California Senate Bill SB554

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/21
• Refer: 3/3/21
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Cities and counties: publications at public expense: distribution.

Impact

The new mandate for local agencies is intended to enhance the availability of published materials for public reference. By ensuring that a greater number of copies are distributed, the bill seeks to promote transparency and accountability within local governments. However, it also imposes an additional burden on local agencies to comply with these new requirements, potentially increasing operational costs associated with printing and distribution.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 554, introduced by Senator Archuleta on February 18, 2021, aims to amend Section 50110 of the Government Code concerning local government responsibilities regarding public expense publications. The key provision of this bill increases the number of printed publications that local agencies must furnish to clerks from three to five copies. This requirement extends to all forms of issued printed, mimeographed, or processed materials, including books, pamphlets, reports, and bulletins.

Contention

While many stakeholders may support the objectives of promoting transparency, there is concern regarding the feasibility of the added requirements. Opponents may argue that increasing the number of required copies places an unnecessary administrative burden on local agencies, especially considering that state law mandates reimbursement only if the Commission on State Mandates identifies costs associated with the implementation of the bill. This condition has prompted discussions on whether the funding mechanisms are adequate to support local agencies without straining their already limited budgets.