DE HB141

Requires all candidates for statewide office, the General Assembly, and elected county offices to obtain criminal history background checks from the State Bureau of Identification before becoming candidates.

Establishes the Commissioner of Elections as responsible for receiving background check results and determining whether candidates meet constitutional qualifications under Section 21 of Article II of the Delaware Constitution.

Sets specific timelines for background check requests (no earlier than 90 days before candidate filing deadline) and Commissioner determinations (by August 1 for primary candidates, September 20 for unaffiliated candidates, October 1 for party nominees, and 4 weeks before general election for write-in candidates).

Designates background check information as non-public records and allows candidates to reimburse background check fees as authorized campaign expenditures.

Takes effect on January 1 following enactment into law.