Controversy Surrounding California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's Taxpayer-Funded Travel

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has been criticized for extensive taxpayer-funded travel, including international trips without clear work purposes. He missed important state hearings while attending conferences in Bermuda, Washington, D.C., Florida, and Paris. Lara has faced backlash for insurance companies leaving the state and home insurance policy cancellations due to his refusal to allow rate increases.