Shelly Jones, member-relations representative from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), briefed the Dental Hygiene Board of California on agency-level changes affecting boards and bureaus.

“The governor’s reorganization plan was enacted on July 5,” Jones told the board, describing the split of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a California Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Business and Consumer Services Agency that will include the Department of Consumer Affairs. She said the two new agencies will officially become operative July 1, 2026, and DCA will participate in work groups to manage logistics for the transition.

Jones described updates tied to the state’s hybrid-telework policy and travel guidance. She reviewed the governor’s earlier executive order requiring state employees to increase in‑office days from two to four per week, and said that agreements negotiated with several labor unions delayed that requirement by one year; the change is now slated to be effective July 1, 2026, unless further amended. On travel, she said a Department of Finance memo dated June 9, 2025 limits out-of-state travel to mission-critical trips only; DCA’s guidance dated June 16, 2025 requires boards to submit requests to the DCA budget office at least eight weeks in advance for review by DCA and the governor’s office.

Jones also reminded members of fiscal prudence expectations for travel planning, suggested alternatives such as ridesharing and carpooling, and told members to keep receipts for reimbursements. The brief included a welcome for newly appointed public board member Nicholas Quach, whose appointment completed the board’s membership.

Board reaction: Members thanked Jones for the update and asked follow-up questions about training and travel reimbursements. Member Julie Elginer suggested tailoring new-member training for returning appointees; Jones said staff will take that suggestion under advisement.