Roundup: Latest Actions from the Commission on State Mandates and What It Means for Counties
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Outcomes: October 9 Commission on State Mandates Hearing
The Commission on State Mandates met last Friday; their second-to-last public hearing in 2026. Missed the hearing and want to catch up? The hearing agenda, minutes, and a YouTube recording will be made available on the Commissions’ hearing webpage.
Action taken during the hearing of note for counties includes:
| Type of Matter | Documents and Actions | What’s Next? |
|---|---|---|
| Test Claim: Local Public Employees: Vacant Positions, 25-TC-01 | Decision adopted October 9 Approved. | Commission staff issued the draft parameters and guidelines for this newly adopted program (document detailing what specific activities are reimbursable) for public comment. Comments or recommended modifications are due to Commission staff by November 2. Why submit public comments? To capture the activities that your county is conducting to comply with this law for reimbursement! |
| Statewide Cost Estimate: Elections: Ballot Label, 24-TC-01 | Decision adopted October 9. Approved. | The initial reimbursement period is July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. Counties were required to file initial claims with the State Controller’s Office (SCO) by July 8, 2026, however, late initial reimbursement claims may be filed until July 8, 2027, subject to a 10% penalty. Claims for costs incurred after June 30, 2025 can be filed with the SCO by February 15, 2027. |
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.