ENCOURAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A VETERAN’S CEMETERY IN KENT COUNTY, DELAWARE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bush and 10 co-sponsors

The bill directs the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs to study the feasibility of establishing a state Veterans Cemetery in Kent County.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

1. Purpose and Intent

HCR 118 is a concurrent resolution that expresses the General Assembly’s interest in encouraging the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs (DVAA) to explore the feasibility of establishing a Veterans Cemetery in Kent County, Delaware.

The resolution signals legislative support for considering a new, dedicated burial site for veterans within Kent County, recognizing the service of veterans and addressing potential cemetery capacity and access needs.

2. Key Provisions

A formal directive to the DVAA to study and evaluate the possibility of creating a Veterans Cemetery in Kent County.

The study is expected to cover feasibility considerations such as:

Site suitability and availability (land, location within Kent County, accessibility).
Financial implications (initial costs, ongoing maintenance, funding sources, and potential state or federal partnerships).
Operational aspects (governance, management, interments, veteran eligibility, and administration).
Regional need and demand (current and projected veteran population in Kent County and nearby areas).
Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and veterans’ burial standards.

The resolution may outline reporting expectations or timelines (e.g., DVAA’s duty to report its findings back to the General Assembly), though specific reporting deadlines are not detailed in the summary provided.

3. Affected Parties

Primary: Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs (DVAA), which would conduct the feasibility study if the resolution passes.

Veterans and their families in Kent County and surrounding regions, who would potentially benefit from closer access to a state Veterans Cemetery.

Kent County residents and local governments, given land use, site selection, and community impact considerations.

State policymakers and the General Assembly, which would receive the DVAA’s findings and any subsequent recommendations.

4. Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Status: Introduced and assigned to the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Delaware House on 2026-04-30.

Sponsorship: Multiple co-sponsors from both parties, indicating broad legislative interest and support.

As a concurrent resolution, HCR 118 does not itself create new law but directs state agencies to study and report on a potential policy/initiative. Any subsequent actions would depend on the DVAA’s findings and further legislative decisions (e.g., a bill to authorize funding or authorize the cemetery’s creation).

Timeline specifics (such as reporting deadlines) are not provided in the summary and would typically be determined by committee assignments, the resolution’s text, or subsequent legislative actions.

5. Potential Impact

If the DVAA completes a favorable feasibility study, this could lead to:

Legislative consideration of funding or authorization for a new Veterans Cemetery in Kent County.
Strategic improvements in veteran burial options and cemetery access in central Delaware.
Economic and land-use planning discussions at the state and local levels.

Regardless of the outcome, the resolution elevates attention to veterans’ burial needs and aligns state planning with anticipated veteran population trends.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, veterans groups, or general public) or compare it to similar resolutions or existing state cemeteries.

Bill