All Initiatives

A.G. File No. 2014-012

February 2, 2015

 

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    Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9005, we have reviewed the proposed initiative (A.G. File No. 14-0012) that would amend the California State Constitution to declare the inviolability of innocent human life.

    Pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 9005 of the Elections Code, as such subsection was in effect prior to January 1, 2015, we are informing you that, in our opinion, a reasonable estimate of the net impact of this proposed initiative measure cannot be prepared within 25 working days from the date this proposed initiative was received. The initiative would declare innocent human life inviolable, and that it cannot be terminated, defiled, or destroyed with impunity under any circumstances. Many of the words used in this proposed initiative are legally ambiguous and potentially open to broad interpretation, given that these words in question are not defined in the initiative. Consequently, while the full scope of the changes resulting from this initiative is highly uncertain and would depend on how the initiative is interpreted and applied by the courts, the full scope of changes is potentially very broad. Accordingly, pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 9005 of the Elections Code, we are informing you that it is our opinion that the initiative, if adopted, may result in a substantial net change in state or local finances depending on how the initiative is interpreted and applied by the courts.