Legislative Update
David Rugg, Director of Legislative Affairs
Legislation Impacting Delaware's Veterans (2026)
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*****You can call your State Senator or Representative through the General Assembly main number at 302-744-4114 if you would like to advocate a position or make a comment regarding any legislation.*****
The following bills and resolutions have been introduced and we will update their status as they move through the process.
BILLS
House Bill 31 (LIKELY NOT TO PASS THIS SESSION DUE TO LEGAL CHALLENGES) 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.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141736
The primary sponsor is Representative Hilovsky (RD4). His email is Jeff.Hilovsky@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4171.
House Bill 63 (PASSED THE HOUSE AND IS ON THE SENATE READY LIST) This bill strengthens current fireworks law enforcement by increasing fines, regulating sales through a permit system, ensuring consumer awareness through required safety information, and generating revenue for the Fire Marshal’s office to improve oversight and public education.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141899
The primary sponsor is Representative Wilson-Anton (SD26). Her email is Madinah.Wilson-Anton@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
House Substitute 1 for House Bill 162 (PASSED THE HOUSE AND ASSIGNED TO THE SENATE BANKING, BUSINESS, INSURANCE & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE) defines a multilevel distribution company and multilevel marketing program. It sets forth mandatory disclosures that must be made by a multilevel distribution company to any potential purchaser that discloses details about the company, sometimes based on certain representations that the company makes.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142477
The primary sponsor is Representative Levin (RD10). Her email is Melanie.RossLevin@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
House Bill 133 (PASSED THE HOUSE, IN SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE) gives courts the discretion to waive fines and fees, in whole or in part, in appropriate circumstances. It also creates a presumption that fines and fees will not be imposed when a defendant shows evidence of certain conditions, including receiving a public assistance benefit (like Medicaid, SNAP, or veterans’ benefits) or being represented by the Office of Defense Services. It also creates a hearing process for anyone already sentenced to pay a fine or fee.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142176
The primary sponsor is Representative Snyder-Hall (RD14). Her email is claire.snyder-hall@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
Senate Bill 216 (SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR) adopts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (“Compact”). This Compact takes effect on the date on which this Compact is enacted into law in 7 states. As of January 2026, this Compact has been enacted in 5 states and has been filed in 6 other states. This Compact is an interstate occupational licensure compact for respiratory therapists.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142809
The primary sponsor is Senator Buckson (SD16). His email is eric.buckson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
Senate Bill 217 (SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR) adopts the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (“Compact”). The Compact is active because enough states have enacted legislation to adopt the Compact. The purpose of the Compact is to reduce the burdens on state governments and to facilitate and regulate the interstate practice of cosmetology by creating a framework for a multi-state licensing program. The multi-state licensing program provides increased value and mobility to licensed cosmetologists, including military members and their spouses, and ensures safe, competent, and reliable cosmetology services are provided to the public.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142811
The primary sponsor is Senator Buckson (SD16). His email is eric.buckson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
Senate Bill 218 (ASSIGNED TO THE LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT AND SUNSET COMMITTEE) adopts the Interstate Massage Compact (“Compact”). The purpose of the Compact is to reduce the burdens on state governments and to facilitate and regulate the interstate practice of massage therapy by creating a framework for a multistate licensing program. The multistate licensing program provides increased value and mobility to licensed massage therapists, including military members and their spouses, and ensures safe, competent, and reliable massage therapy services are provided to the public.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142812
The primary sponsor is Senator Buckson (SD16). His email is eric.buckson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
House Substitute 2 for House Bill 218 (ASSIGNED TO THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE) requires that the court consider the existence of a military protective order as a factor in favor of granting an emergency protective order or a temporary sexual violence protective order. It further requires that a law-enforcement officer notify the agency that entered a military protective order against an individual, if the law-enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the individual violated the military protective order.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143540
The primary sponsor is Representative Chukwuocha (RD1). His email is Nnamdi.Chukwuocha@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
Senate Bill 219 (PASSED THE SENATE AND ASSIGNED TO THE REVENUE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE) phases in, over 3 years, an increased exemption for military pensions from state income taxation, regardless of age, which is currently $12,500, so that in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2029, the exemption will be $25,000 for all military pensioners.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142742
The primary sponsor is Senator Buckson (SD16). His email is eric.buckson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
House Bill 270 (SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR) amends the Fiscal Year 2026 Bond and Capital Improvements Act to include funds for a generator at the Delaware Veterans Home and $7,000,000.00 for Delaware Veterans Cemetery Expansion.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142808
The primary sponsor is Representative Heffernan (SD16). Her email is Debra.Heffernan@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
House Bill 295 (PASSED BY THE HOUSE AND IS ON THE SENATE READY LIST) provides that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget must designate 1 or more reserved parking spaces for a veteran at certain designated state buildings and facilities. It also prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in the veteran’s space.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142878
The primary sponsor is Representative Berry (RD16). Her email is Alonna.Berry@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
Senate Bill 317 (PASSED BY THE SENATE AND IS ON THE HOUSE READY LIST) designates the month of May as "Veterans Month" in the State of Delaware.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143292
The primary sponsor is Senator Lawson (SD15). His email is Dave.Lawson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
House Bill 349 (REPORTED OUT OF THE HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND ASSIGNED TO THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE) modifies the eligibility standard from 100% disability to 80% disability or greater for veterans to qualify for the credit against school taxation on qualified property.
https://legis.delaware.gov//BillDetail/143046
The primary sponsor is Representative Carson (RD28). His email is William.Carson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
House Bill 405 (CURRENTLY ASSIGNED TO THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE) provides an exemption from state income tax for the amount of income or compensation received for federally required annual training, drills and field exercises, or inactive duty training by an individual who is a member of the National Guard or a reserve component of the Uniformed Services of the U.S. The bill’s provision applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143218
The primary sponsor is Representative Carson (RD28). His email is William.Carson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
House Bill 480 (CURRENTLY ASSIGNED TO THE HOUSE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE) provides an exemption from state income tax for the amount of income or compensation received for federally required annual training, drills and field exercises, or inactive duty training by an individual who is a member of the National Guard or a reserve component of the Uniformed Services of the U.S. The bill’s provision applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143218
The primary sponsor is Representative Carson (RD28). His email is William.Carson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
RESOLUTIONS
Senate Resolution 18 (PASSED SENATE) recognizes March 26, 2026, as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in the State of Delaware.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142993
The primary sponsor is Senator Brown (SD2). His email is Darius.Brown@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4286.
House Resolution 25 (PASSED THE HOUSE AND SENATE) recognizes May 16, 2026, as "Armed Forces Day" in Delaware.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143221
The primary sponsor is Representative Carson (RD28). His email is William.Carson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
House Concurrent Resolution 96 (PASSED BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE) expresses gratitude to the men and women of the Civil Air Patrol for their outstanding service to the State of Delaware.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142289
The primary sponsor is Representative Short (RD39). His email is Daniel.Short@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4171.
House Concurrent Resolution 97 (PASSED BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE) pays tribute to the men and women of the Delaware National Guard for their service and sacrifices in support of defending our state and nation, and recognizes the outstanding advocacy provided by the National Guard Association of Delaware.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142867
The primary sponsor is Representative Hilovsky (RD4). His email is Jeff.Hilovsky@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4171.
House Concurrent Resolution 118 (PASSED THE HOUSE) encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs to explore and make recommendations on the feasibility of establishing a veteran’s cemetery in Kent County, Delaware, and to submit a report containing those recommendations no later than January 1, 2027.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143173
The primary sponsor is Representative Carson (RD28). His email is William.Carson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4351.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 139 (PASSED BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE) recognizes February 4, 2026, as "USO Day" in the State of Delaware and honors USO Delaware for its important and inspiring work in support of military members and their families.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail/142833
The primary sponsor is Senator Lawson (SD15). His email is Dave.Lawson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 121 (PASSED BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE) recognizes the Air Mobility Command Museum Foundation’s efforts to expand the Museum’s facilities through a major project that will add new exhibit space, educational and conference facilities, and community spaces. The expansion will enhance the Museum’s ability to preserve aviation history, provide interactive educational experiences, and support community engagement, while also delivering a significant economic benefit to the region. The resolution acknowledges the importance of public and private support to the success of this project.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142637
The primary sponsor is Senator Buckson (SD16). His email is eric.buckson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 155 (PASSED BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE) recognizes March 29, 2026, as "National Vietnam War Veterans Day" in the State of Delaware.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142976
The primary sponsor is Senator Lawson (SD15). His email is Dave.Lawson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 169 (PASSED BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE) designates April 2026 as the "Month of the Military Child" in the State of Delaware and encourages the Governor to illuminate key landmarks in purple during the month of April in honor of Delaware’s military-connected children.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143085
The primary sponsor is Senator Buckson (SD15). His email is eric.buckson@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 205 (PASSED BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE) proclaims June 12, 2026, as “Women Veterans Recognition Day” in the State of Delaware.
https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143405
The primary sponsor is Senator Pettyjohn (SD19). His email is Brian.Pettyjohn@delaware.gov and phone number is 302-744-4048.
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