Delaware bill targets hidden free trips by lawmakers after Taiwan scandal
A new bill in Delaware aims to tighten rules on reporting free trips taken by lawmakers and officials. The proposal comes after several politicians failed to disclose overseas travel, including visits to Taiwan. State Rep. Jeffrey Spiegelman, who drafted the legislation, admitted he had not reported two of his own trips to the island.
Critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency, particularly after some lawmakers claimed they were told the trips did not need to be declared—yet provided no proof to back this up.
The bill would create a new disclosure category for travel expenses exceeding $500. This includes costs for flights, hotels, meals, and entertainment paid for by any person or organisation, except the state of Delaware. Currently, state law requires officials to report gifts worth at least $250 in their annual financial statements.
The push for clearer rules follows multiple lawmakers omitting free trips to Taiwan from their disclosures. Spiegelman, who did not initially report his own travel, said the goal is to remove confusion around financial reporting. The proposal would also cover trips taken by Attorney General Kathy Jennings to resorts in South Africa, Colorado, and Arizona, funded by the nonprofit Attorney General Alliance. Transparency advocates have criticised the lack of openness, especially after some officials claimed they were advised the trips did not need to be reported. However, no written guidance or documentation has been produced to support these assertions.
If passed, the bill would force lawmakers and officials to declare all significant travel benefits. The change seeks to close loopholes and ensure compliance with existing financial disclosure laws. Failure to report such trips in the future could result in penalties under the updated rules.
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