant General’s approval and available state budget funds. The Guard runs the program, with an appointed board setting rules, forms, and enrollment procedures for implementation by July 1, 2026. Annual reports to lawmakers must show participants by school and fiscal year, tuition and fee spending, repayments owed, and repayments collected.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Daniel B. Short
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Eric Buckson
Republican • Senate
William J. Carson
Democratic • House
Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Richard G. Collins
Republican • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Kerri Evelyn Harris
Democratic • House
Jeff Hilovsky
Republican • House
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House
Dave G. Lawson
Republican • Senate
Spiros Mantzavinos
Democratic • Senate
DeShanna U Neal
Democratic • House
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House
Sherae'a Moore
Democratic • House
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
David L. Wilson
Republican • Senate
Lyndon D. Yearick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 61 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/30/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 6/17/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
7/23/2025Governor
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
6/30/2025Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 6 On Its Merits
6/25/2025Senate
Assigned to Education Committee in Senate
6/17/2025Senate
Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
6/17/2025House
Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 1 Favorable, 8 On Its Merits
5/21/2025House
Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in House
5/13/2025House

Bill Text

Current
5/13/2025
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