May 7
The measure requires pupils to complete 40 hours of community service for an “acceptable” nonprofit organization or governmental entity in order to receive a high school diploma, starting in the 2005-06 school year.
April 29
The initiative amends the State Constitution to provide Las Vegas- and Atlantic City-type gaming in Eureka, California exclusively for a period of 28 years. After that time, the Legislature could either extend Las Vegas- and Atlantic City-type gaming to all counties in California or eliminate it.
March 15
This measure proposes to provide additional funding for emergency medical care services by increasing the surcharge on criminal fines, forfeitures, and penalties, including vehicle code violations, but not including parking offenses.
February 26
The measure increases the state minimum wage from the current $6.75 per hour to $10.29 per hour, effective January 1, 2003. In addition, the measure requires the Industrial Welfare Commission to adjust annually the minimum wage rate based on a consumer price index. The first adjustment would be effective January 1, 2005.
January 29
This measure would make major changes in the way in which California’s state and local governments raise revenues and finance programs. This would be accomplished by (1) replacing the existing sales and use tax (SUT) with a value added sales tax on certain tangible personal property, (2) replacing various excise taxes, (3) eliminating certain local taxes and fees, (4) eliminating taxing authority of certain local governments, and (5) making certain other changes in the law governing taxation.
January 29
The proposed initiative would establish the Correctional Education Board within the California Department of Corrections (CDC) to manage prison education programs. The board, comprised of 15 representatives from various academic and nonacademic institutions, would be responsible for ensuring that prison education programs meet certain minimum standards. The measure also requires the board to provide every inmate with the opportunity to achieve functional literacy, the equivalent of a high school education, and college-level academic programs for some. The measure further requires that inmates have improved access to vocational training programs.