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California State Law





It is the duty of the Attorney General to see that the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced. The AG carries out responsibilities of the office through the California Department of Justice. The Attorney General represents the people of California in civil and criminal matters before trial courts, appellate courts and the supreme courts of California and the United States. The Attorney General also serves as legal counsel to state officers and, with few exceptions, to state agencies, boards and commissions.

The Governor of California is the chief executive of the California state government, whose responsibilities include making annual "State of the State" addresses to the California State Legislature, submitting the budget, and ensuring that state laws are enforced.

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) ensures that consumers are protected; that the insurance marketplace is fostered to be vibrant and stable; that the regulatory process is maintained as open and equitable;and that the law is enforced fairly and impartially. The Insurance Commissioner oversees the CDI.

Any time that the Governor is absent from the state or is unable to perform the duties of office, the Lieutenant Governor assumes the full powers and responsibilities of the Chief Executive. He is authorized to preside over the business of the State Senate. In the event of a tie, the Lieutenant Governor must cast the deciding vote. He sits on the UC Board of Regents and the CSU Board of Trustees; oversees and directs the Commission for Economic Development; and is a member of the State Lands Commission.

The Secretary of State's responsibilities include: Serving as the state's Chief Elections Officer; Implementing electronic filing and Internet disclosure of campaign and lobbyist financial information; Maintaining business filings; Commissioning notaries public; Operating the Safe at Home Confidential Address Program; Maintaining the Domestic Partners and Advance Health Care Directive Registries; Safeguarding the State Archives; and Serving as a trustee of the California Museum for History, Women & the Arts.

As the State's independent external auditor, the State Auditor provide nonpartisan, accurate, and timely assessments of California government's financial and operational activities in compliance with generally accepted government auditing standards.

The Board of Equalization (BOE) collects California state sales and use tax, as well as fuel, alcohol, and tobacco taxes and fees. BOE-administered revenues support hundreds of state and local government programs and services, including schools and colleges, hospitals and health care services, criminal justice, correctional, and social welfare programs, law enforcement, consumer services, natural resource management, and transportation and housing programs. The BOE also acts as the appellate body for franchise and income tax appeals.

The State Controller is the Chief Fiscal Officer of California, the eighth largest economy in the world. He helps administer two of the largest public pension funds in the nation and serves on 78 state boards and commissions. These are charged with duties ranging from protecting our coastline to helping build hospitals.

California is the most populous state in the U.S. It's on the U.S. West Coast, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and by the states of Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, Arizona to the southeast. The word California originally referred to the entire region composed of what is today the state of California, plus all or parts of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Wyoming, and the Mexican peninsula of Baja California.

The office of California State Treasurer has broad responsibilities and authority in the areas of investment and finance. The Treasurer is elected statewide every four years. In addition to being the State's lead asset manager, banker and financier, the Treasurer serves as chairperson or a member of numerous State authorities, boards and commissions.

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is a state official elected by the people on a nonpartisan ballot for a four-year term. He is accountable to the people of California for performing all the duties and responsibilities of his office. The Core Purpose of the CDE is to lead and support the continuous improvement of student achievement, with a specific focus on closing achievement gaps.

The Law Revision Commission studies the law in order to discover defects and anachronisms and recommends legislation to make needed reforms. The Commission assists the Legislature in keeping the law up to date by: Intensively studying complex and sometimes controversial subjects; Identifying major policy questions for legislative attention; Gathering the views of interested persons and organizations; and Drafting recommended legislation for legislative consideration

The Legislative Analyst's Office has been providing fiscal and policy advice to the Legislature for more than 65 years. It is known for its fiscal and programmatic expertise and nonpartisan analyses of the state budget. The office serves as the "eyes and ears" for the Legislature to ensure that the executive branch is implementing legislative policy in a cost efficient and effective manner.

The Legislative Counsel drafts legislation, renders legal opinions, provides counsel to the Members and committees of the Legislature, and represent the Legislature in litigation. In addition, it publishes the Legislative Index, which identifies legislative measures, and compiles and indexes the California statutes and codes. It's also responsible for the Legislative Data Center, which operates the legislative information systems and processes legislative measures.

This is the official site for California legislative information. It is maintained by the Legislative Counsel of California, pursuant to California law, which requires that for each current legislative session, certain information be made available on the Internet.

The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature. There are 80 members in the Assembly, elected from districts determined on the basis of population. Two Assembly districts are situated within each Senate district.

The California State Senate is the upper house of the California Legislature consisting of 40 members elected from districts apportioned on the basis of population, one-half of whom are elected or re-elected every two years for four-year terms.

The Judicial Council and the Administrative Office of the Courts forms are provided in PDF format.

Admiralty Local Rules. ADR Local Rules. All Local Rules. Appendices to Local Rules. Bankruptcy Local Rules. Civil Local Rules. Criminal Local Rules. Habeas Corpus Introduction. Model Stipulation (CivLR23-1). Notice Concerning Proposed Revisions of Civil Local Rules 3-2, 5-1 and 77-3. Patent Local Rules

Court Rules. New and Amended Rules. Local Rules. Code of Judicial Ethics. Judicial Council Reports. Most documents on the site are posted in one or more of three formats: HTML (.htm), Microsoft Word (.doc), or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf).

The Local Rules of Practice for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. Civil Rules may be cited as CivLR___; criminal rules may be cited as CrimLR____. Rules covering admiralty and habeas corpus proceedings may be cited as A.1-E.1; and HC.1, HC.2, et seq.

Forms. Links to Case Info, Court Info, Calendars, ECF, Judges and Rules and Procedures for the Northern District Bankruptcy Court.

Individual Forms. Forms Packages: Local Rules Forms; Form Revisions; Petition Forms. Also contains links to the Local Rules and fee schedules.

The Judicial Branch is charged with interpreting the laws of the State of California. It provides for the orderly settlement of disputes between parties in controversy, determines the guilt or innocence of those accused of violating laws, and protects the rights of individuals. California Courts encompasses the following - The Courts: California Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal and the Superior Courts; The Branch Adminstration and Policy: Judicial Council of California, Office of the Courts; The Branch Agencies: Commission on Judicial Appointments, Commission on Judicial Performance, Habeas Corpus Resource Center; and the State Bar of California.

The California Architects Board (Board) was created in 1901 by the California Legislature to fulfill the mission of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public through the regulation of the practice of architecture in California. It is one of numerous boards, bureaus, commissions, and committees within the Department of Consumer Affairs responsible for consumer protection and the regulation of licensed professionals. The Board establishes regulations for examination and licensing of the profession of architecture in California.

The Business, Transportation and Housing Agency includes 14 departments and several economic development programs and commissions. The Agency's operations address myriad issues that directly impact the state's economic vitality and quality of life including transportation, public safety, affordable housing, international trade, financial services, tourism, and managed health care.

The Cal-Atlas site facilitates the coordinated and sustainable development, maintenance, licensing and sharing of geospatial data and web map services by California government agencies, partners and stakeholders. California government agencies work with the California GIS Council, regional GIS collaboratives and the broader California GIS community to define the data architecture, systems, standards, agreements and processes for a fully integrated and effective California Spatial Data Infrastructure. The California Spatial Information Library is now the download section for Cal-ATLAS.

CalGOLD database provides links and contact information that direct you to agencies that administer and issue business permits, licenses and registration requirements from all levels of government. Much of the information is specific to the type of business and its location in California. CalGOLD does not issue permits or licenses, nor does it offer information on specific license numbers.

The Museum was chartered by the State of California in September 1977 and began fomal operations in 1981. It occupies a 44,000 square feet facility that includes 3 full-size exhibition galleries, a theater gallery, a 14,000 square foot Sculpture Court, a conference center/special events room, an archive and research library, administrative offices, exhibit design and artifact storage areas.

The Coastal Commission, in partnership with coastal cities and counties, plans and regulates the use of land and water in the coastal zone. Development activities, which are broadly defined by the Coastal Act to include (among others) construction of buildings, divisions of land, and activities that change the intensity of use of land or public access to coastal waters, generally require a coastal permit from either the Coastal Commission or the local government.

The California Coastal Conservancy, established in 1976, is a state agency that uses entrepreneurial techniques to purchase, protect, restore, and enhance coastal resources, and to provide access to the shore. They work in partnership with local governments, other public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners.

The young women and men of the Corps work hard protecting and restoring California?s environment and responding to disasters, becoming stronger workers, citizens and individuals through their service. The CCC is the oldest, largest and longest-running conservation corps in the world.

CalRecycle is a new department within the California Natural Resources Agency and administers programs formerly managed by the State?s Integrated Waste Management Board and Division of Recycling. CalRecycle merges the duties of the board with those of DOC?s Division of Recycling to best protect public health and the environment by effectively and efficiently managing California?s waste disposal and recycling efforts.

The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. The Commission's responsibilities include: Forecasting future energy needs and keeping historical energy data; Licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger; Promoting energy efficiency by setting the state's appliance and building efficiency standards and working with local government to enforce those standards; Supporting public interest energy research that advances energy science and technology through research, development, and demonstration programs; Supporting renewable energy by providing market support to existing, new, and emerging renewable technologies; providing incentives for small wind and fuel cell electricity systems; and providing incentives for solar electricity systems in new home construction; Implementing the state's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program; and Planning for and directing state response to energy emergencies.

The Mission of the ARB is to promote and protect public health, welfare and ecological resources through the effective and efficient reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering the effects on the economy of the state.

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) supports the needs of renters and first-time homebuyers by providing financing and programs that create safe, decent and affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income Californians. Established in 1975, CalHFA was chartered as the State?s affordable housing bank to make low interest rate loans through the sale of tax-exempt bonds. A completely self-supporting State agency, bonds are repaid by revenues generated through mortgage loans, not taxpayer dollars.

The Lottery was established by the California State Lottery Act. The Act provides that at least 34% of the Lottery revenues must go to public education. This supplemental funding provides schools with additional resources to meet their locally determined needs. The Act specifies that the lottery is to be operated and administered by a Commission appointed by the Governor.

The National Guard is ever ready to fight and serve our Country in time of emergency and, to accomplish this end, Guardsmen attend training assemblies one weekend per month, and an Annual Training Pension for two weeks each year, training with the most modern weapons currently available in the Country's inventory. The Guard responds to the federal mission in support of the Army and Air Force, and performs local and state emergency missions where and when needed.

On May 10, , the Governor's IT Reorganization Plan became effective to consolidate statewide information technology functions under the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). The Department of Technology Services is now the Office of Technology Services (or OTech), a division within the OCIO. OTech provides information technology services to many state, county, federal and local government entities throughout California. Through the use of a scalable, reliable and secure statewide network, combined with expertise in voice and data technologies, OTech delivers comprehensive, cost-effective computing, networking, electronic messaging and training solutions to benefit the people of California.

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) provides a variety of retirement and health benefit programs and services, and administers other programs dedicated to protecting the financial security of their members. Their membership consists of active, inactive and retired members from the State, school districts and local public agencies.

CalSTRS primary responsibility is to provide retirement benefits and services to teachers in public schools and community colleges.

The California Tahoe Conservancy is an independent State agency within the Resources Agency of the State of California. Its jurisdiction extends only to the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Conservancy is not a regulatory agency. It was established to develop and implement programs through acquisitions and site improvements to improve water quality in Lake Tahoe, preserve the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of the region, provide public access, preserve wildlife habitat areas, and manage and restore lands to protect the natural environment.

CaliforniaVolunteers is the state office that manages programs and initiatives aimed at increasing the number of Californians engaged in service and volunteering.

Employment Development Department's CalJOBS links or matches employer job listings with job or career interests indicated on resumes posted by persons seeking employment in California

CERES is an information system developed by the California Natural Resources Agency to facilitate access to a variety of electronic data describing California's rich and diverse environments. The goal of CERES is to improve environmental analysis and planning by integrating natural and cultural resource information from multiple contributors and by making it available and useful to a wide variety of users.

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) protects consumers by licensing and regulating California's construction industry. In addition to educating consumers about contractors and construction law, CSLB activities include administering examinations to test prospective licensees, issuing licenses, investigating complaints against licensed and unlicensed contractors, issuing citations, suspending or revoking licenses, and seeking administrative, criminal, and civil sanctions against violators.

The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. The Department administers funds allocated under the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, and through the Medi-Cal program.

The Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs is responsible for administering prevention, treatment, and recovery services for alcohol and drug abuse and problem gambling.

The mission of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is to administer the provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act in a manner that fosters and protects the health, safety, welfare, and economic well being of the people of the State. The Department's workload is divided into three elements: administration, licensing, and compliance.

The Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating) was created to help develop convenient public access to the waterways and promote on-the-water safety. Funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars, and boating facility construction loan payments, Cal Boating's programs include: officer training, financial aid and equipment grants for local and state agencies that provide boating law enforcement; voluntary education for boaters; loans for the construction of marina and grants to build boat launching ramps; aquatic pest control in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; coastal beach erosion control; vessel sewage pumpout stations grants; and helping local agencies pay for abandoned vessel removal.

With a team of scientists and other dedicated professionals, the Department of Conservation administers a variety of programs vital to California's public safety, environment and economy. These programs include Land Conservation; Mine Reclamation; Geological Survey; Oil, Gas & Geothermal; and State Mining & Geology Board.

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. The Department also protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners. DCA licenses, registers, or certifies practitioners, investigates complaints and disciplines violators.

The Department of Corporations provides protections to consumers, and services to businesses, engaged in financial transactions. The Department also licenses and regulates a variety of businesses, including securities brokers and dealers, investment advisers and financial planners, and certain fiduciaries and lenders, and regulates the offer and sale of securities, franchises and off-exchange commodities.

The Departmentof Corrections enhances public safety through safe and secure incarceration of offenders, effective parole supervision, and rehabilitative strategies to successfully reintegrate offenders into the community.

The DAI is comprised of five mission-based disciplines which include Reception, High Security/Transition, General Population Level 2 and 3, General Population Level 3 and 4, and Female Offenders. These field operations are supported by centralized functions in the Operation Support Unit that are organized in matrix fashion to provide a combination of standardized and mission-based shared services.

The Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), originally known as the California Youth Authority (CYA) provides training and parole supervision for juvenile and young adult offenders. The DJJ carries out its responsibilities through three divisions: the Division of Juvenile Facilities, the Division of Juvenile Programs, and the Division of Juvenile Parole Operations.

The California Department of Developmental Services is the agency through which the State of California provides services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities. It is one of 12 departments and one board comprising the California Health and Human Services Agency. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit regional centers.

The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the largest state civil rights agency in the country. DFEH's statutory mandate is to protect the people of California from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. DFEH has jurisdiction over both private and public entities operating within the State of California, including corporate entities, private sector contracts granted by the State of California, and all State departments and local governments.

The Department of Finance prepares, explains and administers California's annual financial plan, the California Budget. The Department impacts the fiscal activities of other state departments because of the general authority granted to the Department in Government Code Section 13070, which provides the Department with authority over all financial and business policies of the state.

The Department of Financial Institutions is a licensing and regulatory agency that is responsible for the regulation of state chartered financial institutions; banks; credit unions, foreign banks; industrial loan companies; money transmitters; payment instruments; trust companies

The Department of Fish and Game maintains native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value and their benefits to people. This includes habitat protection and maintenance in a sufficient amount and quality to ensure the survival of all species and natural communities. The department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California?s agriculture. The Department's goals are to ensure that only safe and quality food reaches the consumer; protect against invasion of exotic pests and diseases; promote California agriculture and food products both at home and abroad; ensure an equitable and orderly marketplace for California's agricultural products and build coalitions supporting the state's agricultural infrastructure to meet evolving industry need.

The men and women of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) are dedicated to the fire protection and stewardship of over 31 million acres of California's privately-owned wildlands. In addition, the Department provides varied emergency services in 36 of the State's 58 counties via contracts with local governments.

The Department of General Services (DGS) serves as business manager for the State of California. The DGS helps to better serve the public by providing a variety of services to state agencies through innovative procurement and acquisition solutions, creative real estate management and design, state-of-the-art telecommunications, environmentally friendly transportation, and funding for the construction of safe schools. DGS also serves on several boards and commissions.

The Office of Public School Construction (OPSC), as staff to the State Allocation Board (SAB), implements and administers the School Facility Program and other programs of the SAB. The OPSC is also charged with the responsibility of verifying that all applicant school districts meet specific criteria based on the type of funding which is being requested. The OPSC also prepares recommendations for the SAB's review and approval.

DHCS finances and administers a number of individual health care service delivery programs, including the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal), California Children?s Services program, Child Health and Disability Prevention program and Genetically Handicapped Persons Program. DHCS also helps maintain the financial viability of critical specialized care services, such as burn centers, trauma centers and children?s specialty hospitals. In addition, DHCS funding helps hospitals and clinics located in underserved areas and those serving underserved populations.

The Department of Housing and Community Development's mission is to provide leadership, policies and programs to preserve and expand safe and affordable housing opportunities and promote strong communities for all Californians.

The Department of Industrial Relations was established to improve working conditions for California's wage earners, and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. It includes the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Occupational Safety & Health, Workers' Compensation, Apprenticeship Standards, Labor Statistics & Research, the State Mediation & Conciliation Service and 10 labor or workforce-related boards, commissions and programs.

The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC), a first-in the-nation HMO consumer rights organization, helps California consumers resolve problems with their health plan and works to provide a more stable and financially solvent managed care system. The DMHC operates the Financial Solvency Standards Board, comprised of people with expertise in the medical, financial and health plan industries. The board advises the Director on ways to keep the managed care industry financially healthy and available for Californians who are currently enrolled in these types of health plans.

The California Department of Mental Health, has oversight of a public mental health budget, including local assistance funding. Its responsibilities include: providing leadership for local county mental health departments; evaluation and monitoring of public mental health programs; administration of federal funds for mental health programs and services; the care and treatment of people with mental illness at the five state mental hospitals; and implementation of the Mental Health Services Act.

The DMV registers vehicles in California and licenses their drivers. The DMV's mission is to effectively and efficiently serve the public by: registering vehicles to identify and authorize use and titling vehicles to establish ownership interest; licensing and regulating the motor vehicle industry, and licensing drivers to protect consumers and promote traffic safety; establishing true identity to ensure the validity of licensed drivers and ID card holders; securing and protecting personal information.

The Department of Parks and Recreation manages more than 270 park units, which contain the finest and most diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to be found within California. Responsible for almost one-third of California's scenic coastline, California State Parks also manages the state's finest coastal wetlands, estuaries, beaches, and dune systems.

California State government's personnel functions are split between the Department of Personnel Administration (DPA) and the State Personnel Board. DPA represents the Governor as the "employer" in all matters pertaining to California State personnel employer-employee relations. It's responsible for all issues related to salaries and benefits, job classifications, and training. For most employees, these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process.

DPR's mission is to protect human health and the environment by regulating pesticide sales and use and by fostering reduced-risk pest management. The Department is funded by regulatory fees.

The California Department of Public Health is dedicated to optimizing the health and well-being of the people in California by promoting healthy lifestyles for individuals and families in their communities and workplaces; preventing disease, disability, and premature death and reducing or eliminating health disparities; protecting the public from unhealthy and unsafe environments; providing or ensuring access to quality, population-based health services; preparing for and responding to public health emergencies; and producing and disseminating data to inform and evaluate public health status, strategies and programs.

The primary responsibility of the Department of Real Estate is to the public as a consumer protection agency. The Department acts in concert with other governmental agencies, education providers, and community organizations to enhance its enforcement and consumer awareness efforts to lessen the risk of loss to consumers in real estate transactions.

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) administers the largest vocational rehabilitation program in the country. DOR has a three-pronged mission to provide services and advocacy that assist people with disabilities to live independently, become employed and have equality in the communities in which they live and work. DOR provides consultation, counseling and vocational rehabilitation, and works with community partners to assist the consumers they serve.

The mission of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is to serve, aid, and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California. This is accomplished through five departmental goals: Prevent Loss of Life, Injuries, and Property Damage; Maximize Service to the Public and Assistance to Allied Agencies; Manage Traffic and Emergency Incident; Protect Public and State Assets; and Improve Departmental Efficiency.

The California Environmental Protection Agency Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is authorized by the U.S. EPA to regulate and enforce the provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). At the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, DTSC is responsible for enforcement of hazardous waste management regulations, the RCRA permits and RCRA Corrective Action requirements.

Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California's highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission of improving mobility across California with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration and the Equipment Service Center.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for the State of California's management and regulation of water usage. DWR's mission is to manage the water resources of California in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the State's people, and to protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.

VisitCalifornia.com is the official consumer web site of the state of California. California travel information including California vacation, California tourism, California maps, California theme parks, California beaches, California travel information, California accommodations, California camping, California attractions, California lodging, California recreation, and California activities.

The EMS Authority is charged with providing leadership in developing and implementing EMS systems throughout California and setting standards for the training and scope of practice of various levels of EMS personnel. The EMS Authority also has responsibility for promoting disaster medical preparedness throughout the state, and, when required, managing the state's medical response to major disasters.

The Employment Development Department promotes California's economic growth by providing services to keep employers, employees, and job seekers competitive. Following federal and state laws with fairness and equity, and ensuring fiscal integrity, the EDD operates the State's employment service ? connecting employers with job seekers.

The Employment Training Panel (ETP) is a significant economic development tool for business attraction and business retention. ETP, in partnership with business, labor, and government, provides funds for training California's workforce in the skills necessary for businesses to successfully compete in the global economy, while providing workers with good jobs that pay good wages.

The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) was created in 1991 by Governor's Executive Order. The six Boards, Departments and Office were placed within the Cal/EPA "umbrella" to create a cabinet level voice for the protection of human health and the environment and to assure the coordinated deployment of State resources. Our mission is to restore, protect and enhance the environment, to ensure public health, environmental quality and economic vitality.

The FTB is responsible for administering two of California's major tax programs: Personal Income Tax and the Corporation Tax. It also has responsibility for administering other nontax programs and delinquent debt collection functions, including delinquent vehicle registration debt collections on behalf of the Department of Motor Vehicles, court?ordered debt, and Industrial Health and Safety assessments.

The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) was established as part of the Governor?s Office on January 1, , which merged the duties, powers, purposes, and responsibilities of the former Governor?s Office of Emergency Services with those of the Governor?s Office of Homeland Security. Cal EMA is responsible for the coordination of overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The Agency is responsible for assuring the state?s readiness to respond to and recover from all hazards ? natural, manmade, war-caused emergencies and disasters ? and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and hazard mitigation efforts.

The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) oversees twelve departments and one board that provide a range of health care services, social services, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment services, income assistance and public health services to Californians from all walks of life.

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer or HIV/AIDS. Medi-Cal is financed equally by the State and federal government.

The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) reviews regulation changes proposed by state agencies for legal and procedural compliance before the regulations can become law, among other regulatory oversight activities. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) reviews regulation changes proposed by state agencies for legal and procedural compliance before the regulations can become law, among other regulatory oversight activities.

The Mission of Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) is to promote healthcare accessibility through leadership in analyzing California's healthcare infrastructure, promoting a diverse and competent healthcare workforce, providing information about healthcare outcomes, assuring the safety of buildings used in providing healthcare, insuring loans to encourage the development of healthcare facilities, and facilitating development of sustained capacity for communities to address local healthcare issues.

The Office of Technology Services Statewide Telecommunications and Network Division (STND) helps approximately 160 State and 1,800 local government agencies effectively utilize the State voice and data networks and stay connected to the best available rates, services and equipment to meet business needs. STND manages three major contracts offering telecommunications and network services to California government entities. They include: California Integrated Network 2 (CALNET 2), Telecommunications Consulting Services, and Inmate/Ward Telephone System (IWTS) Concession Services.

The Office of the Inspector General is responsible for independent oversight of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which includes Adult Operations, Adult Programs, Juvenile Justice, the Corrections Standards Authority, the Board of Parole Hearings, the State Commission on Juvenile Justice, the Prison Industry Authority, and the Prison Industry Board

The Office of the State Public Defender was created by the California Legislature in 1976 to represent indigent criminal defendants on appeal. The office was formed in response to the need for consistent, high-quality representation of defendants in the state appellate courts. Over the years, the mission of the agency has changed. Now, the Office of the State Public Defender focuses its resources on post-conviction appellate representation in death penalty cases. The agency currently represents more than 130 men and women on death row in California.

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) strives to eliminate traffic deaths and injuries. It does this by making available grants to local and state public agencies for programs that help them enforce traffic laws, educate the public in traffic safety, and provide varied and effective means of reducing fatalities, injuries and economic losses from collisions. OTS draws from several federal government funding sources for its grants. OTS also mounts public awareness campaigns and acts as a primary traffic safety resource in order to enlist the help of the general public and the media encouraging traffic safety.

The Resources Agency's mission is to restore, protect and manage the state's natural, historical and cultural resources for current and future generations using creative approaches and solutions based on science, collaboration and respect for all the communities and interests involved.

The mission of the California Rural Health Policy Council (RHPC) is to formulate and establish rural health policy for the State of California and to provide a focal point for discussion of rural health issues within the California Health and Human Services Agency.

The State and Consumer Services Agency (SCSA) is dedicated to protecting consumers and delivering efficient, cost-effective and responsive services to internal and external State Clients. It is made up of various departments, boards, commissions and museums.

The staff of the California State Lands Commission serves the people of California by providing stewardship of the lands, waterways, and resources entrusted to its care through economic development, protection, preservation, and restoration. The members Commission include the Lieutenant Governor, the State Controller and the State Director of Finance.

The California State Library is aa California public research institution. It is the central reference and research library for state government and the Legislature; provides non-partisan research to the Legislature and the Governor; collects, preserves, generates and disseminates information ranging from California's priceless historical items to today's online texts; advises, consults with, and provides technical assistance to California's public libraries; and directs state and federal funds to support local public libraries and statewide library programs, and services.

The State Personnel Board was constitutionally created in 1934 to administer the civil service system and ensure that state employment is based on merit and free of political patronage.

The State Water Resources Control Board web site covers California water quality and rights regulation, board meetings, laws, funding, watershed management, enforcement, citizen involvement, news and education.

The Board of Behavioral Sciences is a California state regulatory agency responsible for licensing, examination, and enforcement of Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Educational Psychologists. In addition, the Board regulates the following: Marriage and Family Therapist Interns; Associate Clinical Social Workers; Continuing Education Providers; and MFT Referral Service.

The Board of Parole Hearings (BPH), combines the Board of Prison Terms (BPT) the Youth Authority Board and the Narcotic Addict Evaluation Authority. BPH considers parole release and establishes the terms and conditions of parole for all persons sentenced in California under the Indeterminate Sentencing Law, persons sentenced to a term of less than life under Penal Code Section 1168 (b), and for persons serving a sentence of life with possibility of parole.

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (Board) protects the consumer from unprofessional and unsafe licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and psychiatric technicians (PTs). Public protection is the highest priority of the Board in exercising its licensing, regulatory and disciplinary functions.

The California Building Standards Commission (BSC) is an independent commission within the State and Consumer Services Agency. Commission members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. The BSC's mission is to produce sensible and usable state building standards and administrative regulations that implement or enforce those standards.

The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education is a department within the Department of Consumer Affairs and was established by the Private Postsecondary Education Act of . Beginning January 1, , private postsecondary schools operating in California are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau and subject to the requirements of the Act, unless they are exempt pursuant to sections 94874, 94874.1, or 94927.5 of the Act.

The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity. The agency encourages widespread public participation in the arts; helps build strong arts organizations at the local level; assists with the professional development of arts leaders; promotes awareness of the value of the arts; and directly support arts program for children and communities.

The purpose of the California Horse Racing Board is to regulate pari-mutuel wagering for the protection of the betting public, to promote horse racing and breeding industries, and to maximize State of California tax revenues.

The Commission is responsible for the programming and allocating of funds for the construction of highway, passenger rail and transit improvements throughout California. The Commission, also advises and assists the Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing Agency and the Legislature in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for California?s transportation programs. The Commission is also an active participant in the initiation and development of State and Federal legislation that seeks to secure financial stability for the State?s transportation needs.

The three-member Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB) provides oversight for the many programs entrusted to this department within California?s State and Consumer Services Agency. It administers the California Victim Compensation Program and the state's Government Claims Program to review tort claims for damages against state employees or agencies.

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) sets minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement. POST funding comes from the Peace Officers' Training Fund (POTF) The POTF receives monies from the State Penalty Assessment Fund, which in turn receives monies from penalty assessments on criminal and traffic fines. Therefore, the POST program is funded primarily by persons who violate the laws that peace officers are trained to enforce. No tax dollars are used to fund the POST program and The POST program is voluntary and incentive-based.

The Commission on State Mandates carries out three distinct statutory responsibilities: First, the Commission adjudicates test claims of local entities that allege the existence of reimbursable state-mandated programs. Second, the Commission hears and decides claims that the Controller has incorrectly reduced payments for reimbursement claims. Third, the Commission determines the existence of significant financial distress for applicant counties that seek to reduce their general assistance standards of aid.

The major purpose of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is to serve as a state standards board for educator preparation for the public schools of California, the licensing and credentialing of professional educators in the State, the enforcement of professional practices of educators, and the discipline of credential holders in the State of California.

The Commission on the Status of Women, a nonpartisan state agency, works in a culturally inclusive manner to promote equality and justice for all women and girls by advocating on their behalf with the Governor, the Legislature and other public policymakers, and by educating the public in the areas of economic equity including educational equity, access to health care including reproductive choice, violence against women and other key issue areas identified by the Commission as significantly affecting women and girls.

Delta Protection Commission is to adaptively protect maintain, and where possible, enhance and restore the overall quality of the Delta environment w/ the Delta Protection Act, and the Land use and Resource Management Plan for the Primary Zone (Regional Plan). Delta Protection Commission is to adaptively protect maintain, and where possible, enhance and restore the overall quality of the Delta environment w/ the Delta Protection Act, and the Land use and Resource Management Plan for the Primary Zone (Regional Plan).

The California Fair Political Practices Commission is a bi-partisan (and in practice, a non-partisan) independent body of five members which oversees a staff of 75 in administration, technical assistance, legal and enforcement divisions.

The Little Hoover Commission, formally known as the Milton Marks "Little Hoover" Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy, is an independent state oversight agency that was created in 1962. The Commission's mission is to investigate state government operations and ? through reports, recommendations and legislative proposals ? promote efficiency, economy and improved service.

The MRMIB was created in 1990 with a broad mandate to advise the Governor and the Legislature on strategies for reducing the number of uninsured persons in the state. The Board is comprised of volunteer members appointed by the Governor and the Legislature. The MRMIB administers three health care programs: Access for Infants & Mothers; The Healthy Families Program (HFP); and The Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP).

The Medical Board of California is a state government agency which licenses and disciplines medical doctors. The Board provides two principal types of services to consumers: public-record information about California-licensed physicians, and investigation of complaints against physicians.

The California Office of Real Estate Appraisers (OREA) is responsible for the accreditation of educational courses and providers for real estate appraisers. Their mission is to protect public safety by ensuring the competency and integrity of licensed real estate appraisers.

The CPUC regulates privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies. The CPUC serves the public interest by protecting consumers and ensuring the provision of safe, reliable utility service and infrastructure at reasonable rates, with a commitment to environmental enhancement and a healthy California economy.

The Commission investigates earthquakes, researches earthquake-related issues and reports, and recommends to the Governor and Legislature policies and programs needed to reduce earthquake risk.

The State Board of Education (SBE) is the governing and policy-making body of the California Department of Education. The SBE sets K-12 education policy in the areas of standards, instructional materials, assessment, and accountability. The SBE adopts textbooks for grades K-8, adopts regulations to implement legislation, and has authority to grant waivers of the Education Code. The SBE has 11 members, appointed by the Governor.

The California Student Aid Commission is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. The Commission also provides financial aid policy analysis and leadership, in partnership with California's colleges, universities, financial institutions, and financial aid associations.

The mission of the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) is to protect consumers and animals through development and maintenance of professional standards, licensing of veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and premises, and diligent enforcement of the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.



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