DelawareHS 1 for HB 1 w/ HA 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

7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More accredited help for VA claims

The Department and Commission can accredit claims representatives in each county. Accredited reps answer to the agency that accredited them. This adds local, accountable help and does not replace veterans groups’ service officers.

New grants from Veterans Trust Fund

The law creates the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund. It can pay for medical and dental costs, medical travel, homelessness help, home repairs and safety upgrades, utilities, and education or retraining. You must have at least a general discharge under honorable conditions to get help. The Commission and Department manage the Fund. A portion of the $20 one‑time veterans license plate fee goes into the Fund to support these grants.

Public Guardian can manage VA benefits

The Office of the Public Guardian is the VA fiduciary of last resort. If a veteran has no other fiduciary, the Public Guardian can manage that veteran’s VA benefits. This provides a safe fallback for veterans who need it.

State keeps your discharge papers

County recorders no longer record military discharge papers. They must send any discharge documents they hold to the state veterans repository. The Department keeps certificates of release or discharge as the official state repository.

Veterans cemetery memorials stay in place

No plaque or memorial at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery can be moved or removed without approval from the Co‑chairs of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Capital Improvement Program. This protects memorials for veterans and families.

New Veterans Department and transition plan

The law creates the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs. It stays inside the Department of State until lawmakers approve a Transition Report. The goal is to separate by July 1, 2030, or later if needed to avoid any funding harm to veterans programs. On the approved transition date, the Department takes over the Commission’s contracts, debts, assets, and liabilities. On the law’s effective date, Commission and Office of Veterans Services employees move to the new Department and keep their salary, seniority, and benefits.

Veteran leadership and hiring preference

A veteran serves as Secretary and leads the Department, appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. The Secretary prefers hiring veterans when possible and can manage staff and operations. The law also creates a 15‑member Commission of Veterans’ Affairs; all commissioners must be veterans and Delaware residents.

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