CA AB2592

Requires cities and library districts withdrawing from county free library systems on or after January 1, 2012 to comply with specific requirements before contracting with private contractors to operate libraries with employed staff for cost savings.

Mandates clear demonstration that contracts will produce actual overall cost savings compared to current service costs, including all direct and indirect costs attributable to the function.

Prohibits contracts based solely on lower contractor pay rates and requires contractor wages meet industry standards without undercutting public employee pay rates.

Prevents contracts that cause existing employees to lose employment, seniority, wages, benefits, hours, or require involuntary transfers to new locations.

Requires competitive bidding processes, performance standards with audit provisions, contractor disclosure of charges and complaints, and contract terms not exceeding five years; exempts libraries funded solely by special taxes.