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HB 478

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE AUDITOR OF ACCOUNTS AND BACKGROUND CHECKS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Cyndie Romer and 1 co-sponsor

HB 478 expands the Auditor of Accounts' authority and tightens background checks for staff, vendors, and related personnel.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 478

Bill overview

HB 478 (Session 153, Delaware) aims to amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code related to the Auditor of Accounts and background checks. The bill was introduced and assigned to the Administration Committee in the House on June 29, 2026. It has two co-sponsors: Dave Sokola and Cyndie Romer.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to modify provisions governing the Auditor of Accounts, potentially clarifying or expanding duties, authority, or procedures.
  • It also targets background check requirements, likely for individuals in positions connected to the Auditor of Accounts or related state offices, aiming to strengthen screening of personnel.

Key provisions and changes (as described by the title)

Note: The exact text of HB 478 is not provided here, but based on the title, the bill would address:
- Revisions to the statutory framework governing the Delaware Office of the Auditor of Accounts, which may include:
- Scope of audit authority
- Reporting or oversight responsibilities
- Appointment, qualifications, or terms of the Auditor or staff
- Administrative procedures and internal controls
- Background check enhancements, enforcement, or applicability, potentially affecting:
- State employees or contractors within the Auditor of Accounts or related offices
- Vendors, grantees, or service providers under state oversight
- Timeline and process for conducting background investigations (e.g., criminal history, employment verification)

Who would be affected

  • The Auditor of Accounts office and its personnel
  • State agencies or contracts that fall under the Auditor of Accounts’ audits or oversight
  • Individuals seeking employment or contracts with the Auditor of Accounts or related state offices who would be subject to enhanced background checks
  • Possibly vendors or grantees that interact with the Auditor’s office

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced and assigned to the Administration Committee in the House (as of 2026-06-29).
  • Next steps typically include committee hearings, potential amendments, and then floor consideration by the House, followed by potential Senate action and gubernatorial signature or veto.
  • If enacted, the effective date and any phase-in period would be specified in the bill’s text.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Strengthened integrity and personnel vetting through enhanced background checks.
  • Greater clarity or expansion of the Auditor of Accounts’ statutory powers and responsibilities.
  • Implications for hiring practices, vendor oversight, and internal controls within the Auditor’s office.
  • Administrative or budgetary implications if new duties or staff are required.

If you can provide the bill’s full text or specific sections, I can offer a more precise, section-by-section summary with exact provisions, amendments, and fiscal notes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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