Bill > SB994

This bill prohibits local agency officials—such as elected leaders, appointed board members, and local government employees acting in an official capacity—from entering into or requesting nondisclosure agreements (legally binding confidentiality contracts) regarding public business that would prevent them from sharing information with their fellow council, board, or commission members, or with the governing bodies and officials they serve. Under the bill, any such confidentiality agreements entered into on or after January 1, 2027, will be automatically considered legally void and unenforceable. Furthermore, if a local agency official violates these rules—including officials who bound themselves to such agreements prior to January 1, 2027—they are required to publicly disclose that the agreement exists and must completely recuse themselves from voting, deliberating, or attempting to influence any decisions related to the subject matter of the agreement. The legislation includes specific exemptions, such as for agreements explicitly authorized by a vote of the local agency's governing body, situations where an official has a legally adverse interest to their agency, or matters protected by attorney-client privilege.