AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LINE-OF-DUTY HEARINGS.

New rules for line-of-duty death claims

The State Insurance Coverage Office administers Delaware’s Line-of-Duty Fund, while the Insurance Commissioner receives claims. The Office can challenge any claim, and the Commissioner must consider its objections. Contested claims require a hearing where the claimant can have a lawyer; uncontested claims can be decided from written records. For every claim, the Commissioner must review evidence, make findings, and explain the decision in writing. Testimony must be recorded in writing or on tape. The Commissioner decides whether claims are valid and deaths meet the legal line-of-duty definition, and can seek Attorney General guidance. The Commissioner can require witnesses or records through subpoenas and set rules for filing, processing, deciding claims, and holding hearings. The law does not change benefit amounts or eligibility rules.