Legislation Reinforcing Good Government Practices Becomes Senator Padilla’s First Bill Signed into Law
SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, Senator Steve Padilla’s (D-San Diego) first piece of legislation to become law, which adds transparency in the public contracts process and removes barriers between government agencies and the public, was signed by Governor Newsom.
Public agencies often receive contracts from vendors that include language establishing that the contract itself, including price and terms of payment, is a confidential document forces the public entity to withhold from public at large. However, access to information concerning the conduct of public agencies is a fundamental and necessary right of all Californians. SB 790 clarifies current law to make abundantly clear that public contracts are a matter of public record and are to be shared with the taxpayers that fund the agencies.
“This is about trust. When companies stops agencies from sharing key information in public contracts, it erodes taxpayer trust in government,” said Senator Padilla. “This law will strike an important balance between ensuring access to information concerning the people's business, a fundamental and necessary right of every person in this state, and the protection of proprietary information, allowing the public to see their tax dollars are being used properly”
SB 790 explicitly states that price and terms of payment in public contracts for public goods are subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act, reinforcing good government practices and giving Californians another tool to hold their government accountable.
“The public has a right to know how public funds are being spent,” said Sharon Cooney, CEO of San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. “This bill will assist MTS and other public agencies when negotiating contracts by barring unduly broad confidentiality terms that would conflict with government transparency obligations.”
SB 790 was signed into law on Thursday and will go into effect on January 1st, 2024. This is Senator Padilla’s first piece of legislation to become state law.
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Steve Padilla represents the 18th Senate District, which includes the communities of Chula Vista, the Coachella Valley, Imperial Beach, the Imperial Valley, National City, and San Diego. Prior to his election to the Senate in 2022, Senator Padilla was the first person of color ever elected to city office in Chula Vista, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office. Website of Senator Steve Padilla: https://sd18.senate.ca.gov/