The 2026-27 Budget: California Competes Extension

Mar 18, 2026 - As a result, in undersubscribed years the judgment of program staff in determining which projects merit awards becomes especially important to the program ’s effectiveness. Recommendations Approve Extension of California Competes.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5162

Common Claims About Proposition 13

Sep 19, 2016 - In particular, if residential properties turn over more frequently than commercial and industrial pro perties, then Proposition  13 would be part of the reason homeowners pay a slightly higher share of property taxes today.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3497

The 2026-27 Budget: CDTFA’s Cannabis and Tobacco Programs

Feb 23, 2026 - Tobacco compliance has received less attention, but some data suggest that this also has become a significant problem under the flavor ban. From 2021 ‑22 to 2024 ‑25, tobacco tax revenues dropped 14  percent per year —much faster than the 2  percent historical average.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5132

The 2025-26 Budget: California’s Film Tax Credit

Feb 28, 2025 - Since 2010, California ’s share of employment has decreased from over 54  percent to 46  percent as of 2023, becoming particularly volatile over the last few years. Recent Disruptions Have Negatively Affected Filming Activity in California.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5000

Evaluation of a Tax Exemption for Zero-Emission Buses

Apr 15, 2024 - The main purposes of policies that pro mote ZEB adoption are to reduce GHGs and other air pollution. Requires Transit Agencies to Buy ZEBs. State statutes establish goals for reducing statewide GHG emission and direct the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to take regulatory actions to meet these goals.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4890

Overview of Diversity Efforts in the Film Tax Credit Program

May 1, 2025 - This channel would still result in Hollywood becoming more diverse and representative but would do so by concentrating more diverse productions in California rather than increasing diversity in the industry as a whole.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5036

Unclaimed Property: Rethinking the State’s Lost & Found Program [Publication Details]

Feb 10, 2015 - Because property not reunited with owners becomes state General Fund revenue, the unclaimed property law creates an incentive for the state to reunite less property with owners. We recommend performance measures, or targets, for the unclaimed property program that place a greater emphasis on reuniting more property with owners and offer 19 options for meeting that goal.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/3167

The 2025-26 Budget: Update on Implementation of New Firearm and Ammunition Tax

Feb 19, 2025 - Subject to Legislative Appropriation $50.0 CDE Program or activities (such as physical security improvements and school ‑based mental health services) addressing risk factors for gun violence affecting K ‑12 students. 3 15.0 JC Court ‑based firearm relinquishment grant program to facilitate removal of firearms and ammunition from individuals who become prohibited from owning or
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4970

Fixing Unemployment Insurance

Dec 2, 2024 - Loans Will Become a Permanent Feature of UI and a Major Ongoing Taxpayer Cost. The  state will need to borrow from the federal government in most years to make up the gap between UI benefits and contributions.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4943

A Key Interaction Between Sales Taxes and Other Taxes on Cannabis Retailers

Dec 17, 2019 - As a result, this interaction has become much more important, and we recommend that the Legislature make statutory changes to address it. Certain State and Local Taxes Apply to Cannabis Sales Tax. California ’s state and local governments levy a sales and use tax (hereafter, sales tax) on retail sales of tangible goods.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4124