DelawareDelaware bill defines first responders for emergency management
The signed bill defines first responders for Delaware emergency management, including 911 dispatchers and others responsible for protecting life or property who are called to emergencies.
What it does
For Delaware emergency management, first responders include law enforcement officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, and other named emergency workers. Other people count only if protecting life or property is their responsibility and they are called to emergencies.
Argument forNaming 911 dispatchers and emergency managers could make it clearer when the emergency management rules count them as first responders.
Argument againstPeople in less common emergency roles could still be unsure whether their responsibilities and emergency calls fit the definition.
More detail
The signed bill defines who counts as a first responder under Delaware's emergency management rules. The definition names law enforcement officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, and other emergency workers at the federal, state, or local level. Other people count only if protecting life or property is their responsibility and they are called to respond to emergencies. Law enforcement officers include people designated under the cited Delaware laws and federal officers who meet the cited federal definition.
Where do you stand?
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 23Signed by Governor Matt MeyerBecame Law
- Jul 1Passed By House. Votes: 41 YESPassed House
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- May 5Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 8 On Its MeritsMinor
- Apr 22Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in HouseMinor
- Apr 21Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENTPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 18Reported Out of Committee (Corrections & Public Safety) in Senate with 4 FavorableMinor
- Mar 17Adopted in lieu of the original bill SB 234, and Assigned to Corrections & Public Safety Committee in SenateIntroduced
Emergency ManagementPublic Safety