Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner's "first responders" bill is now law

August 11, 2026

Public safety-related legislation that Rep. Jones Giltner sponsored with Senator Brian Pettyjohn has been signed into law.

Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 234 creates in Delaware state law a definition of an emergency management “first responder.” Until now, the term was referenced in the state code, but not actually defined, creating potential uncertainty about who qualifies as a first responder in this context.

The new law defines a first responder as a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel member, hazardous materials response team member, 911 dispatcher, emergency manager, or other individual who is responsible for the protection and preservation of life or property and who is called on to respond to emergencies.

The bill was signed into law by Governor Meyer last month.