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Cal OES seeks re‑appropriation of $22 million for law enforcement mutual aid reimbursement; LAO urges statutory guardrails and reporting
Summary
Cal OES requested a re‑appropriation of approximately $22 million in general fund to continue reimbursements under the law enforcement mutual aid pilot; LAO recommended the Legislature codify the program and require outcome reporting to ensure funds target intended local agencies.
Cal OES requested that the Legislature re‑appropriate about $22 million in general fund with extended encumbrance authority through June 30, 2029, to continue the pilot reimbursement program for law enforcement mutual aid (LIMA). Eric Swanson and Chief Don O'Keefe described the program as a tool to reimburse agencies for mutual aid tasks such as traffic control, evacuation support and anti‑looting efforts, with costs submitted to FEMA for eventual federal reimbursement.
Nut graf: The pilot program, established in the 2022 Budget Act, was designed to ease fiscal strain on local agencies that deploy resources under California's mutual aid system; LAO told the subcommittee that putting the program into statute and adding outcome reporting would improve legislative oversight and ensure awards reach the intended small jurisdictions.
Heather Gonzalez of the Legislative Analyst's Office told members that while the program is useful—particularly to smaller rural agencies—current funding is available to all law enforcement agencies statewide, which could dilute impact. The LAO recommended statutory authorization that would set program goals and reporting requirements and suggested outcome metrics so the Legislature could assess whether the program is meeting its stated aims. Tess Shirkenbeck of the Department of Finance said the administration would work with the committee and LAO on reporting that respects existing requirements but was open to discussion.
Ending: Cal OES said the funding was used during the LA fires and that officials are willing to work with legislative staff on statutory language and reporting. No formal action was taken at the hearing.
