DE HB437

Exempts the Executive Director position from Delaware's State Merit System employment process and requires the Executive Director to be a veteran, while allowing non-veteran employees in non-supervisory positions to be hired when needed.

Adds "administrative support staff" as positions the Commission may employ and establishes a hiring policy to prioritize qualified veterans for career ladder and casual/seasonal positions when possible.

Authorizes the Commission to accredit claims representatives in each county to support veterans in accessing benefits, making them accountable to the Commission while augmenting (not replacing) existing veterans' organizations' service officers.

Clarifies the Commission's authority to operate and administer multiple Delaware Veterans' Memorial Cemeteries and to establish the "Delaware Veterans Trust Fund" providing financial assistance or grants to veterans for medical, dental, housing, utility, and educational needs.

Makes technical corrections including changing references from "U.S. Veterans' Administration" to "Department of Veterans Affairs" and clarifying that the Executive Director or designee may attend Commission meetings.