Addressing Chronic Vacancies in Prison Mental Health Care

Feb 23, 2026 - Depending on the findings of that analysis, the Receiver may propose pay increases, which would give the Legislature an opportunity to evaluate whether they are necessary at that time. Increasing Compensation Can Be a High ‑Cost Strategy.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5134

The 2026-27 Budget: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Feb 23, 2026 - This will provide an opportunity for the Legislature to reassess the department ’s vacancy rate and funding need in the future. If the Legislature directs CDCR to close an additional prison, as we recommend in the “Prison Closure ” section of this brief, it could be reasonable to approve this funding on a longer ‑term basis, such as for five years.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137