Approval of Proposals for Reorganizing a Department - 0130

(Reviewed: 08/2014)

The director of each department may reorganize the department. This includes arranging and classifying the work of the department and consolidating, abolishing or creating divisions.

Except as provided by law, all organizational plans and changes at the division level or higher require the approval of the Governor. These plans and changes must be submitted through the agency Secretary and the Department of Finance (DOF).  They will make their comments and recommendations to the Governor.  It is best to have DOF review a reorganizational proposal as early as possible. In this way problems can be spotted and addressed promptly.

All reorganizations that may change the level of expenditures, including those below the division level, must be reflected in the Governor's budget.  They must also be compatible with the programs authorized by the Legislature and with legislative intent. If new or revised programs are proposed, the Legislature must be informed. This can be done by a revised presentation in the Governor's budget, a DOF Letter, or a Section 28 Letter.

This SAM Section covers only reorganizations initiated by the director of a department. Other types of reorganizations are Executive Reorganizations pursuant to Government Code Sections 12080 through 12081.2, and those resulting from changes in laws.