DE HB261

Establishes the Office of Legislative Ethics within the General Assembly to investigate potential violations of Delaware law, regulations, and conflicts of interest by current and former members of the General Assembly

Creates a 5-member Board appointed by Senate and House leadership (President Pro Tempore, Minority Leaders, and Speaker) plus one member appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, with initial terms staggered between 2-4 years

Allows any member of the public to file complaints anonymously, with investigations initiated by 2 Board votes and referrals to legislative ethics committees requiring 4 votes

Requires legislative ethics committees to meet within 45 days of receiving a referral and dispose of matters within 120 days (with possible extensions up to 180 days total)

Extends whistleblower protections to public employees who report violations to the Office of Legislative Ethics and exempts the Office from Delaware's Freedom of Information Act public body requirements