Delaware establishes a department to coordinate veterans’ services

Delaware establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out the listed services and coordinate state work on veterans’ needs. The Secretary’s duties include operating veterans memorial cemeteries, keeping service records, managing a fund for eligible veterans, and coordinating state programs for veterans, their families, and survivors. The department is part of the Department of State for administrative, budget, and operating purposes until the General Assembly approves a transition report. The Secretary must consult named state officials on a plan, and the General Assembly may approve the report and transition date by concurrent resolution. The Secretary must plan for separation by July 1, 2030, or when separation will no longer harm funding for veterans’ programs.

The Commission advises the Secretary on veterans’ issues, and the Department provides staff support. The Commission has 15 members appointed by the Governor. Members must be veterans, Delaware residents, and U.S. citizens. The Commission advises on matters relevant to veterans, including the Secretary’s duties in the new chapter. The Commission’s annual report goes to the Governor, Secretary, Secretary of State, and General Assembly.

Current Commission and Office of Veterans Services employees become Department employees, and the Department assumes their contracts and other listed assets and liabilities. This covers current employees of the Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Office of Veterans Services. Employees keep their current salary, seniority, and benefits. The Department assumes the contracts, deeds, debts, and other assets and liabilities on the date set by the transition report and approved by the General Assembly. The employee transfer begins when the Act takes effect; the Department assumes the listed contracts and assets and liabilities on the separately approved transition date.