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

Feb 23, 2026 - LAO Recommendations Approach Proposals as Pieces of a Bigger Policy Puzzle. Cannabis and tobacco compliance present an ongoing policy challenge for the Legislature. Accordingly, we recommend that the Legislature approach the Governor ’s proposals not as one ‑time workload adjustments, but as components of a broader, more sustained effort to address these policy challenges.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5132

The 2026-27 Budget: California Competes Extension

Mar 18, 2026 - One study used detailed administrative data on applicants and awards to show that tax credit-supported project s are associated with positive employment effects in surrounding areas, consistent with net job creation rather than displacing other existing economic activity.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5162

The 2026-27 Budget: State Mandate—Disclosure Requirements and Deferral of Property Taxation

Feb 19, 2026 - In particular, state law directs our office to report on the annual state costs for new mandates and make recommendations to the Legislature as to whether the new mandates should be (1)  repealed (permanently eliminating it or making it optional), (2)  suspended (rendering it inoperative for one year), (3)  modified, or (4)  funded.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5130