Senate clears FY2026 mini‑bond bill reallocating capital funds for veterans, corrections and port study
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Summary
House Bill 270, the FY2026 “mini” bond bill, was lifted from the table and passed by the Senate. The measure redirects existing capital funds — including $7 million for veterans cemeteries, HVAC work at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, a DNREC exhibit at the Brandywine Zoo and a study related to the Edgemoor Port Terminal — and does not authorize new state appropriations.
The Delaware Senate on Jan. 29 passed House Bill 270, a fiscal‑year 2026 “mini” bond bill that redirects and clarifies allocations within the current capital budget without authorizing new state spending.
Senator Walsh, the floor sponsor, told colleagues the measure reallocates $7 million to expand veterans’ cemetery infrastructure in the Bair and Millsboro cemeteries and authorizes cemetery niches and field vault expansions. The bill also allows DNREC funds to be used for a new mixed‑species exhibit at the Brandywine Zoo, redirects Department of Corrections funds for HVAC upgrades at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, and authorizes a study by the Diamond State Port Corporation — in consultation with DelDOT — to evaluate truck routing for the new Edgemoor Port Terminal.
The sponsor said the bill “does not authorize any new state funding” but clarifies residual and restricted uses consistent with current capital projects. After floor discussion, the Senate recorded a roll call vote of 21 yes; the bill was declared passed.
Next steps: As a House bill passed by the Senate, HB270 returns to the engrossment/processing steps; projects described will be implemented through the responsible agencies and boards according to existing administrative processes.