AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REVIEW OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES.
Summary
HB 292 amends Delaware election law to require the Department of Elections to review campaign contribution and expenditure reports within 60 days of filing. After a report is filed, the Department must post it on its website as “Submitted but Not Reviewed” until the review is completed. If the Department finds no violations, the report is marked “Reviewed and Final.” If violations are found, the Department must work with the candidate to correct them, and the report is updated to “Reviewed and Final” once an amended, compliant report is filed.
The bill applies to reports submitted after March 1, 2026. Its practical effect is to create a formal public status system for campaign finance reports and to impose a review deadline on the Department, while preserving a correction process for candidates whose filings contain errors or violations.
Impact
HB 292 would amend Chapter 80 of Title 15 of the Delaware Code, specifically the section governing review of campaign contribution and expenditure reports. It adds a mandatory 60-day review period, requires public website labeling of report status, and directs the Department of Elections to work with filers to cure violations before finalizing reports. The bill affects political candidates, political committees, and the Department of Elections by changing how campaign finance disclosures are processed, displayed, and corrected.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, vote tally, or recorded opposition, so there is no documented debate to indicate strong support or resistance. Based on the bill text, the measure appears administrative and compliance-focused rather than partisan, suggesting a generally procedural or reform-oriented purpose. The sponsor list is broad and bipartisan, which may indicate at least some cross-party interest in improving transparency and report review procedures.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the balance between faster public disclosure and the administrative burden on the Department of Elections. Requiring review within 60 days and public status labeling could raise concerns about staffing, workload, and whether the Department can meet the deadline consistently. Another possible issue is the correction process: some may view the “Submitted but Not Reviewed” designation as useful transparency, while others may worry it could imply wrongdoing before review is complete. No specific objections are documented in the provided materials.