California Lawmakers Request Audit of State’s Return-to-Office Policy

California Assembly Democrats and Republicans voted May 14 to ask the state auditor to review Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mandate ordering state workers to return to the office.

All 13 members of the Assembly’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee voted in favor of the study, asking the auditor to review the legality, rationale, cost and timing associated with the mandate.

Mr. Newsom issued the “return-to-the-office” mandate last month, ordering the state’s 74,000 employees to work in person at least three days a week beginning June 17.

Assemblyman Josh Hoover proposed the audit, saying the mandate was financially and environmentally costly.

“The decision to force state employees back to the office is harmful and counterproductive,” Mr. Hoover posted on X. “Not only does this increase costs for thousands of my constituents, it also severely undermines the state’s efforts to meet its climate goals and close its $73 billion budget deficit.”

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