Delaware legislation · 153rd General Assembly
Delaware SB234: First Responder/Definition/Create
Status: Signed into law, July 23, 2026
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIRST RESPONDERS.
What the bill says
An act to amend title 20 of the delaware code relating to first responders.
From the introduced text, February 19, 2026:
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIRST RESPONDERS. Section 1. Amend § 3102, Title 20 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows and redesignating accordingly: § 3102. Definitions. As used in this chapter: (8) "First responder" means a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, fire, or emergency medical services personnel, hazardous materials response team member, 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. SYNOPSIS 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, fire, or emergency medical services personnel, hazardous materials response team member, 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. Author: Senator Pettyjohn
Sponsors
- Brian Pettyjohn (R, 19) · primary sponsor
- Valerie Jones Giltner (R, 37)
Latest actions
- : SS 1 for SB 234 - Signed by Governor
- : SS 1 for SB 234 - Passed By House. Votes: 41 YES
- : SS 1 for SB 234 - Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 8 On Its Merits
- : SS 1 for SB 234 - Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in House
- : SS 1 for SB 234 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
- : SS 1 for SB 234 - Reported Out of Committee (Corrections & Public Safety) in Senate with 4 Favorable
- : Substituted in Senate by SS 1 for SB 234
- : Introduced and Assigned to Corrections & Public Safety Committee in Senate
Votes
- Passed (SM) (July 1, 2026): 41 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Passed (SM) (April 21, 2026): 20 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is SB234?
- SB234 is a bill in the Delaware Legislature (153rd General Assembly): First Responder/Definition/Create.
- What does SB234 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend title 20 of the delaware code relating to first responders.
- What is the status of SB234?
- Signed into law as of July 23, 2026. Latest action: SS 1 for SB 234 - Signed by Governor (July 23, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB234?
- Brian Pettyjohn (R, 19), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for SB234?
- On the Delaware Legislature website: https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142856
Source: official Delaware record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.