Committee hears bill to publish Public Integrity Commission reports online

Senator Sekola told the Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee that House Substitute 2 for HB155 would require the Public Integrity Commission to post its reports online, create a specific category for travel expenses over $250, and eliminate a redundant Freedom of Information Act request step so Delawareans can access official disclosures more easily.

The sponsor said the change would take effect on Jan. 1 after enactment and was developed in consultation with the Public Integrity Commission. “It increased transparency by making Public Integrity Commission reports available on the commission's website,” Sekola said. He added the substitute would “require that coverage of travel expenses in excess of $250, including reimbursement, be reported,” and would mirror publicly available lobbying data to simplify searches.

Sekola cited National Conference of State Legislatures research showing a range of access models across states and noted Delaware had been among the few requiring FOIA requests for certain reports. Senator Richardson asked to be added as a cosponsor. No committee vote was recorded at the hearing; the item proceeded to public comment registration but produced no further formal action during the session.