The 2026-27 Budget: California Highway Patrol Proposals

Mar 6, 2026 - In our view, abiding by this historical principle is ideal and appropriate whenever possible. While the MVA is facing out-year shortfalls, it has sufficient funding to accommodate the two proposed minor capital outlay proposals in 2026-27.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5152

The 2026-27 Budget: Contract to Achieve Operational Efficiencies

Mar 10, 2026 - View Unallocated Savings Proposals Skeptically. Seeking efficiencies in state government processes and in the budget are laudable goals that should be encouraged. That being said, the recent examples of Control Section 4.05, Control Section 4.12, and the current BCG-focused effort have demonstrated that predicting the level of savings from such activities is difficult.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5156

The 2026-27 Budget: Office of Emergency Services Next Generation 911 System

Feb 27, 2026 - Although the underlying technologies that enabled the legacy 911 system stayed (relatively) constant for a period, the advent and diffusion of IP ‑based technologies invite a more dynamic view. In other words, at least theoretically, an IP ‑enabled 911 system has the technological capacity to incorporate new and innovative features, applications, data, software, and hardware.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5145

The 2025-26 Budget: CDTFA’s Tobacco Programs

Feb 14, 2025 - Due to some novel features of the penalties, the administration views the revenues as highly uncertain and has not presented a revenue estimate. Proposal Sets Up Decision Next Year. The Cigarette and Tobacco Products Compliance Fund had a $2  million surplus in 2023-24 and entered 2024-25 with a $12  million balance.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4966

The 2023-24 Budget: Overview of the Governor's Budget

Jan 13, 2023 - (That is, in our view, these costs would not have occurred absent legislative action and as a result do not contribute to the budget problem the Legislature faces today.) Comparison to LAO November Outlook.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4662

The 2025-26 Budget: Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

Mar 18, 2025 - However, we recommend viewing grants as a supplement to the California Competes tax credit rather than a core part of the program. Given the state ’s current and projected future budget condition, we recommend the Legislature consider the priority of enhancing a seemingly well-functioning program relative to other budget items.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5018

The 2025-26 Budget: Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement

Mar 11, 2025 - Some view the College Corps program as having the benefit of providing financial aid to undocumented students, who are ineligible for federal financial aid. However, as discussed in the “Background ” section, undocumented students have the opportunity to participate in the DSIG program.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5015

The 2022-23 Budget: Secretary of State Request to Waive Business Filing Fees

Feb 7, 2022 - Because we do not view the business filing fees to be a barrier for new businesses, we recommend that the Legislature reject the proposal —freeing up the funding for other legislative priorities. If the Legislature chooses to approve the proposal, we recommend amendments to budget bill language to clarify legislative intent.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4516

Improving Legislative Oversight of Emergency Authorities

Apr 10, 2025 - In this report, we describe how the Legislature has delegated some of its core powers to allow the Governor to exercise emergency authorities during a state of emergency. Next, we assess the degree to which this is necessary to facilitate emergency response and whether there are adequate oversight mechanisms in place.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5029

The 2023-24 Budget: California Volunteers Proposed Program Expansions

Mar 1, 2023 - In our view, given this program has only just begun on a limited ‑term basis and its effectiveness and outcomes are therefore still uncertain, this proposal does not meet that higher  bar. Proposed Reversion of Summer 2023 Funding Reasonable Given Budget Shortfall.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4723