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DCA update: governor's reorganization enacted, telework deadline delayed, stricter travel rules outlined
Summary
A DCA legislative analyst told the California State Board of Optometry that the governor’s reorganization plan was enacted July 5 and will be operative July 1, 2026; a telework expansion directive has been delayed by one year following labor agreements; and new state guidance limits out‑of‑state travel to mission‑critical purposes with an eight‑week advance-review requirement.
Ian Gallagher, legislative analyst with the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), briefed the California State Board of Optometry on July 11 about three administrative developments affecting boards and bureaus.
First, Gallagher said the governor’s 2025 reorganization plan — which splits the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two agencies, the California Housing and Homelessness Agency and the Business and Consumer Services Agency — was enacted July 5, 2025. The Department of Consumer Affairs will be among the eight departments in the new Business and Consumer Services Agency, and the new agencies are scheduled to become operative July 1, 2026. DCA will participate in transition work groups and keep boards and bureaus apprised.
Second, Gallagher reviewed the governor’s March 3, 2025 executive order requiring state employees to increase in‑office days from two to four per week beginning July 1, 2025; he said labor agreements negotiated in June have delayed that change by one year for many DCA employees. DCA staff are hosting biweekly briefings with board leadership to share updates.
Third, Gallagher summarized Department of Finance guidance issued June 9, 2025 about out‑of‑state travel in the upcoming fiscal year: travel outside California will be limited to essential, mission‑critical state business (examples supplied included enforcement actions, revenue collection, statutory requirements, auditing and litigation). Gallagher said DCA sent boards criteria for mission‑critical travel on June 16 and that travel requests must be submitted to the DCA budget office eight weeks in advance for review by the agency and the governor’s office. Gallagher also urged fiscal prudence in travel planning and encouraged carpooling and ride shares as cost-saving options.
Ending: Board members asked clarifying questions (for example, about baggage charges) and thanked Gallagher; staff said they will continue to provide updates as transition and telework negotiations progress.
