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Bill

SB 28

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FUNERAL EXPENSES FOR CERTAIN VOLUNTEERS WITH FIRE OR AMBULANCE COMPANIES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 21 co-sponsors

Delaware will cover funeral expenses for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers killed in line-of-duty service, honoring sacrifice while creating state budget obligations.

Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 28

Legislative bill overview

SB 28 amends Delaware's criminal code to provide state-funded funeral expenses for volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members who die in the line of duty. The bill establishes a mechanism for covering burial or cremation costs for these volunteers, recognizing their service-related sacrifices.

Why is this important

Volunteer emergency responders often come from modest economic backgrounds, and line-of-duty deaths can create severe financial hardship for families already facing grief. This legislation reduces the financial burden on families and honors volunteers who provide critical emergency services without regular compensation, potentially encouraging recruitment and retention in volunteer corps that many communities depend on.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding source: The bill requires state appropriations for funeral expenses, raising questions about budget availability and whether this represents appropriate use of public funds compared to other priorities
  • Eligibility scope: The definition of "line of duty" may be narrowly or broadly interpreted, creating disputes about which deaths qualify and potentially excluding volunteers who die under ambiguous circumstances
  • Equity concerns: Providing this benefit only to fire/ambulance volunteers could prompt calls to extend similar benefits to other volunteer public service roles (search and rescue, disaster relief, etc.), multiplying program costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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