Delaware Bills

passed both · Delaware · Senate Mar 13, 2025

SCR 24: HONORING IRELAND’S ROLE IN THE UNITED STATES WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.

Delaware's Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 (SCR 24) formally recognizes Ireland's specific historical contributions to the U.S. War of Independence, including Irish military participation and naval leadership. It honors figures like Captain John Barry (known as the "Father of the American Navy") and Irish soldiers at battles such as Bunker Hill, as detailed in the resolution's preamble. The resolution has no legal effect but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation, directing that certified copies be sent to Delaware's federal lawmakers and the American Ireland State Legislators Caucus. This procedural resolution directly affects Delaware's legislative record and its relationship with Ireland, without altering any laws or policies.

Dave Wilson (R) Dave Sokola (D) Rich Collins (R) Bryant Richardson (R) Nicole Poore (D)

in committee · Delaware · Senate Mar 12, 2025

SB 31: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RETIRED STATE EMPLOYEE PENSION PLAN BURIAL BENEFITS.

Section 1 of this Act increases the burial benefit for individuals receiving a pension under the State Employees’ Pension Plan (Chapter 55 of Title 29 of the Delaware Code) from $7,000 to $10,000. The amount of this benefit has not been increased since 2001 (See 73 Del. Laws, c. 146, § 5). Section 1 of this Act directly increases the amount of the burial benefit for individuals receiving a pension under the State Employees’ Pension Plan and also increases the funeral benefits under additional pension plans because the amount of the benefits under the following pension plans is the same as the amount under § 5546 of Title 29: • The State Police Pension Plan, Chapter 83 of Title 11. • The Delaware County and Municipal Police and Firefighter Pension Plan, Chapter 88 of Title 11. • The early retirement option for state employees, Chapter 53 of Title 29. In addition, Section 1 of this Act increases the reasonable funeral expenses permitted in a wrongful death action under § 3724(d)(4) of Title 10 because the maximum for these damages is the amount under § 5546 of Title 29. Section 2 of this Act delays the effect of this Act until October 1, 2025, to provide time to implement this Act after the enactment of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations act containing the funding for this Act. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed both · Delaware · House Mar 12, 2025

HCR 16: RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS MONTH IN DELAWARE.

HCR 16 is a symbolic resolution designating March 2025 as "Multiple Sclerosis Month" in Delaware. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the month to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic nervous system disease affecting an estimated 2.3 million people worldwide. The resolution calls on Delaware residents to learn about MS and support those diagnosed with the condition. This is a ceremonial gesture with no direct policy impact, aligning with national MS Awareness Month efforts.

passed both · Delaware · House Mar 12, 2025

HCR 17: RECOGNIZING MARCH 2025 AS SOCIAL WORK MONTH IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

This Resolution recognizes the pertinent work of social workers throughout Delaware and the entire country, encourages the creation and expansion of Social Work programs, and recognizes March 2025 as Social Work Month in the State of Delaware.

in committee · Delaware · Senate Mar 12, 2025

SB 29: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FUNERAL EXPENSES FOR CERTAIN VOLUNTEERS WITH FIRE OR AMBULANCE COMPANIES.

Section 1 of this Act increases to $10,000 the amount of funeral expenses which can be paid for the funeral of a deceased member of a volunteer fire company, volunteer fire company ladies auxiliary, or volunteer ambulance and rescue company. The amount of this benefit has not been increased since 2004 (See 74 Del. Laws, c. 339, § 1). Consistent with a legal interpretation of the existing law by state agencies, Section 1 of this Act continues to enable the payment of funeral expenses for the funeral of a deceased member of a volunteer fire company, volunteer fire company ladies auxiliary, or volunteer ambulance and rescue company even if the member was also a state employee entitled to burial benefits under § 8331 of Title 11, § 8395 of Title 11, § 8846 of Title 11, or § 5316 of Title 29. However, Section 1 of this Act makes changes to existing law to make this legal interpretation clear and to specifically identify the state employee burial benefits to which this provision applies. Section 2 of this Act delays the effect of this Act until October 1, 2025, to provide time to implement this Act after the enactment of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations act containing the funding for this Act. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Delaware · House Mar 12, 2025

HB 72: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE SENIOR PROPERTY TAX CREDIT.

HB 72 changes Delaware's senior property tax credit eligibility by reducing the required residency period from 10 years to 3 years for seniors aged 65+ who own their homes as principal residences. Currently, seniors who established residency after 2017 need 10 years of Delaware residency to qualify (through 2025), but this bill would immediately revert to the pre-2017 standard of 3 consecutive years of residency. The change applies to all future claims, making the credit accessible to more seniors who have lived in Delaware for a shorter time. This directly affects Delaware seniors seeking to reduce property tax bills on their primary homes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

passed · Delaware · House Mar 12, 2025

HCR 13: RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025 AS ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH.

This House Concurrent Resolution designates March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month in Delaware. It encourages state agencies, medical organizations, and community groups to raise public awareness about endometriosis, promote early detection, improve provider education, and support culturally competent care - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution directly affects Delaware residents, particularly women and girls impacted by endometriosis, by directing state efforts toward greater public education on this condition.

passed · Delaware · Senate Mar 11, 2025

SR 9: RELATING TO THE ROLL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE.

SR 9 is a procedural Senate resolution that formally establishes the official list of members for Delaware's 153rd General Assembly Senate. It lists 21 elected senators, including Darius J. Brown and David P. Sokola, as the Senate roll for this legislative term. This resolution serves as the official record of membership and is required for Senate operations, with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on constituents beyond documenting membership.

passed both · Delaware · Senate Mar 11, 2025

SCR 13: RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR 2025.

SCR 13 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing and celebrating the Lunar New Year 2025 (January 29-February 12) in Delaware. It acknowledges the cultural significance of the holiday, including its observance by Delaware's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. The resolution formally extends best wishes for health and prosperity to all celebrating this event but does not create new laws or policies. It was passed unanimously by Delaware's Senate and House of Representatives in early 2025.

in committee · Delaware · House Mar 11, 2025

HB 31: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VETERANS' BENEFITS AND TRADE PRACTICES.

This act regulates persons who receive compensation for advising or assisting with veterans' benefits earned by serving our nation in the military. This bill would not prohibit persons or business entities from receiving compensation for advice to Veterans that is unrelated to veteran claims or services available to veterans from the V.A. or its accredited agencies. Investment, insurance, banking, and other advice or services not provided by the V.A., or its accredited agencies may be obtained by veterans and fees charged for such services.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Delaware · Senate Mar 6, 2025

SB 65: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TERMINATING THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE AND CO2 EMISSION TRADING PROGRAM.

This Act removes Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) as the state has already exceeded its CO2 reduction goals, cutting emissions by 45%. Despite this progress, Delaware faces high electricity costs and slow economic growth, ranking 46th in GDP growth. RGGI compliance costs are passed on to consumers, making energy more expensive for families and businesses. States outside RGGI have maintained lower energy prices while still reducing emissions. Exiting the program will allow Delaware to pursue policies that support both economic growth and energy affordability.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

in committee · Delaware · House Mar 6, 2025

HB 52: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FISCAL PROJECTIONS.

This Act changes the timeline for fiscal projections required under § 1901, § 1902, and § 1905 of Title 29 from 3 years to 5 years. It also changes the timeline for fiscal projections required under § 1903 of Title 29 from 1 year to 5 years. This Act applies to all bills or joint resolutions filed after the Act’s enactment into law. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

Bill results