Senator Steven Choi (R-Irvine) announced today that two of his measures, Senate Bill 1126 and Senate Bill 935, have successfully passed the Assembly Committee on Local Government with bipartisan support.
SB 1126 increases government transparency by requiring local agencies, school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to post audited financial reports online in a prominent and easily accessible location. The measure ensures taxpayers can review how public funds are being managed without having to submit public records requests. The bill requires reports to be posted within 30 days and remain available online for at least three years.
SB 935 removes the 2031 sunset date on California's local agency design-build authority, allowing cities, counties, and other local entities to continue using a proven project delivery method that helps complete public works projects more efficiently and at lower cost. Studies have shown design-build projects are delivered faster and at a lower cost than traditional procurement methods.
"These bills reflect two fundamental responsibilities of government: transparency and efficiency," said Senator Choi. "Taxpayers deserve easy access to information about how their money is being spent, and local governments deserve reliable tools to deliver infrastructure projects on time and within budget. I am pleased to see both measures continue advancing through the legislative process."
SB 1126 is sponsored by the California Policy Center and seeks to modernize public access to financial information by establishing uniform online posting requirements for audited financial statements.
SB 935 is sponsored by the Design-Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region supported by local government and public works stakeholders who recognize the value of design-build contracting in accelerating project delivery and reducing costs for taxpayers. The bill permanently extends existing authority that would otherwise sunset on January 1, 2031.