DelawareSB 4 w/ SA 1, SA 2, SA 3153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.

Sponsored By: Laura V. Sturgeon (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Funding and staffing for Inspector General

The General Assembly must fund the office so it can operate independently. The IG hires a Deputy, investigators, and other qualified staff. Investigators must earn Association of Inspectors General certification within three years. The office can hire outside experts and legal counsel. It is exempt from some state rules on legal representation and Auditor selection rules so it can use its own specialists.

IG works with others and reports yearly

The Inspector General must coordinate with the Attorney General, Auditor, and other agencies to avoid duplicate work and speed reviews. They share procedures and information to improve investigations. Each year by March 1, the IG publishes an annual report on its website and sends it to top state officials. The report lists complaints received, investigations started and finished, key findings, and unresolved recommendations.

Panel-led process to pick Inspector General

The law takes effect immediately. The Secretary of State must convene a Selection Panel at least 90 days before a term ends, and within 60 days after enactment. The Panel sends three qualified names to the Governor. The Governor picks one, and the Senate confirms. The Panel includes the Attorney General (chair), lawmakers, civic leaders, and public members, follows public meeting rules, and must have a quorum to act.

Strong independence rules for Inspector General

The Inspector General serves a five‑year term and can be reappointed, with six months’ notice before the term ends. A person must wait three years after holding certain top state jobs before they can be nominated. Removal requires a conviction for misbehavior or, for other cause, a Governor’s recommendation plus a two‑thirds vote of each house. The IG must resign before running for public office. If both the IG and Deputy posts are vacant, the Governor may appoint an acting IG.

State Inspector General to fight waste

The law creates an independent Inspector General to investigate fraud, waste, mismanagement, and corruption in state agencies. Anyone can file a complaint for free, and the office keeps a toll‑free number, website, email, and mailing address. The Inspector General may decline cases but must tell the complainant why. The office can demand records with a written request, and agencies must respond within 5 business days. It can subpoena witnesses and documents and bring civil cases for the State. Investigative records stay confidential, with limited exceptions to stop serious harm, report crimes, do official duties, or follow a court order. The office does not handle routine job disputes unless they involve fraud, waste, or abuse of government resources.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Laura V. Sturgeon
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Frank Burns
Democratic • House
Timothy D. Dukes
Republican • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Kamela T Smith
Democratic • House
Larry Lambert
Democratic • House
Dave G. Lawson
Republican • Senate
S. Elizabeth Lockman
Democratic • Senate
Eric Morrison
Democratic • House
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Sophie Phillips
Democratic • House
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
Bryant L. Richardson
Republican • Senate
Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House
Melanie Ross Levin
Democratic • House
Ray Seigfried
Democratic • Senate
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
Bryan Townsend
Democratic • Senate
Madinah Wilson-Anton
Democratic • House
Lyndon D. Yearick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 50 • No: 1

House vote • 7/1/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 30 • No: 1

Senate vote • 5/22/2025