HCR118 • 2025

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

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Carson
Last action: 2026-06-17
Official status: Passed 6/17/26
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill uses 'encourages' rather than mandatory language like 'requires', though it sets specific tasks for the study. The impact depends on whether the Department chooses to act.

Study for a Veteran's Cemetery in Kent County

This resolution encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs to study if it is possible to build a veteran's cemetery in Kent County, Delaware.

What This Bill Does

Encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs to check if building a new cemetery in Kent County is feasible.
Asks the department to identify potential land sites for the cemetery.
Requests an analysis of how many people would need burial space there.
Directs the department to review state and federal rules needed for this project.
Orders the department to look at funding options, such as grants or partnerships.
Requires a final report with findings and recommendations by January 1, 2027.

Who It Names or Affects

The Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans living in Kent County, Delaware
Families eligible for burial at veteran cemeteries

Terms To Know

Feasibility: Whether something is possible to do or likely to succeed.
Concurrent Resolution: A formal statement passed by both the House and Senate that expresses an opinion but does not create new laws.

Limits and Unknowns

This resolution only asks for a study; it does not guarantee a cemetery will be built.
The final report is due in January 2027, so no decision has been made yet.
It depends on the Department of Veterans Affairs to complete the work and submit findings.

Bill History

2026-06-17 Delaware General Assembly
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
2026-06-11 Delaware General Assembly
Passed By House. Votes: 38 YES 1 NO 2 ABSENT
2026-06-10 Delaware General Assembly
Reported Out of Committee (Veterans Affairs) in House with 11 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits
2026-04-30 Delaware General Assembly
Introduced and Assigned to Veterans Affairs Committee in House

Official Summary Text

ENCOURAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A VETERAN’S CEMETERY IN KENT COUNTY, DELAWARE.
This Concurrent Resolution encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department) to explore and make recommendations on the feasibility of establishing a veteran’s cemetery in Kent County, Delaware, and to submit a report containing those recommendations no later than January 1, 2027.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Carson & Rep. Bush & Sen. Poore

Reps. Berry, Burns, Griffith, Heffernan, Ross Levin, Harris, Chukwuocha, D. Short; Sens. Buckson, Hoffner, Pettyjohn

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 118

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

WHEREAS, the citizens of Kent County, Delaware, are grateful for the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, veterans and their families deserve dignified, accessible, and honorable final resting places that appropriately recognize their service to the nation; and

WHEREAS, access to a veterans' cemetery within reasonable proximity is an important benefit that supports veterans’ families and ensures proper memorialization; and

WHEREAS, Kent County, Delaware, has a significant and growing veteran population; and,

WHEREAS, establishing a veteran’s cemetery within Kent County would offer a convenient burial option for local veterans and their eligible family members; and

WHEREAS, the development of such a cemetery may be eligible for federal and/or state support, including grants administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; and

WHEREAS, a feasibility assessment is necessary to evaluate potential locations, costs, environmental considerations, long-term maintenance, and funding opportunities.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 153rd General Assembly of the of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department) is hereby encouraged to e

xplore the feasibility of establishing a veteran’s cemetery in Kent County, Delaware.

Such exploration shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Identification of potential sites.

2. Analysis of projected demand and capacity needs.

3. Review of applicable state and federal requirements.

4. Evaluation of potential funding sources, including grants and partnerships.

5. Assessment of long-term operational and maintenance considerations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

that the Department shall engage with relevant stakeholders, including veterans’ organizations, local governments, and community members, in conducting this assessment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no later than January 1, 2027, the Department must compile a report summarizing the Department’s work on the issues assigned to it under this Concurrent Resolution, including any findings and recommendations, and submit the report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Director and Librarian of the Division of Legislative Services.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department) to explore and make recommendations on the feasibility of establishing a veteran’s cemetery in Kent County, Delaware, and to submit a report containing those recommendations no later than January 1, 2027.