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

Feb 23, 2026 - For various reasons, including that current CDCR compensation appears to meet or exceed market rates and factors outside of compensation likely play a major role in the state ’s ability to staff mental health positions, we do not find across ‑the ‑board compensation increases to be a cost ‑effective strategy, though more targeted increases could be appropriate.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137

Assessing the Provision of Criminal Indigent Defense

Sep 22, 2022 - Similar spending levels between prosecutors and indigent defense could indicate that there is a level playing field which ensures that both sides have the ability to explore all evidence as well as prosecution/defense arguments.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4623