October 31
This measure creates the framework for a single-payer health care system administered by the state, called the California Health Insurance System (CHIS). The concept of a single-payer system is to provide health care benefits to all eligible residents of California through a single source of coverage instead of the many existing sources. If implemented, the CHIS would be funded by premiums levied upon income earners and employers, as well as the transfer of federal, state, and local funds currently used to pay for existing health care benefits to the extent that these resources were made available.
December 15
This measure contains a number of changes to the State Constitution that are intended to reduce the ability of state and local governments to defend themselves against claims or allegations by private individuals and the ability of these agencies to obtain private property for public use.
October 4
The measure would result in a variety of costs and savings by making changes to the Legislature’s operations. Also, the state could experience some one-time implementation costs to adjust to a single house of the Legislature, such as making physical adjustments to the Capitol building. The net effect of these types of costs and savings on the state is unknown.
September 8
The measure requires the California Citizens Compensation Commission to meet every two years (rather than annually) to set salaries and benefits for state elected officials. Any decisions by the commission would have to be approved by the voters. In addition, the measure eliminates the per diem system for legislative expenses. Instead, the measure requires the commission to establish a maximum housing allowance for legislators maintaining a secondary residence in Sacramento.
September 5
This measure prohibits state and local governments from providing public benefits to nonqualified aliens. For example, the state could no longer provide prenatal care, long-term care, or reduced college tuition to nonqualified aliens. In addition, the measure would preclude the state from providing the following to nonqualified aliens: (1) drivers’ licenses and (2) any other public benefit, as defined by federal law.
September 6
The initiative specifies that child support payments are deductible from income by the payer for tax purposes. Thus, monies used for general expenses pursuant to child support would be treated differently than other general child-related expenses. The initiative contains several tax administration requirements that would affect how FTB handles disputes with taxpayers and how the Department of Child and Social Services (DCSS) handles child support payment arrangements.
July 19
This measure amends the State Constitution to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman. In addition, the measure prohibits the Legislature, courts, and state and local government agencies from granting the “rights, incidents, or employee benefits of marriage” to any unmarried persons or decreasing existing marriage rights or benefits. The measure also prohibits government agencies from requiring private entities to extend the rights of marriage to unmarried persons.
June 14
This measure amends the State Constitution to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman. In addition, the measure prohibits the Legislature, courts, and state and local government agencies from granting the “rights, incidents, or employee benefits of marriage” to any unmarried persons. The measure also prohibits government agencies from requiring private entities to extend the rights of marriage to unmarried persons.
May 24
This measure amends the State Constitution to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman. In addition, the measure prohibits the Legislature, courts, and state and local government agencies from granting the “rights, incidents, or employee benefits of marriage” to any unmarried persons. The measure also prohibits government agencies from requiring private entities to extend the rights of marriage to unmarried persons.
May 4
This measure relates to state taxation and contains four main provisions: (1) Establishes a Wealth Tax. The measure institutes a state wealth tax levied on the net assets of individuals with values in excess of about $40 million as of January 1, 2007. (2) Alters Income Tax Rates. The measure reduces the CT rate from 8.84 percent to 4 percent, reduces the CT minimum tax, and enacts various other changes to the CT. Also imposes an additional tax under the PIT for high-income taxpayers and eliminates the current Alternative Minimum Tax. (3) Curtails Certain Tax Expenditures. The measure eliminates or restricts certain so-called tax expenditure programs (TEPs), most significantly, personal and dependent exemption credits, enterprise zone deductions and credits, and research and development activity credits. (4) Institutes New Tax Programs. The measure establishes several new tax programs including tax credits.
April 7
This measure increases local agency notification requirements regarding land use matters. Specifically, if a property owner notifies a local agency that he or she would like to testify regarding a land use matter, the local agency must send the property owner notice of the time and date of the public hearing at which he or she may testify. The notification must be sent by certified mail at least 20 days in advance of the hearing, but no more than 180 days after the property owner requests the right to testify. Pending this hearing, the local agency may not dispose of the land use matter.
March 28
This measure amends the State Constitution to authorize marriage between any two people, regardless of gender. The measure also includes statutory changes to specify that individuals in same-sex marriages have the same rights and benefits as individuals in opposite-sex marriages.
April 4
This statutory measure repeals the provisions of existing law pertaining to construction defects for residential properties built in 2003 or later. As a result, all properties would be subject to the provisions which currently apply to pre-2003 construction. In addition, the measure adds a number of new provisions regarding construction defects. Among the measure’s changes are provisions related to: Providing various rights to homeowners. Increasing public access to construction-related records. If cities failed to comply with some of these provisions, the measure would hold them financially liable for any necessary repairs. Increasing the disclosure of information by builders. Making it easier for homeowners to recover attorney and expert costs in construction defect cases. Eliminating binding arbitration and mediation for construction defect matters. Requiring fingerprinting of all contractors.