In this report, the Little Hoover Commission calls for an overhaul of the New Motor Voter Program implementation. In enacting the program, lawmakers sought to ease registration processes for eligible voters and boost the number of Californians on the state’s voter rolls. During its review, the Commission found that implementation errors at the Department of Motor Vehicles negatively altered thousands of voter records and improperly ... [more]

In this report, the Commission calls for calls for bold and innovative approaches to transform the historic 615-acre campus in the heart of Napa Valley to better meet the changing needs of veterans statewide. This report builds on recommendations the Commission made in its 2016 report, A New Approach to California's Veterans Homes, in which the Commission identified critical infrastructures issues on the historic Yountville veterans home ... [more]

In this report, the Commission calls for special district reforms and recommends several measures to strengthen oversight of California’s 2,071 independent special districts. During its review, the Commission found that the 58 Local Agency Formation Commissions charged with oversight are not uniformly effective at initiating dissolutions and consolidations when necessary to improve service delivery and efficiency.  The Commission ... [more]

In this report, the Commission calls for greater self-sufficiency in the state’s veterans homes program and less reliance on the General Fund to free up resources to serve more California veterans, particularly those incapable of caring for their own health. During its review of the state’s eight-home system, the Commission found unnecessarily high costs to California taxpayers compared to other states and also determined that fewer ... [more]

In this report, the Commission calls for more consistent oversight and greater transparency for public spending financed by state and local bonds. This report updates and builds on recommendations the Commission made in a June 2009 report, Bond Spending: Expanding and Enhancing Oversight.  The 2017 update acknowledges progress to better account for statewide bond spending, but found inconsistencies across state programs. ... [more]

In this report, the Commission urges immediate state action to prevent massive dust storms, wildlife losses and harm to Southern California economies from a receding Salton Sea. Duiring this review, the Commission found these negative consequences can be mitigated only if the state quickly implements long-planned improvements. The Commission recommends the Governor and Legislature immediately begin planning its next phase of Salton ... [more]

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 2009 and 2010 legislative session.  The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, study process and the role it plays within the Capitol community. The report also includes details about studies conducted and reports issued during the past two years. ... [more]

In this report, the Commission declares the state unprepared to prevent and respond to large-scale catastrophes. The Commission urges California’s elected officials to develop a comprehensive strategy for responding to an emergency of catastrophic proportions. The Commission outlines essential steps relating to leadership and planning for catastrophes, including the involvement of the private sector and the public. During its... [more]

In this report, the Commission renews its September 2015 call for urgent action at the Salton Sea to prevent a massive public health, environmental and economic disaster in Southern California.  This report updates and builds on recommendations the Commission made in a 2015 report, Averting Disaster: Action Now for the Salton Sea.  During its review, the Commission found the state is still not moving fast enough or ... [more]