Assembly panel looks at Heller's money-back proposal

Assemblywoman Marcia de Braga, D-Fallon, said Wednesday she was concerned that if Heller's office missed deadlines, then customers would be paid with public money.

But Assemblywoman Sandra Tiffany, R-Henderson, praised the proposal spelled out in AB437, saying, "It's about time government starts to serve taxpayers."

Heller wants to give money back to companies whose incorporation papers cannot be processed by his staff within a set time - probably five or seven days.

He attempted to start the money-back guarantee program in July, but the attorney general's office said the plan couldn't be implemented without legislative authorization. Heller wants $10,000 placed into a special fund to pay back companies whose incorporations take longer than the deadlines.

Instead of losing money, Heller expects the program will generate $1 million to $3 million in extra revenue because his office would gain a reputation for good service.

"Delaware gets as much in incorporation fees as we do from gaming," Heller said. "We are looking for a competitive edge over other states."

As far as he knows, the money-back guarantee would be the first offered by any state government.

Assemblyman Pat Hickey, R-Reno, joked that if the money-back guarantee plan takes off, then voters might want their money back when legislators don't work out.

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