CA State Auditor

Victim Restitution Report on Improved State-Local Coordination

The California State Auditor conducted an audit of CDCR, FTB, CalVCB, and local collection entities in Kern, San Diego, and Contra Costa counties regarding victim restitution administration. The audit found that state and local entities implemented inconsistent processes that reduced program effectiveness. CDCR was unable to disburse restitution to victims for 60 percent of the payments it collected. Overall, entities collected less than 11 percent of restitution owed from fiscal years 2014–15 through 2024–25. The report recommends that the Legislature strengthen data collection, clarify how interest should apply to restitution orders, improve collection consistency, and facilitate coordination among involved entities.

California HCD Local Jurisdiction Housing Element Review

The California State Auditor released audit report 2024-109 examining HCD's oversight of local jurisdictions' housing element submissions. The audit found that while HCD met statutory deadlines for reviewing submissions from 10 selected jurisdictions, the approval process lengthened during the sixth cycle, with median approval time increasing 126 percent compared to the fifth cycle. The longer process was attributed to new legal requirements, community opposition, and increased housing allocations requiring jurisdictions to submit multiple drafts. The report recommends HCD conduct a workforce analysis and implement consistent communication practices.

California State Auditor Reports on Housing Voucher Wait Times

The California State Auditor released audit report 2024-104 examining three California housing agencies (Orange, Riverside, Sacramento) administering HUD's Housing Choice Voucher program. The audit found these agencies lack sufficient federal funding to meet voucher demand, creating wait times stretching years or decades. The report estimates nearly $2 billion in additional annual federal funding would be needed for the three agencies alone to serve all eligible applicants on their waiting lists. The report also identifies risk that approximately 2,300 households may face homelessness when the Emergency Housing Voucher program ends in 2026.

Judicial Branch Procurement Audit Finds Sufficient Policies at Judicial Council and Five Superior Courts

The California State Auditor released Report 2025-302 finding that the Judicial Council of California and superior courts in Fresno, Merced, San Diego, Solano, and Tehama counties have sufficient and appropriate policies and practices for procurement and payment activities. The consultant reviewed 50 procurements and over 20 payments at the Judicial Council, and selected procurements, payments, and purchase card statements at each superior court for fiscal years 2023-24 through 2024-25. The audit concluded that in all material respects, the selected entities are in compliance with the California Judicial Branch Contract Law.

Treasurer's Cash Count as of June 30, 2025

The California State Auditor conducted the required cash count of funds under the State Treasurer's responsibility as of the close of business on June 30, 2025, as mandated by Government Code sections 13297 and 13298. The report was published on April 14, 2026. This is a routine accountability audit documenting the state treasury's cash position rather than establishing new compliance obligations.