Commission on State Mandates Reports to the California Legislature

Article 3 of Chapter 4 of Part 7 of Division 4 of Title 2 of the California Government Code concerns reports to the Legislature by the Commission on State Mandates (CSM). Government Code Section 17600 requires, at least twice each calendar year, for the CSM to report to the Legislature on the number of mandates it has found and the estimated statewide costs of these mandates. This report also must identify the statewide costs estimated for each mandate and the reasons for recommending reimbursement.

Government Code Section 17601 requires the CSM to report each January 15 on the number of claims it denied during the preceding calendar year and the basis on which the particular claims were denied. Section 17602 requires the CSM by each January 15 to report to the Legislature the number of individual and consolidated incorrect reduction claims decided during the preceding calendar year and whether and why the reduction was upheld or overturned.

Government Code Section 17604 requires the Department of Finance, in collaboration with the Secretary of State and the Legislative Analyst’s Office, to convene a working group to evaluate alternatives for funding election-related state mandates. The Department of Finance is required to conduct a survey of county election officials during years in which a statewide general election is held to determine whether or not counties are carrying out the requirements set forth in specified state mandates.