Delaware — A new bill introduced in the Delaware General Assembly aims to provide both financial and emotional support to families who have lost a loved one to suicide. House Bill 174, sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison and co-sponsored by Sen. Russ Huxtable, would create a state fund designed to assist families with funeral expenses, mental health counseling, temporary housing, and lost wages. The bill mirrors the existing Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP), which supports families affected by violent crimes. Under current law, families of suicide victims are ineligible for VCAP benefits because suicide is not classified as a crime. HB 174 seeks to establish a separate fund using the same infrastructure as VCAP, ensuring these families receive the help they need during a challenging time. The bill is named the “Elizabeth Barnes Act” in memory of a Delaware mother who tragically died by suicide. The proposed program would be funded through a $0.12 monthly surcharge on telecommunications bills, totaling $1.44 per year per line, a model similar to the one used to fund the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 49,000 people in the U.S. died by suicide in 2022, including 130 in Delaware. House Bill 174 could provide essential support to grieving families, helping them cover immediate expenses and find emotional support as they cope with their loss.
