WILMINGTON — Today, Governor Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 4, creating a non‑partisan, independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The bill launches a new era in Delaware oversight and public accountability.

“By establishing an independent watchdog with the authority to audit, investigate, and recommend reforms, we’re reinforcing our commitment to fiscal responsibility, rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, and ensuring every dollar of taxpayer funding is used as intended,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This office will strengthen public trust by guaranteeing that Delaware’s government operates with the highest standards of integrity and transparency.”

Delaware joins the majority of U.S. states in establishing an independent Inspector General. The office will have broad authority to investigate allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and whistleblower retaliation within state agencies. While it will not have jurisdiction over lawmakers’ legislative functions, it will oversee the administrative operations of the General Assembly, where allowed by the Delaware Constitution.

The legislation was carried by bipartisan sponsors in both chambers.

“Establishing an independent Office of the Inspector General upholds the values of transparency, fairness, and integrity that must be the foundation of any democratic system,” said Sen. Laura Sturgeon, Prime Sponsor of SB 4. “With the signing of Senate Bill 4, we take a decisive step forward in creating a government rooted in public trust that works for everyone who calls Delaware home.”

“Now more than ever, it is critical that we as a state government are being transparent about our processes, and any of the issues that arise within them,” said Rep. Cyndie Romer, House Prime Sponsor of SB 4. “While we try our best to show Delawareans exactly how their tax dollars are being used, and encourage public participation in the legislative process, we can’t always reach everyone. And I’m certain the same goes for other government agencies within our state. By creating an independent, non-partisan Office of the Inspector General to investigate any waste, fraud, and mismanagement within the government, we are able to ensure that everyone in state government is held accountable, and that nothing falls through the cracks.”

“A responsible government is an accountable government. We must do all we can to ensure public officials and government agencies are held to the high standard that all Delawareans expect,” said Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn, a co-prime sponsor of SB 4. “Creating the Office of the Inspector General will do just that. Having an official and agency free from electoral politics to help keep the government in check is necessary and long overdue.”

The Inspector General will be selected through a nonpartisan process. A selection panel appointed by the Secretary of State will review candidates and recommend a short list to the Governor. From that list, the Governor will nominate one individual for Senate confirmation. Once appointed, the Inspector General will serve a five-year term, renewable upon review, with strict disqualification rules to ensure independence from political influence.

The office is designed to collaborate with existing oversight bodies such as the State Auditor, Attorney General, and Public Integrity Commission. It will also submit public annual reports outlining investigations, findings, and recommendations—helping Delaware identify systemic problems and implement cost-saving reforms. The office is expected to be operational in the coming year, with initial funding of approximately $1.5 million approved by the General Assembly.

For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor Meyer, please email govcomm@delaware.gov.

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