The 2026-27 Budget [Publication Details]

Jan 1, 2026 - As we release publications aimed at addressing the 2026-27 budget situation, we will add them to this index page.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5107

The 2026-27 Budget: California Competes Extension

Mar 18, 2026 - In years where the program is fully subscribed, there is an opportunity cost associated with an agreement that is not fulfilled. Namely, those tax credits could have been awarded to another applicant who would have been more likely to achieve their milestones.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5162

Addressing Chronic Vacancies in Prison Mental Health Care

Feb 23, 2026 - By continuing to place people with mental health needs at hard ‑to ‑staff prisons, CDCR must recruit mental health staff where few are available or willing to work, contributing to chronic vacancies.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5134

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

Feb 23, 2026 - For example, CDCR can recruit tele ‑mental health staff from areas of the state where it is easier to recruit due to the availability of providers —such as the Bay Area —and have them serve at remote prisons where such providers are more scarce —such as North Kern State Prison in Delano.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137

The 2026-27 Budget: Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) Program

Mar 3, 2026 - This includes 12 counties (where 28.6  percent of SSI/SSP recipients live) where the maximum SSI/SSP grant for couples is less than the FMR for an efficiency unit. Subscribe | California State Legislature | Online Voter Registration | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Legislative Analyst's Office | The California Legislature's Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor 925 L Street, Suite 1000 Sacramento, CA 95814 | (916) 445-4656
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5148

The 2026-27 Budget: Re-Envisioning State Education Governance

Mar 18, 2026 - Governance becomes even more blurred in areas where the SPI shares authority with one of the smaller agencies. As Policy Analysis for California Education explained in 2025, “this fragmented, disjointed structure reflects the complexity of California ’s TK ‑12 system, where multiple entities operate independently, often with overlapping responsibilities. ” Muddled Direction to Schools.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5165

The 2026-27 Budget: Department of Developmental Services

Mar 13, 2026 - Where relevant, this section notes where there are potential levers available if the Legislature wishes to adjust spending. The Legislature could have greater insight into these spending drivers, as well as potential spending adjustments, if the department were to provide richer data.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5157

The 2026-27 Budget: California Education Learning Lab

Mar 25, 2026 - A few of these existing opportunities are: UC faculty have access to teaching and learning centers where they receive support related to course redesign and creating more inclusive pedagogy to improve student outcomes, including in STEM courses.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5171

Special taxes. [Ballot]

Jan 27, 2026 - The State Auditor ’s work includes financial and policy evaluations (also known as performance audits) where the auditor assesses the extent to which a governmental entity efficiently and effectively carries out requirements in law.
https://lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis/Initiative/2025-040

The 2026-27 Budget: Department of Justice

Feb 11, 2026 - The decision included the following footnote: “Because any permitting scheme can be put towards abusive ends, we do not rule out constitutional challenges to shall-issue regimes where, for example, lengthy wait times in processing license applications or exorbitant fees deny ordinary citizens their right to public carry. ” This footnote suggests that there may be a point where firearm regulatory fees become unconstitutionally high.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5118