October 3
This measure changes state law to legalize various marijuana-related activities and regulate the commercial production and sale of marijuana. Despite these changes to state law, activities related to the use of marijuana would continue to be prohibited under federal law. These federal prohibitions could still be enforced by federal agencies.
October 6
This measure imposes a 10 percent tax on the value of all oil and gas extracted in California or its state offshore waters, which extend out three miles from the coastline. Oil and gas produced in federal waters would be exempt, and “stripper” wells capable of producing less than ten barrels a day would be exempt if the price of oil from those wells is $50 a barrel or lower. The measure states that the costs of the tax may not be passed on to consumers and empowers a state agency to investigate attempts to “gouge” consumers.
September 23
The measure intends to restrict pension and other post-employment benefits that can be received by elected and certain appointed public officials and administrators. (There would be considerable uncertainty as to how many such administrators would be subject to this measure’s provisions.) Specifically, the measure appears to require that these individuals’ pension and other post-employment benefits be determined using the same benefits and pension formulas used to calculate these benefits for the “least compensated worker category” within that official’s organization. In some cases, this may result in reductions to benefits currently offered to these officials and administrators. The various limitations described often are not clear and would be subject to considerable interpretation.
September 23
The measure deems state and local elected and appointed officials, candidates, judges, some public administrators, and some private sector contractors to be “offending politicians” if they use their position to promote government policies that benefit contributors or their personal or financial interests.
September 23
The measure deems state and local elected and appointed officials, candidates, judges, some public administrators, and some private sector contractors to be “offending politicians” if they propose or vote for actions that are contrary to the measure’s conflict of interest provisions.
September 14
California state and local governments spent over $400 billion in 2008, with the largest portion of this amount spent on services and personnel. While state and local government spending on goods and other materials is not known, we estimate that it might constitute about 5 percent of total spending.
August 29
This complex measure concerning state and local retirement plans has many provisions that are unclear, and various provisions would face significant legal challenges. Given all of these uncertainties, a reasonable estimate of the net fiscal effect of this proposal could not be prepared within 25 working days from the date the proposal was received. As required by the Elections Code, the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance have informed the Attorney General that it is our opinion that the measure could result in a substantial net change in state or local finances if adopted, given the magnitude of the changes proposed in this measure.
August 22
This measure provides that “no new memorandum of understanding or other contract or agreement” between any public agency and employees in CalPERS or CalSTRS may allow their retirement with “full retirement benefits” at an age younger than 65, except for sworn public safety officers, who would be able to receive full retirement benefits starting at age 58.
August 19
This measure prohibits any state, school, or other local government entity from recognizing any labor union or other employee association as a bargaining agent. The measure also prohibits these public employers from entering into any agreement relating to public employees or their employment.
July 25
This measure amends the State Constitution to require public pension or retirement systems to “invest and maintain at least 85 percent of the system’s assets” in California-based businesses. The measure defines a California-based business to be one “in which at least 70 percent of its employees are employed within California.” Public pension or retirement systems would be required to comply with this new requirement beginning January 1, 2016.
August 12
This measure amends the Constitution to repeal Proposition 8. In addition, the measure would replace the term “marriage” with “civil marriage” in state law. Finally, the measure states that it is not intended to modify or change any school curriculum or to require clergy of any church to perform a service not congruent with their faith.
July 27
This measure amends the Constitution to require, with certain exceptions, a physician (or his or her representative) to deliver a written notice to the parent or legal guardian at least 48 hours before performing an abortion involving that minor. (This measure does not require a physician or a minor to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian.) This measure applies only to cases involving an “unemancipated” minor.
July 27
This measure amends the Constitution to require, with certain exceptions, a physician (or his or her representative) to deliver a written notice to the parent or legal guardian before performing an abortion involving that minor. (This measure does not require a physician or a minor to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian.) This measure applies only to cases involving an “unemancipated” minor.