DelawareHB 344153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 15 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

Sponsored By: Eric Morrison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Campaign reporters get a longer extension

Beginning July 1, 2027, campaign report filers can receive a one-time automatic 48-hour filing extension, up from 24 hours. They must notify the State Election Commissioner in writing by 11:59 p.m. on the report’s due date. The extension is available only once.

Stronger oversight of Delaware campaign money

Beginning July 1, 2027, the State Election Commissioner can audit campaign reports and set audit rules. The Commissioner must send monthly reports listing alleged campaign finance violations under investigation or still unresolved to the enforcement Division. The Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust is responsible for investigating and prosecuting campaign finance violations. By December 31 each year, it must report newly started or ongoing prosecutions to the General Assembly and designated legislative officers. It can withhold confidential information that would interfere with ongoing matters; the law specifies no new funding amount for this work.

Campaign committees must keep records longer

For elections on or after July 1, 2029, Delaware campaign committees must keep contribution and spending records for 5 full years. Candidate committees count from the most recent election in which the candidate ran; political committees count from the election tied to the transactions. Records include bank statements, canceled checks, deposit tickets, receipts, and proof that spending was for the committee, not personal use. Candidate committees need not keep names and mailing addresses of people giving $100 or less during an election period. Records tied to elections before July 1, 2027, remain subject to the 3-full-year retention rule.

Candidates and treasurers face new duties

Beginning July 1, 2027, candidates must name a treasurer and report the treasurer’s contact information when forming a committee. Treasurer changes require written notice to the State Election Commissioner within 7 business days. Political committees must file an organization statement within 24 hours after contributions or spending exceed $500 during an election period. Filed under penalty of perjury, it lists the committee’s name, address, officers, treasurer, purpose, and candidates supported or opposed. Candidate details include name, office sought, and party; committees must also identify any applicable federal or out-of-state filing agency. Officer changes must be reported within 7 days. Candidates and treasurers must take Commissioner-provided campaign finance training every 2 years, with initial training due within 30 days after filing. Treasurers appointed later must train within 30 days of appointment; the Commissioner can adopt training rules.

Campaign loans face tighter money rules

Beginning July 1, 2027, political committees must document loans in writing and attach the records to required campaign reports. Records must show the lender’s name, address, signature, repayment schedule, and interest rate. Committees must deposit loan money into their designated account within 3 business days of receipt. They cannot hold it in a candidate’s personal account or another person’s account. Candidates cannot charge interest on loans to their own committees, saving committees interest costs but preventing candidates from earning that interest.

Late campaign reports bring penalties and relief

Beginning July 1, 2027, late campaign reports carry $50 daily penalties for up to 100 days, in addition to other sanctions. The reporting party owes the penalties, but the responsible committee can pay them. The Commissioner can offer payment plans, negotiate settlements, or waive penalties under $500 after late reports are corrected. Failure to file or correct reports and pay all fines within 30 days after a citation bars committee campaign-finance activity. The ban continues until reports are correctly filed and fines paid, and pauses during a valid appeal. Appeals are due within 30 days; hearings must occur within 45 days after filing, with findings within 10 business days afterward. A timely appeal also pauses penalties and training duties; the filer must show reasonable cause for the delay. A reasonable-cause finding lifts the ban; after an adverse decision, it continues until all reports are corrected and penalties paid. Unexcused penalties become state debt the Commissioner can collect; failures to file must be reported to the enforcement Division. The Attorney General can file charges.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Morrison
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Stephanie T. Bolden
Democratic • House
Daniel Cruce
Democratic • Senate
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Kerri Evelyn Harris
Democratic • House
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
Bryan Townsend
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 40 • No: 19

Senate vote • 7/1/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 16 • No: 5

House vote • 6/11/2026