Court OK’s Security Contract for Capitol

SACRAMENTO (CN) - The California Legislature did not violate the separation of powers doctrine when it approved a contract to improve security at the state capitol building, a California appeals court ruled.

The Zumbrun Law Firm sued on separation of powers grounds and also alleged that the contract improperly required an all-union work force. The trial court ruled in favor of the Legislature, and Justice Blease agreed.

The Legislature has the power to protect its own safety, Blease ruled, and "the Legislature is not bound by the competitive bidding requirements of the State Contract Act."

Blease also upheld the denial of the law firm's request for discovery documents, as they are exempt under the Legislative Open Records Act and the Constitution.

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