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Bill

HB 344

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

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 5 co-sponsors

HB 344 updates Delaware campaign finance laws to strengthen disclosures, tighten reporting rules, and boost transparency of contributions and expenditures.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 16 YES 5 NO
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 344

Summary of HB 344 (Session 153, Delaware)

Basic information

  • Bill: HB 344
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware
  • Session: 153
  • Titles amended: Titles 15 and 29 of the Delaware Code
  • Topic: Campaign finance
  • Action history: Introduced and assigned to the Elections & Government Affairs Committee (House) on April 9, 2026
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary and co-sponsors include Mara Gorman, Darius Brown, Claire Snyder-Hall, Eric Morrison, Bryan Townsend

Purpose and intent

HB 344 is an amendment to existing campaign finance statutes in Titles 15 and 29 of the Delaware Code. While the text of the bill is not provided here, the title indicates a broad reform or updates to campaign finance laws. The goal of such bills typically includes increasing transparency, strengthening reporting requirements, closing loopholes, and aligning state law with evolving best practices for campaign finance oversight.

Key provisions and changes (anticipated categories)

Note: The following outlines common elements often addressed in campaign finance updates. The exact provisions of HB 344 would be stated in the bill’s text; the bullets below reflect typical actions such bills pursue and may require confirmation against the enacted language.

  • Disclosure and reporting requirements

    • Strengthened reporting for political committees, candidates, and organizations.
    • More frequent or timely filing deadlines (e.g., quarterly, monthly, or pre/post-election reports).
    • Expanded disclosures of contributions and expenditures, including source of funds and purpose of expenditures.
    • Public access enhancements to campaign finance data (e.g., online database, searchable records).

  • Contribution limits and prohibitions

    • Adjustments to monetary limits on contributions to candidates or committees.
    • Clarifications or exceptions for certain types of contributions (e.g., political action committees, independent expenditures).
    • Prohibitions or restrictions on contributions from particular entities (e.g., corporations, unions, or foreign-influenced money) if currently addressed by state law.

  • Independent expenditures and committees

    • Rules governing independent expenditure committees and spenders.
    • Requirements for disclosures of independent expenditures and political advertising.

  • Coordination rules

    • Definitions and rules for coordinated expenditures between candidates and committees.
    • Penalties for violations of coordination prohibitions.

  • Enforcement and penalties

    • Creation or enhancement of oversight mechanisms (e.g., a state elections commission role, audit authority).
    • Penalties for violations (fines, disgorgement of funds, loss of filing privileges).

  • Procurement and administrative reforms

    • Streamlining agency processes for campaign finance filings.
    • Clarifying authority of the elections commission or comparable body.

  • Electronic filing improvements

    • Mandates or expands the use of electronic filing and reporting.
    • Data standardization to improve searchability and accessibility.

  • Conflict of interest and related-party transactions

    • Provisions to address reporting of related-party contributions or transactions involving public officials.

Who is affected

  • Candidates and campaign committees: Primary direct impact through new or altered reporting duties, contribution limits, and disclosure requirements.
  • Political organizations and political action committees (PACs): Affected by new or clarified rules on contributions, independent expenditures, and reporting.
  • Lobbyists and affiliated entities: If expanded disclosure or reporting is included, lobbyists may face additional filing requirements.
  • State and local elections officials: Responsible for administering filings, maintaining public databases, and enforcing penalties.
  • General public and journalists: Greater access to campaign finance information through improved transparency and searchable data.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and committee assignment: HB 344 introduced and assigned to the Elections & Government Affairs Committee on April 9, 2026.
  • Next steps (typical):
    • Committee review, hearings, and potential amendments.
    • Floor votes in the House, followed by potential Senate consideration (if applicable in Delaware’s process for this subject).
    • If enacted, go to the Governor for signature or veto (subject to the usual Delaware legislative process and timelines).

Potential impact

  • Increased transparency and accountability in campaign financing.
  • Clearer rules around how money can be raised, spent, and disclosed.
  • Enhanced ability for the public and media to track political influence and spending.
  • Possible short-term administrative burden on filers and state election authorities due to expanded reporting requirements.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to the exact text of HB 344 once the bill’s provisions are available, or compare it to current Delaware campaign finance law to highlight specific changes.

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

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