Bill > HB174

This bill, known as the "Elizabeth Barnes Act," amends Title 11 of the Delaware Code to establish a new program providing assistance to families and dependents of individuals who have died by suicide, similar to the support offered to victims of crimes. It creates a dedicated "Suicide Victims’ Assistance Fund" administered by the Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program (Agency) to help eligible family members, defined as spouses, children, parents, siblings, or legal dependents, with expenses such as mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs, temporary housing, moving expenses, suicide scene cleanup, lost wages for caregivers, and loss of support, with specific monetary limits for each category. The bill also outlines reporting requirements for the Agency, ensures that existing program rules generally apply, and sets an annual expenditure cap of $750,000 for the fund, with provisions for proportional reductions in benefits if the cap is approached or exceeded, and mandates a review of this cap every two fiscal years starting in Fiscal Year 2028. This Act takes effect on July 1 following its enactment and appropriation of funds, and benefits are available for suicides occurring on or after the enactment date.