DE SB21

Establishes an independent, nonpartisan Office of Inspector General to investigate fraud, waste, mismanagement, corruption, and abuse of governmental resources in state agencies.

Inspector General serves a 5-year term, selected by a 15-member Selection Panel that submits 3 candidates to the Governor, who nominates one for Senate confirmation; can only be removed for conviction of misbehavior in office or for cause with two-thirds legislative approval.

Grants Inspector General authority to investigate complaints, access state agency records, issue subpoenas, interview witnesses, and pursue civil actions on behalf of the state for violations of law or policy.

Requires Inspector General to issue public decisions on complaint investigations, maintain confidential investigative records (with limited exceptions for crime prevention and law enforcement referrals), and produce annual reports to Governor, Attorney General, and General Assembly.

Prohibits Inspector General from investigating employment disputes unless directly related to fraud or abuse; prohibits duplicating work of Auditor of Accounts, Attorney General, or State Public Integrity Commission; requires collaboration with other agencies through memoranda of understanding.