HB 344: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 15 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

This Act clarifies and streamlines the disclosure and enforcement provisions of Delaware’s campaign finance laws. Among other things, this Act does the following: (1) Requires a political committee to submit written documentation of all loans provided to the committee and requires that proceeds of a loan are deposited into the committee’s account within 3 business days. (2) Prohibits candidates from charging interest on personal loans to a candidate committee. (3) Requires political committees to retain records for 5 years, rather than 3 years. (4) Requires the State Election Commissioner to provide the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust (within the DOJ) with a monthly list of alleged violations of campaign finance laws and further clarifies that the Division must investigate and prosecute violations of campaign finance laws. (5) Expands the 1-time extension permitted for filing tardy reports from 24 hours to 48 hours after the reporting deadline. (6) Requires the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust to submit an annual report of its activity to the Governor and the General Assembly. (7) Authorizes the Commissioner to create regulations relating to political committee audits. (8) Requires the Commissioner to create a mandatory biennial training program for candidates and treasurers. (9) Prohibits political committees from engaging in campaign finance activities 30 days after the issuance of a citation if the citation has not been resolved in that time.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. August 17, 2026Signed by Governor
2. July 1, 2026Passed By Senate. Votes: 16 YES 5 NO
3. June 30, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Finance) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits
4. June 25, 2026Assigned to Finance Committee in Senate
5. June 25, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 2 On Its Merits
6. June 11, 2026Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in Senate
7. June 11, 2026Passed By House. Votes: 24 YES 14 NO 1 NOT VOTING 2 ABSENT
8. June 11, 2026Amendment HA 1 to HB 344 - Passed In House by Voice Vote
9. June 10, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 4 On Its Merits
10. June 4, 2026Amendment HA 1 to HB 344 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
11. April 23, 2026Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House
12. April 22, 2026Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in House with 2 Favorable, 2 On Its Merits

Showing 12 most recent of 13 actions. Full history