DE HB222

Establishes eligibility for burial in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery based on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA Directive 3210) standards, with specified exceptions.

Allows the Veterans Commission of Delaware to impose residency requirements for interment, except that persons who served 20+ years in the Delaware National Guard or Delaware-based reserve units are exempt from residency requirements.

Expands eligibility to include persons who retired honorably from the National Guard or Reserve forces of the United States and Merchant Marines who served 2+ years between December 7, 1941, and August 15, 1945.

Eliminates plot and interment fees for eligible veterans and armed forces members, while allowing the Commission to establish reasonable fees for burial of immediate family members.

Ensures burials occur without regard to race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.