Bill
AB 2223
AB 2223 requires CDCR to disclose detailed contract info for services traditionally done by civil service workers and report annually to the Legislature to boost transparency and a
Purpose and intent
- The bill adds a framework for transparency around contracts CDCR enters into or renews that cover services traditionally performed by civil service employees.
- It aims to promote fiscal accountability, workforce planning, and compliance with civil service principles by disclosing contract details and periodically reporting them to the Legislature.
Key provisions
1) New Penal Code requirement for disclosures (added Section 5036)
- Applies to each new contract or contract renewal entered into by CDCR on or after January 1, 2027.
- Scope: contracts for services that are customarily and historically performed by civil service employees (e.g., medical, mental health, custody, rehabilitative services).
2) Information to be disclosed (subdivision (b))
CDCR must disclose, for each qualifying contract:
- Description of the services, including the job title or function of contracted workers.
- Whether the contractor has been liable for any labor law violations in the previous five years (with a description of those violations).
- Job title and classification used by the contractor for contracted workers.
- Minimum qualifications and professional credentials required (licensure, certification, education, experience).
- Corresponding state civil service classification(s) that perform similar work.
- Bargaining unit(s) representing the corresponding civil service classifications.
- Number of contracted workers, by classification.
- Total hours expected to be worked by contracted workers.
- Full-time equivalent (FTE) value of the contracted labor.
- Hourly rates paid to contracted workers.
- Total contract value (annual amount and cumulative amount over the contract’s life).
- Administrative fees, vendor fees, or overhead charges.
- Any emergency, premium, or expedited rates (e.g., last-minute staffing).
- Duration of the contract (original term and any renewal/extension options).
3) Disclosure to bargaining representatives (subdivision (c))
- The required disclosure must be provided to the exclusive bargaining representative(s) of the affected bargaining unit at the time the contract is entered into or renewed.
4) Annual reporting to the Legislature (subdivision (d))
- Beginning March 1, 2028, and annually thereafter on or before March 1, CDCR must prepare and submit a legislative report containing the information described above for all contracts in effect during the prior calendar year.
- The annual report must comply with the Government Code § 9795 (i.e., standard state reporting format and procedures).
Supporting context and findings
- The Legislature finds that CDCR employs civil service workers in critical functions and has increasingly relied on contracts for services historically performed by state employees.
- The bill emphasizes transparency in cost, scope, and duration of such contracts to support fiscal accountability and appropriate workforce planning.
Scope and governance
- No new appropriations are attached to AB 2223 (explicitly stated as non-appropriations).
- The bill does not alter contract authority itself but enhances disclosure, bargaining unit involvement, and annual reporting.
Timeline highlights
- January 1, 2027: New contracts or renewals for covered services begin triggering disclosure requirements.
- March 1, 2028: First annual legislative report due, with subsequent annual reports each March 1.
Impact and who is affected
- CDCR: Responsible for compiling detailed contract disclosures and annual reports; must notify bargaining units at the time of contracting or renewal.
- Affected bargaining units: Represented civil service classifications overlapping contracted work.
- Legislature and public: Access to standardized, comprehensive information on contracts substituting civil service work, improving oversight and accountability.
Overall, AB 2223 seeks to standardize and illuminate the use of external contracts by CDCR for services traditionally performed by state employees, enhancing transparency for lawmakers, bargaining representatives, and the public.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
