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Cal OES asks to reappropriate law-enforcement mutual-aid reimbursements; LAO urges statutory authorization and reporting
Summary
Cal OES requested reappropriation (~$22 million) to continue the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid (LIMA) reimbursement pilot; LAO recommended codifying the program in statute and adding outcome reporting so the legislature can evaluate whether funds reach intended small or rural agencies.
Cal OES asked the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 to reappropriate approximately $22 million in general fund with extended encumbrance through June 30, 2029, to continue the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid (LIMA) reimbursement pilot established in the 2022 Budget Act. The pilot reimburses local law enforcement agencies for mutual-aid deployment costs such as traffic control, evacuation support and anti-looting operations.
Cal OES Deputy Director Eric Swanson and Chief of Law Enforcement Don O'Keefe explained the program helps local agencies front costs during mutual-aid deployments and that eligible state-submitted costs are later submitted to FEMA for eventual replenishment of the general fund.
The Legislative Analyst's Office recommended the committee require statutory authorization and consistent outcome reporting. "If you approve this request, put the program in statute," Heather Gonzalez (LAO) said, recommending clearer program goals and data so the Legislature can judge whether reimbursements are reaching smaller rural agencies as intended.
Department of Finance said the administration is open to discussing reporting requirements but urged alignment with existing reporting frameworks. Cal OES said it will work with LAO and committee staff on potential statutory language and reporting details.
Ending: The subcommittee heard the presentation and LAO recommendation; no formal vote was recorded during the hearing.
