Rep. Bill Carson

This Act creates a new state-level Department of Veterans’ Affairs, headed by a cabinet-level Secretary appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Department will take over most of the duties currently handled by the Commission on Veterans’ Affairs and its staff. The Commission will continue in its current form, but under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs rather than the Department of State, and it will continue to advise on the duties of the Department and make recommendations regarding the welfare of veterans in the State. The Department will assume the assets and liabilities of the Commission and current staff of the Commission will become staff of the Department.

This bill provides important consumer protections for property insurance contracts by improving the reliability of mailed notifications of policy cancellation or renewal. Section 1 of this bill requires insurers to deliver any homeowners’ notices of cancellation or nonrenewal by USPS certified mail or USPS Intelligent Mail barcode. Further, whereas currently an insurer can cancel or non-renew a policy because of two non-weather-related claims over the lifetime of the policy, this legislation provides a reasonable claims lookback period for non-weather-related claims, as is already the case for claims in other portions of this subsection of the Code. Section 2 of this bill precludes an insurance carrier from refusing to renew a homeowners’ policy based on non-weather claims unless 2 or more claims occur within the 36-month period immediately preceding the expiration of the current policy period.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates Wednesday, June 12, 2024, as Women Veterans Day throughout the State of Delaware. The measure directly affects the state's official calendar and serves to acknowledge the historical contributions and sacrifices of women who have served in the U.S. military. By passing this concurrent resolution, the Delaware General Assembly formally recognizes the service of over 7,000 women veterans residing in the state. The text highlights key milestones in women's military service, such as the 1948 law that allowed women to serve as permanent regular members of the armed forces. This action is a commemorative gesture rather than a change to laws or government operations.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution congratulates the class 2023 Eagle Scouts for having attained the highest rank one can earn in the Boy Scouts of America.

Currently, section 712 of Title 7 of the Delaware Code prohibits the hunting of any game birds or game animals (except deer) on Sundays. This Bill eliminates the prohibition against hunting game birds on Sundays. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control still has authority to establish and regulate season dates, bag limits and enforcement for the hunting of game birds.

This Act promotes increased capital investment at Delaware casinos by restructuring the table games licensing fee reduction currently received by lottery agents to allow capital investments greater than the minimum amounts required under § 4815(b)(3)a. of Title 29 of the Delaware Code to count toward the allowable license fee reductions. For ease of administration, this Act also aligns time periods for both table games and video lottery calculations.

This Concurrent Resolution designates May 27, 2024, as “Brain Cancer Awareness Day” in the State of Delaware. “Brain Cancer Awareness Day” brings attention to the experiences of individuals affected by brain cancer and empowers them to share their stories, which helps overcome stigmas, corrects misconceptions, fosters a supportive community for patients and their families, and helps patients and caregivers to navigate their journey with greater knowledge and support by sharing resources, support networks, and information about available services. “Brain Cancer Awareness Day” is critical to educating the public about brain cancer and to supporting research funding for effective brain cancer treatments including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and ultimately a cure.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2024 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Delaware to highlight the state's high rates of the infection. It serves as a symbolic reminder for the public to learn about the disease, which is spread by deer ticks and can cause serious health issues like joint pain and fatigue. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding; instead, it formally acknowledges the importance of awareness and prevention during the month.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes June 6, 2024, as the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy during World War II. It directly affects the state of Delaware by officially designating this date for commemoration and honoring the state's specific contributions and sacrifices, including veterans like Thomas Maloney and those who lost their lives. The resolution does not change laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the historical significance of the event and the bravery of the Allied forces.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 22, 2024, as National Maritime Day within the State of Delaware. It serves as a commemorative resolution honoring the historical and economic importance of the maritime industry to the nation and the state. The measure does not create new laws or alter existing policies but simply officially recognizes the date for observance.