SB 234 DE
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIRST RESPONDERS.
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Summary
Delaware SB 234 creates a formal definition of "first responder" in the emergency management chapter of Delaware law, clarifying who qualifies for first responder status. The Act defines first responders as federal, state, or local law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, hazardous materials response team members, 911 dispatchers, emergency managers, and other individuals responsible for protecting life or property in emergencies. The Act also includes a definition of "law enforcement officer" to clarify which law enforcement personnel qualify as first responders.
AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill (from the OpenStates abstract — no full text available yet) — neutral, and may be imperfect.
Official abstract
This Act creates a definition of “first responder” in Chapter 31 of Title 20, pertaining to emergency management. Currently, the term is referenced, but it is not actually defined, creating potential uncertainty about who qualifies as a first responder in this context. This Act defines a first responder as a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel member, hazardous materials response team member, 911 dispatcher, emergency manager, or other individual who is responsible for the protection and preservation of life or property and who is called on to respond to emergencies. This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 234 and differs from Senate Bill No. 234 in that it adds a definition of “law enforcement officer” to clarify which law enforcement personnel are included in the definition of “first responder” and makes minor technical corrections to the definition of “first responder”.
Sponsors (3)
- Brian Pettyjohn Republican · primary
- Valerie Jones Giltner Republican · primary
- David L. Wilson Republican · primary
Action history (7)
- Mar 17, 2026 Adopted in lieu of the original bill SB 234, and Assigned to Corrections & Public Safety Committee in Senate · upper
- Mar 18, 2026 Reported Out of Committee (Corrections & Public Safety) in Senate with 4 Favorable · upper
- Apr 21, 2026 Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT · upper
- Apr 22, 2026 Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in House · lower
- May 5, 2026 Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 8 On Its Merits · lower
- Jul 1, 2026 Passed By House. Votes: 41 YES · lower
- Jul 23, 2026 Signed by Governor · executive
Full text
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