Legislative Oversight Mechanisms

Ongoing oversight by legislative committee(s) or commission(s); legislative program reviews or performance audits; legislative review of non-legislative program reviews or performance audits; reporting requirements. Oversight occurs mainly through the budget committee process, which includes public hearings and a legislative analyst budget review. In addition, policy committees frequently will hold oversight hearings related to specific issues. Reporting requirements usually stem from a lack of information or past problem with a program. The California Transportation Commission also publishes an annual report to the Legislature on transportation programs and financing. When a non-legislative program review is released, the Legislature typically holds an oversight hearing to understand the findings of the report.

Legislative Program Evaluation Office

State Auditor, Bureau of State Audits. The Legislative Analysts Office also periodically reviews Caltrans programs in depth, informs the Legislature of concerns and makes recommendations.

Sunset Review

The state conducts sunset reviews, but not of Caltrans.