HB 218 — AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE COMMISSION OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS.

Summary

This Act changes the composition of the Commission and further clarifies the definition of “veterans” as it pertains to this Section of Title 29. The Delaware Commission of Veterans’ Affairs is comprised of members, appointed by the Governor, who represent specific veteran organizations. The United States Congress defines the Korean War Era as June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955, and today most living Korean War Veterans are in their upper 80s or lower 90s. This amendment will redesignate the seat to an organization that is self-perpetuating and whose membership will continue on, and also serve to provide the diverse representation of all veterans. Also preserved is the ability of the current Korean War Commissioner to remain as a Commissioner until his term expires or that seat otherwise becomes vacant. The sole remaining active Chapter of the Korean War Veterans of America in Delaware is in the process of being disbanded due to lack of membership. The Office of Veterans Services is staffed by individuals employed by the State, but who have been required, by reference to the definition of “veteran,” to have “served honorably.” Staffing of the OVS, including the veterans’ cemeteries, has been challenging. This amendment clarifies that a veteran, for qualification as a commissioner, must have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. This clarification is consistent with federal laws and regulations regarding the definition of “veteran.”

Bill Text

• Bill Text View text Current pdf

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This bill amends the composition of the Delaware Commission of Veterans' Affairs by changing the representation of veteran organizations and clarifying the definition of 'veteran'.

• § 8720

  Korean War Veterans. Veterans or National Association of Black Veterans. → Korean War Veterans.

  This change removes the mention of 'Veterans or National Association of Black Veterans' as part of the representation for Korean War Veterans.

• § 8720

  discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. → discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

  This change clarifies that a veteran must be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable to qualify for the commission.

Action History

1. August 09, 2023

   Signed by Governor

2. June 30, 2023

   Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

3. June 28, 2023

   Reported Out of Committee (Executive) in Senate with 6 On Its Merits

4. June 20, 2023

   Assigned to Executive Committee in Senate

5. June 20, 2023

   Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 2 ABSENT

6. June 14, 2023

   Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

7. June 08, 2023

   Introduced and Assigned to Administration Committee in House

Sponsors

• Stell Parker Selby · Primary
• David L. Wilson · Primary
• John "Jack" Walsh · Primary
• Bryan Townsend · Primary
• Laura V. Sturgeon · Primary
• David P. Sokola · Primary
• Bryant L. Richardson · Primary
• Nicole Poore · Primary
• Marie Pinkney · Primary
• Brian Pettyjohn · Primary
• Trey Paradee · Primary
• Spiros Mantzavinos · Primary
• S. Elizabeth Lockman · Primary
• Russell Huxtable · Primary
• Franklin D. Cooke · Primary
• Kendra Johnson · Primary
• Darius J. Brown · Primary
• William Bush · Primary
• Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha · Primary
• Michael Ramone · Primary
• Sherry Dorsey Walker · Primary
• Ruth Briggs King · Primary
• Valerie Longhurst · Primary
• Sean Matthews · Primary
• Sarah McBride · Primary

Votes

Subjects