Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos

Section 1 of this Act increases the burial benefit for individuals eligible to receive a pension under the State Employees’ Pension Plan (Chapter 55 of Title 29 of the Delaware Code) from $7,000 to $8,000. The burial benefit has not been increased since 2001 (See 73 Del. Laws, c. 146, § 5). This increase will also apply to funeral benefits that reference the amount in this section. Section 2 of this Act increases the funeral expenses paid for a deceased member of a volunteer fire company, volunteer fire company ladies auxiliary, or volunteer ambulance and rescue company from $7,000 to $8,000. This burial 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, 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, § 5316 of Title 29, or § 5546 of Title 29. However, 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. This Act takes effect on October 1, 2024, to provide time to implement this Act after the enactment of the fiscal year 2025 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.

This resolution recognizes the week of March 17 through March 23, 2024, as “National Agriculture Week” in Delaware

This Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States of America and Ireland.

This House Concurrent Resolution recognizes March 14, 2024 as “Be The One Day" in the State of Delaware.

This Concurrent Resolution recognizes March 13, 2024, as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated or “Kappa Alpha Psi Day at the Capitol” in Delaware.

This Act makes clear that corporations and other artificial entities may not be given a vote in municipal elections. Section 1 of this Act prohibits a municipality from giving corporations and other artificial entities the right to vote within the municipality's charter. Section 2 amends the language that prohibits municipalities from amending charters that permit nonresident persons to vote to take away such rights under the provisions of Title 22, Chapter 8 applies only to the rights of nonresident natural persons, not to corporations or other artificial entities.

This resolution designates the week of March 11 through March 15, 2024, as “Civic Learning Week” in the State of Delaware to encourage schools and civic organizations to hold educational programs regarding civic duty and urge Delawareans to reflect upon the importance of their civic duty and responsibilities.

This resolution recognizes March 7, 2024, as "Delaware Giving Day."

This resolution recognizes the Easterseals/CAI Volleyball Challenge occurring March 9 at William Penn High School and April 20 at Delaware State University, an event that raises funds for an organization providing services and support to Delawareans with disabilities and senior citizens and their families.

This Act permits the Division of Motor Vehicles to refuse to renew the registration of a vehicle that is operated in violation of the law requiring stopping for school buses as evidenced by School Bus Safety Cameras.