Delaware’s campaign finance reporting system could get a makeover this year, while also potentially introducing more money into the state’s political races.
A bill combining two prior pieces of legislation would allow political parties to give House candidates an extra $2,000 per race over current law while increasing how much the parties can raise.
Under the proposal, people could donate up to $30,000 to a party during an election cycle – $10,000 more than currently allowed.
That effectively doubles the amount people in House races can raise versus their Senate colleagues who typically only run once every four years.
Sponsoring Rep. Earl Jaques (D-Glasgow) says it’s a fairness issue.
“We’re running twice the time the senate is running, so it all equals out when it gets down there," he said. "It’s not really an issue. I don’t think it’s a big problem.”
The bill also increases how often politicians have to file campaign finance reports each year. Right now, they only have to file disclosure forms eight and 30 days before an election and an end of the year report.
This proposal would better mirror federal reporting requirements, which appear quarterly.
“We thought that the more you did it people would be able to see it, be much more familiar with it and it would be much more transparent," Jaques said.
A House committee will hear the bill Wednesday afternoon.