Bill > SB4

This bill establishes an independent and nonpartisan Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in Delaware, creating a new state agency dedicated to investigating and preventing fraud, waste, mismanagement, corruption, and abuse of governmental resources. The bill defines the OIG's purpose as protecting public interests, enhancing government transparency, and holding state agencies and individuals accountable to legal and ethical standards. The Inspector General will be appointed through a comprehensive selection process involving a diverse panel that includes state officials, law enforcement representatives, and public advocacy groups. The OIG will have broad investigative powers, including the ability to access state agency records, issue subpoenas, and conduct impartial investigations into potential governmental misconduct. The Inspector General will serve a five-year term, can be reappointed, and can only be removed for specific causes like conviction of a crime or violating the State Employees' Code of Conduct. The bill mandates that the OIG maintain confidentiality of investigations, protect whistleblowers, collaborate with other state agencies, and publish an annual report detailing its activities and findings. Additionally, the legislation requires a comprehensive review of the OIG's effectiveness by the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee in 2032 to assess its performance and potential improvements.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141724