The State Controller’s Office (SCO) has circulated the draft claiming instructions for two newly adopted test claims for reimbursable state-mandated programs. Local agencies follow the SCO’s claiming instructions to file claims for reimbursement with the SCO.
The draft claiming instructions for these two test claims are open for comment from county governments and other affected parties, on or before August 18, 2026. All comments will be taken into consideration for inclusion in the final claiming instructions, which will be issued by the SCO on September 14, 2026.
One test claim is for a state law that requires a peace officer to state the reason for a stop up front.
The other test claim is for a state law that requires no-cost medical exams for victims of child abuse and neglect.
When the SCO publishes the final claiming instructions for a new state-mandated program, counties must submit claims for costs incurred during the “initial fiscal years” to the SCO within 120 days of the issuance of the claiming instructions. The “initial reimbursement claim process” is for costs to be reimbursed for the fiscal years specified in the claiming instructions and the program’s Parameters and Guidelines. Submit specific questions about these programs to the SCO at LRSLGPSD@sco.ca.gov.
For additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Sarah Dukett.