California still hasn't released Baby2Baby diaper contract as lawmakers weigh longer public records delays
Summary
California has not yet released the contract it made with Baby2Baby, a nonprofit chosen to provide free diapers to new parents through a state program. Despite state laws that require public access to such contracts, the release has been delayed, while lawmakers consider a bill that could allow state agencies more time to respond to public records requests.Key Facts
- Governor Gavin Newsom announced a multimillion-dollar diaper contract with Baby2Baby more than two months ago.
- Baby2Baby is a nonprofit that already has ties to the Newsom administration and the First Partner.
- California has not released the contract or the competitive bidding records despite repeated requests and legal requirements.
- The Newsom administration took 24 days to decide if the records would be released and said it may take an additional 42 days to provide them.
- Assembly Bill 1821 is being considered in California to extend the time state agencies have to answer public records requests.
- The original version of AB 1821 also included proposals to allow agencies to sue over "malicious" requests and charge fees for records, but these were removed due to public opposition.
- Lawmakers argue that public agencies are facing an increase in broad records requests, which burdens their resources.
- Critics and transparency advocates oppose delaying public access to government information.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
