Delaware General Assembly Passes Bills to Strengthen Dual Employment Reporting
In a proactive step to curb double-dipping in state employment, the Delaware General Assembly has passed two bills mandating stricter dual employment reporting requirements. This move follows a recent audit from the State Auditor’s Office, the first since 2017, which uncovered instances where state employees, primarily legislators also serving as part-time instructors at Delaware’s higher education institutions, may have been receiving tax-funded pay for overlapping work hours.
State Senator Trey Paradee (D-Dover) highlighted the necessity of these bills, stating, “They should have been doing that already.” The first bill mandates that individuals disclose their dual employment to the Public Integrity Commission, ensuring adherence to existing laws that prohibit payment for overlapping work hours.
The second bill specifically targets public higher education institutions, which have historically been resistant to these regulations. Notably, the University of Delaware previously asserted that it is not subject to dual employment laws, a claim the audit contested. With the new legislation, the University and other state-funded institutions will now be required to track dual employment.
Violations of this act could result in significant penalties, with a $10,000 fine for first offenses and escalating to $50,000 for subsequent violations within five years, as emphasized by Sen. Paradee.
The dual employment bills await the signature of Governor Matt Meyer, signaling a commitment to transparency and accountability in public service roles in Delaware. These legislative changes are expected to improve oversight and prevent misuse of state resources, safeguarding the integrity of the state workforce.
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