BILL NUMBER: AB 566 VETOED DATE: 10/13/2013 To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 566 without my signature. I agree with the author that decisions to change the way court services are provided should be carefully evaluated to ensure they are both fair and cost-effective. However, this measure goes too far. It requires California's courts to meet overly detailed and ? in some cases ? nearly impossible requirements when entering into or renewing certain contracts. Other provisions are unclear and will lead to confusion about what services may or may not be subject to this measure. The courts, like many of our governmental agencies, are under tremendous funding pressure and face the challenge of doing their work at a lower cost. I am unwilling to restrict the flexibility of our courts, as specified in this bill, as they face these challenges. Sincerely, Edmund G. Brown Jr.