Laws signed to benefit military families, veterans
Legislation to benefit Delaware’s military families, veterans and National Guard members was signed into law July 23.
“If you serve our state or our country, you shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to access an education, support your family, or be treated fairly,” said Gov. Matt Meyer in a prepared statement. “These bills are about breaking down real barriers that military families face – and showing that Delaware has your back, both in and out of uniform.”
House Bill 160, sponsored by Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford, updates the Delaware National Guard education benefits program by allowing tuition and fees to be paid directly to postsecondary institutions. The bill eliminates the need for National Guard members to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement, removing a key barrier for younger service members looking to pursue higher education.
"This legislation will help ensure that financial barriers don't stand in the way of service members pursuing higher education," Short said. "By covering tuition and fees upfront, we’re expanding access to greater opportunities, strengthening the guard’s recruitment incentives, and developing the talents and skills of our guard personnel."
HB 121, sponsored by Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, D-Wilmington, exempts military-run childcare centers located on federal property from Delaware’s state licensing requirements, aligning state law with federal standards and ensuring continuity for military families stationed in Delaware.
Chukwuocha also sponsored HB 55, which adds military status as a protected class in Delaware’s anti-discrimination laws, covering housing, employment, education, insurance and public accommodations. The bill strengthens legal protections for active-duty personnel, veterans and their families, while ensuring legal clarity for cases where differential treatment is permitted by law or regulation.
“As a veteran, I understand firsthand the sacrifices that come with military family life: moving from place to place, worrying about deployments, looking for childcare, and trying to build a career or find stable housing in the midst of it all,” said Chukwoucha, chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
Meyer also issued a proclamation declaring July 25 as Hire a Veteran Day in Delaware and presented the 2024 and 2025 Warrior Friendly Business Award to Chesapeake Utilities and Dover Federal Credit Union, two employers recognized for their commitment to hiring and supporting veterans.
