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SB 310

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE DISASTER RECOVERY FUND.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Cooke and 8 co-sponsors

Delaware SB 310 would refine how the Delaware Disaster Recovery Fund is administered, funded, and disbursed to speed aid while strengthening oversight and accountability.

Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 310

Summary of SB 310 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

  • SB 310 proposes amendments to Title 20 of the Delaware Code related to the Delaware Disaster Recovery Fund. The bill seeks to modify how the fund is administered, funded, or utilized in the context of disaster recovery efforts within the state.
  • The overarching aim is to clarify, update, or expand the statutory framework governing disaster recovery funding and administration to support timely assistance and recovery for residents, businesses, and local jurisdictions following disasters.

Key provisions and changes (as proposed)

Note: The specific text of SB 310 is not included here; the summary below reflects typical areas such bills address based on its title and context. Please refer to the bill’s full language for precise provisions.

  • Administration of the Delaware Disaster Recovery Fund: Clarifies the entity responsible for managing the fund (e.g., a state agency or designated official) and the scope of its authority in reviewing, approving, and disbursing fund expenditures.
  • Funding mechanisms: Addresses sources of fund revenue (state allocations, federal funds, grants, or transfers) and any caps, matching requirements, or supplemental allocations. May specify conditions for deposits and how funds are kept in reserve.
  • Disbursement priorities and eligibility: Sets criteria for who may receive assistance (individuals, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and/or businesses) and prioritizes needs (e.g., immediate life safety, housing, infrastructure, economic recovery).
  • Grant and loan programs: Establishes or modifies grant programs, loan terms, repayment requirements, and oversight to ensure prudent use of funds.
  • Administrative procedures: Updates procedural steps for applying for funds, reporting requirements, audits, compliance, and deadlines. May introduce timelines for approval or disbursement to improve speed of disaster response.
  • Accountability and reporting: Introduces or strengthens oversight mechanisms, performance metrics, annual reporting to the General Assembly, and public access to fund expenditures.
  • Coordination with federal programs: Aligns state fund activities with federal disaster relief programs (e.g., FEMA), including matching requirements or eligibility alignment where applicable.
  • Sunset or review provisions: May include a review schedule to assess the effectiveness of the fund provisions after a set period or upon certain events.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies responsible for disaster recovery and fund administration.
  • Local governments and municipalities seeking recovery assistance following disasters.
  • Individuals, families, and businesses applying for disaster relief or recovery grants/loans.
  • Non-profit organizations involved in disaster response or rebuilding efforts.
  • Public and private sector partners involved in disaster preparedness and resilience projects.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and assigned: The bill was introduced on May 11, 2026, and assigned to the Elections & Government Affairs Committee in the Senate.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the committee would hold hearings, potentially amend the bill, and vote to send it to the full Senate. Subsequent passage would move to the House of Representatives (and then to the governor for signature or veto, depending on the Delaware legislative process and timelines).

Practical impact (high level)

  • Aims to streamline and clarify how Delaware funds disaster recovery, potentially accelerating access to financial assistance after disasters.
  • Seeks to improve governance, transparency, and accountability in the use of disaster recovery funds.
  • May expand or refine eligibility to ensure resources reach affected residents, businesses, and communities while maintaining prudent fiscal oversight.

Note: For precise provisions, figures, timelines, and eligibility details, please consult the official text of SB 310 and any amended versions from the Delaware General Assembly.

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

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