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DOJ requests $14.4 million ongoing to sustain litigation against adverse federal actions
Summary
The Department of Justice asked for $14.4 million in ongoing General Fund support and 44 positions to defend California against federal actions affecting environmental rules, grants, tariffs and reproductive‑health policies; LAO recommended limited‑term funding and reporting.
The Department of Justice told the Assembly subcommittee it seeks $14,400,000 in ongoing General Fund and 44 positions to defend California against anticipated and ongoing federal actions and to continue litigation support begun with earlier one‑time funding.
Mark Jimenez of the Department of Finance summarized the request as 13 positions to defend adverse federal actions with related funding for experts and IT work, continuing an earlier one‑time allotment. DOJ officials told the committee the bulk of the request would support attorney positions and litigation expenses tied to a broad portfolio of cases. DOJ’s public‑rights division described lawsuits and filings filed in the first five months of the year, including matters related to Office of Management and Budget funding freezes, termination notices for public health grants, tariff litigation, and education and infrastructure funding disputes. DOJ said some matters could affect hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds to California programs.
LAO recommended caution on ongoing funding and urged the Legislature to consider limited‑term funding no longer than four years so lawmakers can reassess workload; LAO also recommended reporting requirements similar to those built into earlier special‑session legislation that provided one‑time funds. Department of Finance said ongoing resources are justified given the uncertain time horizon for litigation; Finance also noted the early special‑session pot of $25,000,000 remains available for agencies, though part of those funds were already spent on litigation support.
DOJ testified it has filed more than two dozen cases and amicus briefs within months and that the requested positions would help coordinate multi‑state litigation, cover travel and expert costs, and support sustained defense of state programs.
Ending: Committee members asked DOJ to provide more detail on position classifications and salaries, urged use of limited‑term funding as a legislative oversight tool and sought monthly and annual reporting so the Legislature can track filings and spending tied to federal accountability work.
