Four Democratic representatives in Delaware’s House say that former caucus leaders required several staffers to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) over the past year, without providing them copies.
These representatives, speaking anonymously, said they only found out about the NDAs while voting on new leadership. During the session, some members raised concerns, questioning the legality of the NDAs.
As the former House Majority Whip, Kerri Evelyn Harris defended the NDAs, claiming they were intended to protect constituent confidentiality.
However, representatives were skeptical, especially since only some staff were asked to sign without copies for their own records. The exact number of NDAs signed and their purpose remains unclear.
New House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown has pledged not to require NDAs and plans to investigate past use.
A spokesperson emphasized the importance of handling sensitive information discreetly but clarified that requiring NDAs is not policy.
The spokesperson also explained that Harris might have thought the discussion was about a confidentiality clause in the employee handbook.
The Delaware Department of Justice and ACLU have been informed, with the DOJ confirming it received a complaint on November 8. When the legislature reconvenes in January, it will include new leadership, six new House members, and two open Senate seats.