BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �






                      SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
                              LOU CORREA, CHAIRMAN
                                             


          Bill No:        SB 921
          Author:         Lieu and Correa
          Version:        As Amended May 11, 2011
          Hearing Date:   June 14, 2011
          Fiscal:         Yes
          Consultant:     Donald E. Wilson




                                 SUBJECT OF BILL
                                         
          Inspector general who reports to the governor.  
           
                                   PROPOSED LAW  
           
           Establish an inspector general who reports directly to the 
          governor.
                                         
                          EXISTING LAW AND BACKGROUND  
          
          1.  Existing law provides for an inspector general within 
          the California Military Department, who reports to the 
          California Adjutant General.

          2.  Because of the shared federal and state responsibility 
          regarding the California National Guard, an inspector 
          general for federal issues also exists.

          3.  After years of unsubstantiated allegations, a series of 
          credible accusations began in October of 2010 with stories 
          continuing to unfold to the present date.

          4.  Since at least 2005, when the California State Auditor 
          authored report 2005-136, questions have surrounded State 
          Active Duty status and its use within guard ranks.
                                         
                                    COMMENT  
          
          1.  In normal times adding a third inspector general might 
          be considered overkill.  However, over the past year it has 









          been demonstrated that all may not be normal within the 
          ranks of the California National Guard.

          2.  Numerous personnel have come forward to say they fear 
          reprisal for speaking out and have not merely made 
          accusations but handed over documentary evidence to this 
          committee anonymously.  The mere volume of paperwork to 
          examine means even committee staff is not yet aware of 
          everything in its possession.

          3.  Although ironically an SAD position, a third inspector 
          general may be the only way to ferret out the issues within 
          the guard.

          4.  Depending on whom one believes, the SAD system is at 
          its worst a "good ol' boys system" or at best an overly 
          used status that is costing the taxpayers of the state more 
          money than is necessary.


                                     SUPPORT  
          None received

                                      OPPOSE  
          None received



















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