Committee advances bill to define ‘first responder’ in emergency code

The House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee voted to release Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 234, which adds an explicit definition of “first responder” and a definition for “law enforcement officer” into Delaware’s emergency-management code.

The substitute, presented by a committee sponsor, says the definition covers “law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, hazardous materials teams, 9‑1‑1 dispatchers, emergency managers, and others responsible for protecting life or property in emergencies,” and adds a statutory definition for law enforcement officers and minor technical corrections. The sponsor told the committee there is “no fiscal impact, no policy change,” and that the Department of Homeland Security and police chiefs support the measure.

Members pressed for clarity about whether constables, privately contracted school security, and certain federal employees would be included. Committee staff pointed lawmakers to existing cross-references in state code (title citations read into the record) and the presenter read an inclusive list that explicitly named police officers, attorney general deputies, sheriffs and regular deputies, agents of the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, correctional officers, state and municipal fire marshals with Delaware Police Academy credentials, environmental protection officers, DNREC enforcement agents, and constables.

There were no in-room or virtual public comments on the substitute. Following brief discussion the committee moved to release the substitute to the House; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call.

Next steps: the bill will be posted as having been reported out of committee and proceed according to the chamber’s calendar.