*Article XIII B, Section 6* of the California Constitution
states that the state must provide funds to reimburse local governments,
including cities, for the costs of any new program or increased level of
service required by the Legislature or a state agency. [1
,
2
]
These requirements are commonly referred to as *state-mandated local
programs*. Under this section, when a mandate is passed, the state is
required to provide a "subvention of funds" to cover the financial burden
shifted to the city. This includes instances where the state transfers
financial responsibility for a program from itself to local entities. [1
,
2
,
3
]
If you are researching a specific state mandate or municipal law issue, let
me know if you would like help with:
- The *exceptions* to this funding requirement (such as mandates
requested by the local agency or legislation defining new crimes)
- How cities file *mandate reimbursement claims* through the California
Commission on State Mandates
- The differences in how this applies to *general law cities vs. charter
cities*
