By Jenny Huh
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Republicans are using Tax Day to renew calls for a special legislative session, accusing the state of wasting billions of taxpayer dollars and failing to provide adequate oversight.
“It’s time taxpayers know where their money is being spent,” said Assembly Minority Leader Heath Flora.
“Clean up your fraud mess. Cut the wasteful spending,” added Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio of San Diego.
“We demand a special session. The people demand a special session,” echoed Republican Assemblymember James Gallagher of Chico.
Republican lawmakers are reiterating their calls for a special session to investigate what they describe as fraud, waste and abuse in state government. In a letter to the governor, they pointed to programs including Medi-Cal, homelessness spending and infrastructure projects, arguing that oversight is lacking.
“Part of the special session would be identifying the fraud, getting the actual numbers so we know what we’re dealing with,” said Flora, when asked about the specific goals of their desired special session. “Putting a plan together with colleagues from the majority party to how to fix that problem.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom has been adamant that no special session is needed, and his office pointed ABC10 to a prior social media post when asked for a response.
Republicans say they plan to bring a motion for a special session on Thursday on the Assembly floor.
They cited recent cases, including a $270 million health care fraud scheme announced last week. Rob Bonta said 21 people were charged with crimes, including health care fraud, money laundering and identity theft tied to stolen personal data and fraudulent enrollment in state health care programs.
“To the fraudsters listening, California is no longer your open bar. The tab is closing, and the lights are coming on,” said Republican Assemblymember Laurie Davies of Laguna Niguel.
Republicans also pointed to billions spent on homelessness, criticizing the state’s response.
“The state has failed to solve this crisis. Are we surprised? No,” said Asm. Diane Dixon of Newport Beach.
“Waste, fraud, mismanagement on steroids," Dixon added. "How did the nine state agencies spend the money they received from the taxpayers? Has anyone asked? I am asking.”
Legislators further criticized delays in modernizing the state’s emergency communications system, known as Next Generation 911.
“$450 million spent on a Next Generation 911 system that our agency now says they can’t even turn on, and they can’t make work,” said Folsom Assemblymember Josh Hoover.
They also raised concerns about the Capitol Annex project, which has been scrutinized over transparency and is estimated to cost taxpayers more than $1 billion.
“A $1.1 – dare I say ugly – building for politicians that still they will not even tell legislators what they are spending the money on,” Hoover said.
Republican legislators said they are also concerned about what they describe as attempts to reduce transparency.
“Not only are we unwilling to investigate fraud, our Legislature is quite literally moving in the opposite direction,” Hoover said.
At the center of that concern is Assembly Bill 2624, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Mia Bonta. Republicans have dubbed it the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” referencing a YouTuber who recently went viral for videos alleging fraud at Minnesota daycares.
Bonta said the bill is intended to provide privacy and anti-harassment protections for organizations offering immigration support services. DeMaio said he is concerned the bill could have a chilling effect on free speech.
“You post any of that evidence to substantiate the fraud ring, allegations, and you’ve committed a crime,” DeMaio said. “They’re trying to keep secrets. They’re trying to keep investigators from capturing stuff on video and then exposing that to the public.”
Bonta disputed those claims in a post on X.
“People who work to help immigrant communities should not have to fear being doxxed for doing so,” Bonta said in the post. “And giving them real legal tools to prevent and respond to targeted harassment. If MAGA can’t tell the difference between journalism and doxxing, that’s on them.”
Bonta was unavailable for an interview on Wednesday, despite multiple attempts. But a spokesperson clarified to ABC10 that facilities would first need to apply to be part of the state's Safe at Home Program to be protected under the bill. That program currently applies to domestic violence victims, reproductive and gender affirming healthcare care workers. Bonta is pushing to include immigrant service providers to the list of those protected.
Republicans also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, noting that Bonta is married to Attorney General Rob Bonta, who would be responsible for prosecuting fraud cases in the state. The assemblymember’s office declined to comment on those allegations.
Bonta's office said Ab2624 is also a priority bill of the Assembly Legislative Caucus and that the member will push through with it, despite opposition.
