The Little Hoover Commission has released 13 reports in the 2023-24 biennium, according to a new report summarizing the work of the independent, nonpartisan watchdog agency.

The new report, “Advocating for Change, 2023-24,” also notes that 15 bills supported by the commission to implement its recommendations were passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

The studies released by the commission during the past two years touch upon a wide array of policy areas, including how the state cares for those with developmental disabilities, efforts to divert organic materials out of landfills, the impact of the aging of the state's population, the California Environmental Quality Act, the state's response to retail theft, the homeowners insurance market, and the use of artificial intelligence in state government.

The state also released several reports examining how well its past recommendations had been implemented, including with regard to intimate partner violence, human trafficking for purposes of labor exploitation, and the state's Medi-Cal Dental Program.

Each report follows an extensive hearing and study process by the commission and its staff, including testimony from a variety of affected groups, a review of existing research, and in some cases original data-gathering by staff.

"Our commission searches for ways to make state government work better for Californians," said commission Chairman Pedro Nava. "By focusing on the facts and digging deep, we offer practical solutions to the problems facing our state."

After making recommendations for policy change, the commission supports actions, including legislation, that implement its recommendations.

The new report outlines commission-supported bills signed into law this biennium on topics including the developmental disabilities system, labor trafficking, intimate partner violence, open-meetings laws, organic waste disposal, and customer-centric government.

The commission includes nine public members and four sitting members of the Legislature, who are appointed by a combination of the governor and legislative leadership.

By law, no one political party may control more than five of the nine public seats.

The commission is charged in statute with making reform recommendations that foster "economy, efficiency and improved service."