Delaware Senate passes legislation defining 'United States Military Pension' in code

DOVER - A bipartisan measure that would define “United States Military Pension” in Delaware Code passed the Delaware State Senate unanimously on Wednesday.

Sponsored by Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Camden, Senate Bill 329 would also add retired members of the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the commissioned corps of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) to the list of service members who are eligible for a tax exemption on their military pensions.

“Since being elected to the Delaware State Senate, I have had productive conversations with military members and veterans’ organizations about how we can best give back,” Sen. Buckson said. “Through these conversations, and also from discussions with (Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos, D-Elsmere) spawned SB 329.”

Current law states U.S. military veterans who receive a military pension are eligible to receive an exemption up to $12,500.

“It is my hope that we can eventually fully exempt military retirement pay from state income taxes, but I recognize we may not be in a position to do that just yet,” said Sen, Buckson. “I introduced Senate Bill 201 earlier this year that would increase the exemption to $25,000 beginning on January 1, 2026. This late in the legislative year, it does not appear SB 201 will make its way through the legislative process, but I do plan to reintroduce it in January when the new General Assembly convenes.”

Senate Bill 329 now awaits consideration in the House of Representatives.

Senator Eric Buckson represents the 16th Senate District.