Delaware General Assembly
Press Advisory:
For immediate release
May 11, 2022
Contact:
Representative John Kowalko
302-547-9351
Representative Michael Smith
302-290-7726
Lawmakers file bipartisan legislation to create an independent Office of the Inspector General
HB 405 would enhance accountability, ensure good government, and create a repository for complaints and investigations of potential fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption.
DOVER – Rep. Kowalko (D-Newark) and Rep. Michael Smith (R-Pike Creek) have joined together as prime sponsors of HB 405 creating an Office of Inspector General that would investigate the management and operation of State agencies to determine if there has been waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, corruption or other conduct harmful to the public interest. The Inspector General will also provide reports to the Governor, Attorney General, and General Assembly.
Rep. Kowalko said, “Recent circumstances highlight the need to have an independent office that could investigate complaints of waste, fraud, and abuse and offer confidentiality and protection for those who step forward to lodge a complaint or an accusation.” He also stated, “I’m extremely proud of the bipartisan effort that has allowed us to move forward on behalf of the public’s interest. It will help grow the public’s confidence in our State government.”
Rep. Smith agreed, stating, “Good government and transparency are at the heart of the public’s interest. Those are not partisan ideals so I’m glad to be joining efforts with Rep. Kowalko and thank him for his partnership to support a more efficient, effective, open and transparent government and to make our state government more accountable to every constituent up and down the state.”
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