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

Feb 23, 2026 - Receiver ’s Plans to Address Three Key Areas Appear to Be Reasonable Starting Point for Moving the State Toward Compliance. The Receiver ’s action plan appears to be a reasonable start to begin moving the state in the direction of compliance.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137

The 2026-27 Budget: Judicial Branch

Feb 11, 2026 - The judicial branch estimates that an additional $71  million will now be necessary to complete the project due to various factors that were unidentified at the start of the project, including unanticipated asbestos remediation and the need to address new issues identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OFM).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5113

Addressing Chronic Vacancies in Prison Mental Health Care

Feb 23, 2026 - Indeed, CDCR has stated that tele ‑mental health positions have been easier to hire since it started expanding tele ‑mental health. Because providers delivering tele ‑mental health services do not have to be physically present at a prison, this means that some of the concerns that accompany being on ‑site are addressed.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5134