DE HB72

Creates a new position of Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Correction to be appointed by the Governor with written approval required for salary and removal decisions.

Authorizes the Governor to appoint the Deputy Commissioner or a bureau chief to serve as Acting Commissioner in cases of the Commissioner's death, resignation, temporary incapacity, removal, or absence from the State.

Grants the Commissioner authority to appoint and remove the Deputy Commissioner and other bureau chiefs with written Governor approval, and allows delegation of Commissioner powers to the Deputy Commissioner except for employee removal and compensation authority.

Exempts the Deputy Commissioner position from Chapter 59 of Delaware Code (merit system requirements), placing it in the same exempt category as the Commissioner position.