Section 8721 - Delaware commission of veterans' affairs - duties and responsibilities(b)(1) The Commission shall hire and employ an Executive Director, administrative support staff, and other personnel necessary to perform the duties prescribed by the Commission. The Executive Director shall be exempt from Chapter 59 of this title and must be a veteran as defined in § 8720(c) of this title. All employees of the Commission in supervisory positions must be veterans as defined in § 8720(c) of this title.(2) The Executive Director is authorized to use the designation "Delaware Office of Veterans' Services" when promoting, performing, or furthering the work of the Commission.(3) The Executive Director and staff shall report to the Secretary of State on all administrative matters and shall report to the Commission on all substantive matters.(4) The Commission hiring policy shall prioritize qualified veterans to career ladder and casual/seasonal positions when possible.(c) The Commission shall have the power of oversight in the administration of the Delaware State Veterans' Home and shall have the authority to promulgate such rules, regulations and policy as is necessary to the operation of a veterans' home provided, however, such rules, regulations and policy are not inconsistent with the other provisions of this chapter.(d) The Commission shall have the power to operate and administer Delaware Veterans' Memorial Cemeteries in the State and shall have the authority to promulgate such rules and regulations governing the operation of cemeteries as it deems necessary; provided, however, such rules and regulations are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.(e) The Commission shall establish a repository for veterans' "Statement of Service" or similar documentary verification of active armed service.(f) The Commission shall establish and administer the "Delaware Veterans Trust Fund" which will provide financial assistance or grants to veterans with a minimum discharge of general discharge under honorable conditions to cover costs associated with medical and dental needs; medical transportation; homelessness support; home repairs and safety modifications; household utilities; and educational or retraining programs.(g) The Commission shall represent the State in concert with other states' veterans' agencies and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on matters of mutual interest and concern.(h) The Commission shall coordinate with and advise all departments and agencies of the State on all matters pertaining to education, training, employment, medical and financial benefit programs for veterans, their dependents, and survivors.(i) The Commission shall initiate, review, and sponsor state legislation pertaining to veterans.(j) The Commission and its Executive Director shall augment, not replace nor infringe upon, the functions of the service officers of veterans' organizations. The Commission may accredit claims representatives in each county. Commission-accredited claims representatives are accountable to the Commission.(k) The Commission shall submit to the Governor and to the General Assembly an annual report of the Commission's activities and recommendations.Amended by Laws 2023, ch. 320,s 1, eff. 7/29/2024.Amended by Laws 2021 , ch. 37, s 37, eff. 6/3/2021.Amended by Laws 2019 , ch. 70, s 1, eff. 6/26/2019.Amended by Laws 2019 , ch. 18, s 1, eff. 1/1/2020.Amended by Laws 2013 , ch. 183, s 1, eff. 9/17/2013.65 Del. Laws, c. 232, §1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 42, §§1, 2; 69 Del. Laws, c. 225, §1; 69 Del. Laws, c. 228, §3; 70 Del. Laws, c. 358, §§ 1, 2; 75 Del. Laws, c. 288, § 1.;