Roundup: Latest Actions from the Commission on State Mandates and What It Means for Counties
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The Commission on State Mandates is ending the year on a strong note, with a robust agenda planned for their last hearing in 2026. This week, the Commission posted the agenda for their upcoming hearing on Friday, December 4, including four matters of particular note for counties.
Recordings of past hearings are available via the Commission’s YouTube page; the recording for the most recent hearing on October 9 is expected to be available soon.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU FOR THE COMMISSION’S DEC. 4 HEARING?
See the hearing agenda for a complete list of matters to be heard and to view supporting documentation.
What is happening?
The Commission will consider the draft Parameters and Guidelines for this newly adopted program. The Parameters and Guidelines specify what activities and costs will be reimbursable from the state.
If adopted, what happens next?
The State Controller’s Office (SCO) issues draft claiming instructions for review and comment within 90 days after the Commission adopts or amends the Parameters and Guidelines. To receive the claiming instructions directly from the SCO, sign up for their email lists here.
Criminal Procedure: Discrimination, 24-TC-02
What is happening?
The Commission is considering the draft Statewide Cost Estimate for this state-mandated program. The Statewide Cost Estimate is reported to the Legislature and forms the basis of state budget appropriations to fund the costs of the mandated program.
If adopted, what happens next?
Annual reimbursement claims may be filed by February 15 following the fiscal year in which costs were incurred (e.g., by February 15, 2027 counties can file claims for reimbursement for costs incurred in 2025-26). A complete list of reimbursable state-mandated programs and the claiming instructions is available here.
Internet Websites and Email Addresses, 25-PGA-02 (24-TC-04)
What is happening?
The Commission is considering two matters related to this state-mandated program:
- Statewide Cost Estimate: The Commission is considering the draft Statewide Cost Estimate for this state-mandated program. The Statewide Cost Estimate is reported to the Legislature and forms the basis of state budget appropriations to fund the costs of the mandated program.
- Parameters and Guidelines Amendments: The Commission is considering a request to amend the Parameters and Guidelines for this program. The Parameters and Guidelines specify what activities and costs will be reimbursable from the state. Specifically, among other requests, a city requested to amend the Parameters and Guidelines for this program to include reimbursement for printing costs for new business cards and letterhead as a result of this mandate. The Commission staff recommend approval of this component of the request. If adopted, the SCO will issue revied claiming instructions to reflect these amendments.
A complete list of all matters pending before the Commission and recent actions is available on the pending caseload webpage. To receive updates directly from the Commission, contact Commission staff directly at csminfo@csm.ca.gov. To receive updates from the SCO, sign up for their email lists here.
Questions about the Commission on State Mandates or the state mandate reimbursement process in general? Contact Jessica Sankus, Principal Fiscal and Policy Analyst, at jsankus@counties.org.