The Joint Legislative Audit Committee of the California State Assembly convened on June 18, 2025, to discuss significant audits, including one concerning the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) and its handling of bond measures related to a STEM project.

The meeting began with brief remarks from Daniel Motifari, litigation counsel for RUSD, who expressed his readiness to answer questions regarding ongoing litigation. Following this, committee members were invited to pose inquiries about the audit, but no questions were raised.

The session then opened to public comments, where Lorna Davis, a long-time member of the RUSD community, voiced her concerns. She criticized the transparency surrounding the bond measure that funded the STEM project at the University of California Riverside. Davis argued that the language used in the measure was misleading, suggesting that voters were not fully informed about the project's scope. She emphasized the need for an audit to ensure community representation and accountability.

Senator Cervantes concluded the public comment segment by clarifying the audit's purpose. He stated that it aims to assess whether RUSD adhered to legal standards and maintained public trust, rather than evaluating the quality of the school itself. Cervantes highlighted the importance of managing public funds with transparency and accountability to rebuild trust within the community.

The committee then moved to a vote on the audit concerning RUSD. Senator Cortese made a motion, which was seconded by Assemblymember Hart. The roll call vote resulted in a majority in favor of proceeding with the audit, although a few members chose not to vote.

As the meeting progressed, the committee prepared to address additional audits, with Senator Ransom set to present the next item on the agenda. The chair encouraged members to maintain efficiency to conclude the meeting in time for the afternoon sessions.