Records justifying CA insurance commissioner's taxpayer-funded travel missing despite requests

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is under investigation for his international travel funded by taxpayers, which has led to his absence from crucial insurance hearings since 2019. The 7 On Your Side investigation reveals that Lara has made at least 46 trips, but his office has failed to provide the business purposes for many of these expenditures. Despite requests over four months, the California Department of Insurance has yet to deliver a complete list of travel records, including receipts and required documentation. Deputy Commissioner of Communications Michael Soller has stated that each trip has a business purpose, yet specific details remain elusive. The investigation raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in Lara's spending of public funds.

As a state audit looms, officials are pressed to clarify the rationale behind these trips. The absence of records for nearly two-thirds of the trips highlights potential mismanagement in the department. The ongoing scrutiny could influence public trust and policy regarding government-funded travel.