DelawareHS 1 for HB 1153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

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

8 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Financial help for eligible Delaware veterans

The Veterans Trust Fund provides grants or financial help to veterans with at least a general discharge under honorable conditions. Covered needs include medical and dental bills, medical transportation, homelessness support, home repairs, safety changes, utilities, and education or retraining. The law does not set grant amounts or a total funding level. Beginning 180 days after enactment, the non-administrative share of the one-time $20 veterans specialty-plate fee supports the fund. Women veterans plate proceeds and voluntary state income-tax contributions also support it; the share left after administrative costs is not specified.

Last-resort help managing veterans benefit payments

Beginning 180 days after enactment, the Office of the Public Guardian serves as the last-resort manager of federal VA benefits. It receives and manages payments for people unable to manage those benefits themselves. This provides a state safety net, but does not change benefit amounts.

Veterans agency staff keep employment benefits

Beginning 180 days after enactment, current Commission on Veterans Affairs and Office of Veterans Services staff become department employees. They keep their then-current salary, seniority, and benefits. This protects existing employment terms during the agency change.

Veterans get preference for department jobs

The Secretary must hire veterans for department jobs where possible. Qualifying veterans served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard or reserves. Their discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable. The law does not set a number of jobs or a wage.

Delaware creates a veterans affairs department

Beginning 180 days after enactment, the law creates a Department of Veterans Affairs, initially housed in the Department of State. A transition report is due at least one year before the planned separation. Separation requires legislative approval by concurrent resolution and must happen by July 1, 2030. Earlier separation cannot harm veterans program funding. The department takes over the Commission’s contracts, property, debts, and other obligations on the approved transition date. The Governor appoints a veteran Secretary with Senate approval; the annual budget sets the Secretary’s salary. A 15-member veteran Commission serves four-year terms, with 10 veterans-organization seats and five at-large seats. It advises and oversees veterans homes, cemeteries, and the Trust Fund.

Delaware plans care for aging veterans

The Secretary must develop and propose elder care options or additional veterans homes, with advice from the Commission. The goal is to serve and house more veterans as they age. This planning requirement does not create a new care service, guarantee a place, or set funding.

Veterans claims help and records move

The department can approve claims representatives in each county, who remain accountable to it. Their help must add to, not replace or interfere with, veterans organizations’ service officers. The Secretary coordinates education, training, jobs, medical care, and financial benefits with state agencies, other states, and the federal VA. Beginning 180 days after enactment, county recorders transfer recorded military discharge papers to the department and stop recording them. This centralizes records but removes county recording as an option; these changes do not increase benefit amounts or change eligibility.

Veterans cemetery oversight and memorial limits

The Secretary oversees veterans memorial cemeteries with Commission advice and keeps Statements of Service or similar service records. Beginning 180 days after enactment, the department supervises cemetery operations and upkeep. It must report annually to the Governor, Secretary, and General Assembly. Cemetery plaques and memorials cannot be removed or moved for any purpose without approval from legislative capital-budget committee co-chairs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

William J. Carson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Darius J. Brown
Democratic • Senate
Eric Buckson
Republican • Senate
Frank Burns
Democratic • House
William Bush
Democratic • House
Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Richard G. Collins
Republican • House
Daniel Cruce
Democratic • Senate
Daniel B. Short
Republican • House
Timothy D. Dukes
Republican • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Jeff Hilovsky
Republican • House
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Kendra Johnson
Democratic • House
Kamela T Smith
Democratic • House
Dave G. Lawson
Republican • Senate
S. Elizabeth Lockman
Democratic • Senate
Sean M. Lynn
Democratic • House
Spiros Mantzavinos
Democratic • Senate
Michael F. Smith
Republican • House
Trey Paradee
Democratic • Senate
Stell Parker Selby
Democratic • House
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Bryant L. Richardson
Republican • Senate
Ray Seigfried
Democratic • Senate
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
Laura V. Sturgeon
Democratic • Senate
Bryan Townsend
Democratic • Senate
John "Jack" Walsh
Democratic • Senate
David L. Wilson
Republican • Senate
Madinah Wilson-Anton
Democratic • House
Lyndon D. Yearick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 59 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/26/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 5/20/2025