November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could borrow $10 billion to build new or renovate existing public school and community college facilities.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not borrow $10 billion to build new or renovate existing public school and community college facilities.
To get a better understanding of bond debt, see our Overview of State Bond Debt.
November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: Language in the California Constitution would be updated to match who currently can marry. There would be no change in who can marry.
A NO vote on this measure means: Language in the California Constitution would not be changed. There would be no change in who can marry.
November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could borrow $10 billion to fund various activities aimed at conserving natural resources, as well as responding to the causes and effects of climate change.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not borrow $10 billion to fund various activities aimed at conserving natural resources, as well as responding to the causes and effects of climate change.
To get a better understanding of bond debt, see our Overview of State Bond Debt.
November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: Certain local bonds and related property taxes could be approved with a 55 percent vote of the local electorate, rather than the current two-thirds approval requirement. These bonds would have to fund affordable housing, supportive housing, or public infrastructure.
A NO vote on this measure means: Certain local bonds and related property taxes would continue to need approval by a two-thirds vote of the local electorate.
November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: Involuntary servitude would not be allowed as punishment for crime. State prisons would not be allowed to discipline people in prison who refuse to work.
A NO vote on this measure means: Involuntary servitude would continue to be allowed as punishment for crime.
November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: The state minimum wage would be $18 per hour in 2026. After that, it would go up each year based on how fast prices are going up.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state minimum wage likely would be about $17 per hour in 2026. After that, it would go up each year based on how fast prices are going up.
November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: State law would not limit the kinds of rent control laws cities and counties could have.
A NO vote on this measure means: State law would continue to limit the kinds of rent control laws cities and counties could have.
November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: Certain health care entities would have to follow new rules about how they spend revenue they earn from a federal drug discount program. Breaking these rules would result in penalties (such as not being able to operate as a health care entity), generally for a ten-year period.
A NO vote on this measure means: These new rules would not go into effect.
November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: An existing state tax on health plans that provides funding for certain health programs would become permanent. New rules would direct how the state must use the revenue.
A NO vote on this measure means: An existing state tax on health plans would end in 2027, unless the Legislature continues it. The new rules would not become law.
November 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: People convicted of certain drug or theft crimes could receive increased punishment, such as longer prison sentences. In certain cases, people who possess illegal drugs would be required to complete treatment or serve up to three years in prison.
A NO vote on this measure means: Punishment for drug and theft crimes would remain the same.
March 5, 2024
A YES vote on this measure means: Counties would need to change some of the mental health care and drug or alcohol treatment services provided currently to focus more on housing and personalized support services. The state could borrow up to $6.4 billion to build (1) more places where people could get mental health care and drug or alcohol treatment and (2) more housing for people with mental health, drug, or alcohol challenges.
A NO vote on this measure means: Counties would not need to change the mental health care and drug or alcohol treatment services provided currently. The state could not borrow up to $6.4 billion to build more places where people could get mental health care and drug or alcohol treatment and more housing for people with mental health, drug, or alcohol challenges.
To get a better understanding of bond debt, see our Overview of State Bond Debt.
November 8, 2022
A YES vote on this measure means: The California Constitution would be changed to expressly include existing rights to reproductive freedom—such as the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion and use contraceptives.
A NO vote on this measure means: The California Constitution would not be changed to expressly include existing rights to reproductive freedom. These rights, however, would continue to exist under other state law.
November 8, 2022
A YES vote on this measure means: Four racetracks could offer in-person sports betting. Racetracks would pay the state a share of sports bets made. Tribal casinos could offer in-person sports betting, roulette, and games played with dice (such as craps) if permitted by individual tribal gambling agreements with the state. Tribes would be required to support state sports betting regulatory costs at casinos. People and entities would have a new way to seek enforcement of certain state gambling laws.
A NO vote on this measure means: Sports betting would continue to be illegal in California. Tribal casinos would continue to be unable to offer roulette and games played with dice. No changes would be made to the way state gambling laws are enforced.
November 8, 2022
A YES vote on this measure means: Licensed tribes or gambling companies could offer online sports betting over the Internet and mobile devices to people 21 years of age and older on non-tribal lands in California. Those offering online sports betting would be required to pay the state a share of sports bets made. A new state unit would be created to regulate online sports betting. New ways to reduce illegal online sports betting would be available.
A NO vote on this measure means: Sports betting would continue to be illegal in California. No changes would be made to the way state gambling laws are enforced.
November 8, 2022
A YES vote on this measure means: The state would provide additional funding specifically for arts education in public schools. This amount would be above the constitutionally required amount of funding for public schools and community colleges.
A NO vote on this measure means: Funding for arts education in public schools would continue to depend on state and local budget decisions.
November 8, 2022
A YES vote on this measure means: Chronic dialysis clinics would be required to have a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant on-site during all patient treatment hours.
A NO vote on this measure means: Chronic dialysis clinics would not be required to have a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant on-site during all patient treatment hours.
November 8, 2022
A YES vote on this measure means: Taxpayers would pay an additional tax of 1.75 percent on personal income above $2 million annually. The revenue collected from this additional tax would support zero-emission vehicle programs and wildfire response and prevention activities.
A NO vote on this measure means: No change would be made to taxes on personal income above $2 million annually.
November 8, 2022
A YES vote on this measure means: In-person stores and vending machines could not sell most flavored tobacco products and tobacco product flavor enhancers.
A NO vote on this measure means: In-person stores and vending machines could continue to sell flavored tobacco products and tobacco product flavor enhancers, as allowed under other federal, state, and local rules.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could sell $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds primarily for stem cell research and the development of new medical treatments in California.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not sell $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds primarily for stem cell research and the development of new medical treatments in California.
To get a better understanding of bond debt, see our Overview of State Bond Debt.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: Property taxes on most commercial properties worth more than $3 million would go up in order to provide new funding to local governments and schools.
A NO vote on this measure means: Property taxes on commercial properties would stay the same. Local governments and schools would not get new funding.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: State and local entities could consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin in public education, public employment, and public contracting to the extent allowed under federal and state law.
A NO vote on this measure means: The current ban on the consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin in public education, public employment, and public contracting would remain in effect.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: People on state parole who are U.S. citizens, residents of California, and at least 18 years of age would be able to vote, if they register to vote.
A NO vote on this measure means: People on state parole would continue to be unable to vote in California.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: Eligible 17-year-olds who will be 18 years old by the time of the next general election may vote in the primary election and any special elections preceding the general election.
A NO vote on this measure means: No one younger than 18 years of age may vote in any election.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: All homeowners who are over 55 (or who meet other qualifications) would be eligible for property tax savings when they move. Only inherited properties used as primary homes or farms would be eligible for property tax savings.
A NO vote on this measure means: Some homeowners who are over 55 (or who meet other qualifications) would continue to be eligible for property tax savings when they move. All inherited properties would continue to be eligible for property tax savings.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: People who commit certain theft-related crimes (such as repeat shoplifting) could receive increased penalties (such as longer jail terms). Additional factors would be considered for the state’s process for releasing certain inmates from prison early. Law enforcement would be required to collect DNA samples from adults convicted of certain misdemeanors.
A NO vote on this measure means: Penalties for people who commit certain theft-related crimes would not be increased. There would be no change to the state’s process for releasing certain inmates from prison early. Law enforcement would continue to be required to collect DNA samples from adults only if they are arrested for a felony or required to register as sex offenders or arsonists.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: State law would allow cities and counties to apply more kinds of rent control to more properties than under current law.
A NO vote on this measure means: State law would maintain current limits on rent control laws cities and counties can apply.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: App-based rideshare and delivery companies could hire drivers as independent contractors. Drivers could decide when, where, and how much to work but would not get standard benefits and protections that businesses must provide employees.
A NO vote on this measure means: App-based rideshare and delivery companies would have to hire drivers as employees if the courts say that a recent state law makes drivers employees. Drivers would have less choice about when, where, and how much to work but would get standard benefits and protections that businesses must provide employees.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: Chronic dialysis clinics would be required to have a doctor onsite during all patient treatment hours.
A NO vote on this measure means: Chronic dialysis clinics would not be required to have a doctor onsite during all patient treatment hours.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: Existing consumer data privacy laws and rights would be expanded. Businesses required to meet privacy requirements would change. A new state agency and the state’s Department of Justice would share responsibility for overseeing and enforcing state consumer privacy laws.
A NO vote on this measure means: Businesses would continue to be required to follow existing consumer data privacy laws. Consumers would continue to have existing data privacy rights. The state’s Department of Justice would continue to oversee and enforce these laws.
November 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: No one would pay bail to be released from jail before trial. Instead, people would either be released automatically or based on their assessed risk of committing another crime or not appearing in court if released. No one would be charged fees as a condition of release.
A NO vote on this measure means: Some people would continue to pay bail to be released from jail before trial. Other people could continue to be released without paying bail. Fees may continue to be charged as a condition of release.
March 3, 2020
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could sell $15 billion in general obligation bonds to fund school, community college, and university facility projects. In addition, school districts and community college districts would be authorized to issue more local bonds, and school districts would have new limits on their ability to levy developer fees.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not sell $15 billion in general obligation bonds to fund education facility projects. The state also would not make changes to school districts’ and community college districts’ existing local borrowing limits or the existing rules for school districts to levy developer fees.
To get a better understanding of bond debt, see our Overview of State Bond Debt.
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: Allows the state to sell $4 billion in general obligation bonds to fund veterans and affordable housing.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not sell $4 billion in general obligation bonds to fund veterans and affordable housing.
See also Overview of State Bond Debt (PDF).
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could use existing county mental health funds to pay for housing for those with mental illness who are homeless.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state’s ability to use existing county mental health funds to pay for housing for those with mental illness who are homeless would depend on future court decisions.
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could sell $8.9 billion in general obligation bonds to fund various water and environmental projects.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not sell $8.9 billion in general obligation bonds to fund various water and environmental projects.
See also Overview of State Bond Debt (PDF).
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could sell $1.5 billion in general obligation bonds for the construction, expansion, renovation, and equipping of certain hospitals that treat children.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not sell the $1.5 billion in general obligation bonds proposed for these purposes.
See also Overview of State Bond Debt (PDF).
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: All homeowners who are over 55 (or who meet other qualifications) would be eligible for property tax savings when they move to a different home.
A NO vote on this measure means: Certain homeowners who are over 55 (or who meet other qualifications) would continue to be eligible for property tax savings when they move to a different home.
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: Fuel and vehicle taxes recently passed by the Legislature would be eliminated, which would reduce funding for highway and road maintenance and repairs, as well as transit programs. The Legislature would be required to get a majority of voters to approve new or increased state fuel and vehicle taxes in the future.
A NO vote on this measure means: Fuel and vehicle taxes recently passed by the Legislature would continue to be in effect and pay for highway and road maintenance and repairs, as well as transit programs. The Legislature would continue not to need voter approval for new or increased state fuel and vehicle taxes in the future.
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: The Legislature, with a two-thirds vote, could change daylight saving time if the change is allowed by the federal government. Absent any legislative change, California would maintain its current daylight saving time period (early March to early November).
A NO vote on this measure means: California would maintain its current daylight saving time period.
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: Kidney dialysis clinics would have their revenues limited by a formula and could be required to pay rebates to certain parties (primarily health insurance companies) that pay for dialysis treatment.
A NO vote on this measure means: Kidney dialysis clinics would not have their revenues limited by a formula and would not be required to pay rebates.
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: State law would not limit the kinds of rent control laws cities and counties could have.
A NO vote on this measure means: State law would continue to limit the kinds of rent control laws cities and counties could have.
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: Private ambulance companies could continue their current practice of having emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics stay on-duty during their meal and rest breaks in order to respond to 911 calls. Private ambulance companies would attempt to reschedule meal and rest breaks that are interrupted by a 911 call.
A NO vote on this measure means: Private ambulance companies would be subject to labor laws for this industry. Based on a recent court decision, these laws likely would require ambulance companies to provide EMTs and paramedics with off-duty meal and rest breaks that cannot be interrupted by a 911 call.
November 6, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: There would be new minimum requirements on farmers to provide more space for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal. California businesses would be banned from selling eggs or uncooked pork or veal that came from animals housed in ways that did not meet these requirements.
A NO vote on this measure means: Current minimum space requirements for confining egg-laying hens, pregnant pigs, and calves raised for veal would continue to apply. Current ban on businesses in California selling eggs not meeting these space requirements for hens would remain in effect.
June 5, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could sell $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds to fund various natural resources-related programs such as for habitat conservation, parks, and water-related projects.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not sell $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds to fund various natural resources-related programs.
See also Overview of State Bond Debt (PDF).
June 5, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: The Legislature will be required under the State Constitution to continue to spend revenues from recently enacted fuel taxes and vehicle fees on transportation purposes (such as repairing roads and improving transit).
A NO vote on this measure means: The Legislature in the future could change current law, allowing it to spend a portion of the revenues from recently enacted fuel taxes and vehicle fees on purposes other than transportation.
June 5, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: Beginning on January 1, 2024, revenue collected from the sale of state greenhouse gas emission permits would be deposited into a new special fund. These deposits would continue until the effective date of a bill that spends money from that fund, passed with a two-thirds vote of each house of the Legislature. The current state sales tax exemption for manufacturing and certain other equipment would be suspended during the same period that auction revenue is deposited into the special fund.
A NO vote on this measure means: The Legislature could continue to authorize spending state revenue collected from the sale of greenhouse gas emission permits with a majority vote. The current state sales tax exemption for manufacturing and certain other equipment would remain in effect until July 1, 2030.
June 5, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: Most state ballot measures (also called propositions) would take effect after the statewide vote has been counted and certified—about six weeks after Election Day.
A NO vote on this measure means: Most state ballot measures would continue to take effect the day after Election Day.
June 5, 2018
A YES vote on this measure means: Installing a system to collect and store rainwater on a property could not result in a higher property tax bill.
A NO vote on this measure means: Installing a system to collect and store rainwater on a property could result in a higher property tax bill.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could sell $9 billion in general obligation bonds for education facilities ($7 billion for K-12 public school facilities and $2 billion for community college facilities).
A NO vote on this measure means: The state would not have the authority to sell new general obligation bonds for K-12 public school and community college facilities.
See also Overview of State Bond Debt (PDF).
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: An existing charge imposed on most private hospitals that is scheduled to end on January 1, 2018 under current law would be extended permanently. It would be harder for the Legislature to make changes to it. Revenue raised would be used to create state savings, increase payments for hospital services to low-income Californians, and provide grants to public hospitals.
A NO vote on this measure means: An existing charge imposed on most private hospitals would end on January 1, 2018 unless additional action by the Legislature extended it.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: State revenue bonds totaling more than $2 billion for a project that is funded, owned, or managed by the state would require statewide voter approval.
A NO vote on this measure means: State revenue bonds could continue to be used without voter approval.
See also Overview of State Bond Debt (PDF).
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: Any bill (including changes to the bill) would have to be made available to legislators and posted on the Internet for at least 72 hours before the Legislature could pass it. The Legislature would have to ensure that its public meetings are recorded and make videos of those meetings available on the Internet.
A NO vote on this measure means: Rules and duties of the Legislature would not change.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: Income tax increases on high-income taxpayers, which are scheduled to end after 2018, would instead be extended through 2030.
A NO vote on this measure means: Income tax increases on high-income taxpayers would expire as scheduled at the end of 2018.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: State excise tax on cigarettes would increase by $2 per pack—from 87 cents to $2.87. State excise tax on other tobacco products would increase by a similar amount. State excise tax also would be applied to electronic cigarettes. Revenue from these higher taxes would be used for many purposes, but primarily to augment spending on health care for low-income Californians.
A NO vote on this measure means: No changes would be made to existing state taxes on cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: Certain state prison inmates convicted of nonviolent felony offenses would be considered for release earlier than otherwise. The state prison system could award additional sentencing credits to inmates for good behavior and approved rehabilitative or educational achievements. Youths must have a hearing in juvenile court before they could be transferred to adult court.
A NO vote on this measure means: There would be no change to the inmate release process. The state’s prison system could not award additional sentencing credits to inmates. Certain youths could continue to be tried in adult court without a hearing in juvenile court.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: Public schools could more easily choose how to teach English learners, whether in English-only, bilingual, or other types of programs.
A NO vote on this measure means: Public schools would still be required to teach most English learners in English-only programs.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: Voters would be asking their elected officials to use their constitutional authority to seek increased regulation of campaign spending and contributions. As an advisory measure, Proposition 59 does not require any particular action by the Congress or California Legislature.
A NO vote on this measure means: Voters would not be asking their elected officials to seek certain changes in the regulation of campaign spending and contributions.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: There would be additional workplace health and safety requirements placed on adult film productions in California and additional ways to enforce those requirements.
A NO vote on this measure means: Adult film productions in California would continue to be subject to current state and local workplace health and safety requirements, including the rules now interpreted to require condom use in adult film productions.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: State agencies would generally be prohibited from paying more for any prescription drug than the lowest price paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the same drug.
A NO vote on this measure means: State agencies would continue to be able to negotiate the prices of, and pay for, prescription drugs without reference to the prices paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: No offenders could be sentenced to death by the state for first degree murder. The most serious penalty available would be a prison term of life without the possibility of parole. Offenders who are currently under a sentence of death would be resentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
A NO vote on this measure means: Certain offenders convicted for first degree murder could continue to be sentenced to death. There would be no change for offenders currently under a sentence of death.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: A new court process would be created for the removal of firearms from individuals upon conviction of certain crimes. New requirements related to the selling or purchasing of ammunition would be implemented.
A NO vote on this measure means: No new firearm- or ammunition-related requirements would be implemented.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: Adults 21 years of age or older could legally grow, possess, and use marijuana for nonmedical purposes, with certain restrictions. The state would regulate nonmedical marijuana businesses and tax the growing and selling of medical and nonmedical marijuana. Most of the revenue from such taxes would support youth programs, environmental protection, and law enforcement.
A NO vote on this measure means: Growing, possessing, or using marijuana for nonmedical purposes would remain illegal. It would still be legal to grow, possess, or use marijuana for medical purposes.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: If state law (1) prohibits giving customers certain carryout bags for free and (2) requires a charge for other types of carryout bags, the resulting revenue would be deposited in a new state fund to support certain environmental programs.
A NO vote on this measure means: If charges on carryout bags are required by a state law, that law could direct the use of the resulting revenue toward any purpose.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: Court procedures for legal challenges to death sentences would be subject to various changes, such as time limits on those challenges and revised rules to increase the number of available attorneys for those challenges. Condemned inmates could be housed at any state prison.
A NO vote on this measure means: There would be no changes to the state’s current court procedures for legal challenges to death sentences. The state would still be limited to housing condemned inmates only at certain state prisons.
November 8, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: Most grocery stores, convenience stores, large pharmacies, and liquor stores would be prohibited from providing single-use plastic carryout bags. Stores generally would be required to charge at least 10 cents for any other carryout bag provided to customers at checkout. Stores would keep the resulting revenue for specified purposes.
A NO vote on this measure means: Stores could continue to provide single-use plastic carryout bags and other bags free of charge unless a local law restricts the use of such bags.
June 7, 2016
A YES vote on this measure means: The State Constitution would be amended to require a two-thirds vote of the Senate or Assembly in order to suspend a state legislator. The Senate or Assembly could eliminate that legislator’s salary and benefits during the suspension.
A NO vote on this measure means: The Senate or Assembly could still suspend a legislator with a majority vote. The suspended legislator, however, would continue to receive a state salary and benefits.
November 4, 2014
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could sell $7.1 billion in additional general obligation bonds—as well as redirect $425 million in unsold general obligation bonds that were previously approved by voters for resource-related uses—to fund various water-related programs. A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not sell $7.1 billion in additional general obligation bonds to fund various water-related programs. In addition, $425 million in unsold general obligation bonds would continue to be available for resource-related uses as previously approved by voters.
Also see Overview of State Bond Debt (PDF) (November 4, 2014), which describes the state's bond debt and discusses how Proposition 1 (2014) would affect state bond costs.
November 4, 2014
A YES vote on this measure means: Existing state debts likely would be paid faster. There would be new rules for state budget reserves. Local school district budget reserves would be capped in some years. A NO vote on this measure means: Rules for payment of state debts, state budget reserves, and local school district reserves would not change.
November 4, 2014
NOTE: Proposition 43 was removed and Proposition 1 was added to the ballot.
Format: PDF
November 4, 2014
NOTE: Proposition 44 has been removed from the ballot and replaced with Proposition 2.
Format: PDF
November 4, 2014
A YES vote on this measure means: Rates for individual and small group health insurance would need to be approved by the Insurance Commissioner before taking effect. A NO vote on this measure means: State regulators would continue to have the authority to review, but not approve, rates for individual and small group health insurance.
November 4, 2014
A YES vote on this measure means: The cap on medical malpractice damages for such things as pain and suffering would be increased from $250,000 to $1.1 million and adjusted annually for future inflation. Health care providers would be required to check a statewide prescription drug database before prescribing or dispensing certain drugs to a patient for the first time. Hospitals would be required to test certain physicians for alcohol and drugs. A NO vote on this measure means: The cap on medical malpractice damages for such things as pain and suffering would remain at $250,000 and not be subject to annual inflation adjustments. Health care providers would not be required to check a statewide prescription database before prescribing or dispensing drugs. Hospitals would not be required to test physicians for alcohol and drugs.
November 4, 2014
A YES vote on this measure means: Criminal offenders who commit certain nonserious and nonviolent drug and property crimes would be sentenced to reduced penalties (such as shorter terms in jail). State savings resulting from the measure would be used to support school truancy and dropout prevention, victim services, mental health and drug abuse treatment, and other programs designed to keep offenders out of prison and jail. A NO vote on this measure means: Penalties for offenders who commit certain nonserious and nonviolent drug and property crimes would not be reduced.
November 4, 2014
A YES vote on this measure means: The state’s compacts with the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and the Wiyot Tribe would go into effect. As a result, North Fork would be able to construct and operate a new casino in Madera County and would be required to make various payments to state and local governments, Wiyot, and other tribes. A NO vote on this measure means: The state’s compacts with North Fork and Wiyot would not go into effect. As a result, neither tribe could begin gaming unless new compacts were approved by the state and federal governments.
November 4, 2014
NOTE: On August 11, 2014, Proposition 49 was removed from the ballot by order of the California Supreme Court.
Format: PDF
June 3, 2014
A YES vote on this measure means: The state would sell $600 million in general obligation bonds to fund affordable multifamily housing for low-income and homeless veterans. A NO vote on this measure means: The state would not sell $600 million in general obligation bonds to fund affordable multifamily housing for low-income and homeless veterans.
June 3, 2014
A YES vote on this measure means: The state would not be required to pay local governments for costs to follow state laws that give the public access to local government information. A NO vote on this measure means: The state would still be required to pay local governments for certain costs of providing public access to local government information.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: The state would increase personal income taxes on high-income taxpayers for seven years and sales taxes for four years. The new tax revenues would be available to fund programs in the state budget. A NO vote on this measure means: The state would not increase personal income taxes or sales taxes. State spending reductions, primarily to education programs, would take effect in 2012-13.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: Certain fiscal responsibilities of the Legislature and Governor, including state and local budgeting and oversight procedures, would change. Local governments that create plans to coordinate services would receive funding from the state and could develop their own procedures for administering state programs. A NO vote on this measure means: The fiscal responsibilities of the Legislature and Governor, including state and local budgeting and oversight procedures, would not change. Local governments would not be given (1) funding to implement new plans that coordinate services or (2) authority to develop their own procedures for administering state programs.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: Unions and corporations could not use money deducted from an employee’s paycheck for political purposes. Unions, corporations, and government contractors would be subject to additional campaign finance restrictions. A NO vote on this measure means: There would be no change to existing laws regulating the ability of unions and corporations to use money deducted from an employee’s paycheck for political purposes. Unions, corporations, and government contractors would continue to be subject to existing campaign finance laws.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: Insurance companies could offer new customers a discount on automobile insurance premiums based on the number of years in the previous five years that the customer was insured. A NO vote on this measure means: Insurers could continue to provide discounts to their long-term automobile insurance customers, but would continue to be prohibited from providing a discount to new customers switching from other insurers.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: No offenders could be sentenced to death under state law. Offenders who are currently under a sentence of death would be resentenced to life without the possibility of parole. The state would provide a total of $100 million in grants to local law enforcement agencies over the next four years. A NO vote on this measure means: Certain offenders convicted for murder could continue to be sentenced to death. The status of offenders currently under a sentence of death would not change. The state would not be required to provide local law enforcement agencies with additional grant funding.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: Longer prison sentences and larger fines for committing human trafficking crimes. A NO vote on this measure means: Existing criminal penalties for human trafficking would stay in effect.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: Some criminal offenders with two prior serious or violent felony convictions who commit certain nonserious, non-violent felonies would be sentenced to shorter terms in state prison. In addition, some offenders with two prior serious or violent felony convictions who are currently serving life sentences for many nonserious, non-violent felony convictions could be resentenced to shorter prison terms. A NO vote on this measure means: Offenders with two prior serious or violent felony convictions who commit any new felony could continue to receive life sentences. In addition, offenders with two prior serious or violent felony convictions who are currently serving life sentences for nonserious, non-violent felonies would continue to serve the remainder of their life sentences.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: Genetically engineered foods sold in California would have to be specifically labeled as being genetically engineered. A NO vote on this measure means: Genetically engineered foods sold in California would continue not to have specific labeling requirements.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: State personal income tax rates would increase for 12 years. The additional revenues would be used for schools, child care, preschool, and state debt payments. A NO vote on this measure means: State personal income tax rates would remain at their current levels. No additional funding would be available for schools, child care, preschool, and state debt payments.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: Multistate businesses would no longer be able to choose the method for determining their state taxable income that is most advantageous for them. Some multistate businesses would have to pay more corporate income taxes due to this change. About half of this increased tax revenue over the next five years would be used to support energy efficiency and alternative energy projects. A NO vote on this measure means: Most multistate businesses would continue to be able to choose one of two methods to determine their California taxable income.
November 6, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: The state Senate district boundaries certified by the Citizens Redistricting Commission would continue to be used. A NO vote on this measure means: The California Supreme Court would appoint special masters to determine new state Senate district boundaries.
June 5, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: Future Members of the State Legislature could serve a total of 12 years in office—without regard to whether the years were served in the State Assembly or the State Senate. Legislators first elected on or before June 5, 2012 would continue to be restricted by existing term limits. A NO vote on this measure means: Existing term limits for the Legislature would remain in place for current and future legislators. These limits allow a total of 14 years in office—including a maximum of six years in the State Assembly and eight years in the State Senate.
June 5, 2012
A YES vote on this measure means: State excise taxes on cigarettes would increase by $1 per pack to a total of $1.87 per pack. These additional revenues would be dedicated to fund cancer and tobacco-related disease research and tobacco prevention and cessation programs. A NO vote on this measure means: State excise taxes on cigarettes would remain at the current level of 87 cents per pack and would continue to be used for existing purposes, including childhood development programs and various health and tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
November 2, 2010
Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010. SBX7 2 (Chapter 3, Statutes of 2009), Cogdill. Bond Measure. [Note: This measure has been moved to the November 2014 election. SBx7 2 was amended by AB 1265 (Chapter 126, 2010) Caballero. Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012: surface storage projects: submission to voters. AB 1265 was amended by AB 153 (Chapter 226, 2010) Hernandez. Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012: groundwater contamination. AB 153 was amended by AB 1422 (Chapter 74, 2012) Perea. Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2012: submission to voters.]
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November 2, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: Individuals age 21 or older could, under state law, possess and cultivate limited amounts of marijuana for personal use. In addition, the state and local governments could authorize, regulate, and tax commercial marijuana-related activities under certain conditions. These activities would remain illegal under federal law. A NO vote on this measure means: The possession and cultivation of marijuana for personal use and commercial marijuana-related activities would remain illegal under state law, unless allowed under the state’s existing medical marijuana law.
November 2, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: The responsibility to determine the boundaries of California’s districts in the U.S. House of Representatives would be moved to the Citizens Redistricting Commission, a commission established by Proposition 11 in 2008. (Proposition 27 on this ballot also concerns redistricting issues. If both Proposition 20 and Proposition 27 are approved by voters, the proposition receiving the greater number of “yes” votes would be the only one to go into effect.) A NO vote on this measure means: The responsibility to determine the boundaries of California’s districts in the U.S. House of Representatives would remain with the Legislature.
November 2, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: An $18 annual surcharge would be added to the amount paid when a person registers a motor vehicle. The surcharge revenues would be used to provide funding for state park and wildlife conservation programs. Vehicles subject to the surcharge would have free admission and parking at all state parks. A NO vote on this measure means: State park and wildlife conservation programs would continue to be funded through existing state and local funding sources. Admission and parking fees could continue to be charged for vehicles entering state parks.
November 2, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: The state’s authority to use or redirect state fuel tax and local property tax revenues would be significantly restricted. A NO vote on this measure means: The state’s current authority over state fuel tax and local property tax revenues would not be affected.
November 2, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: Certain existing and proposed regulations authorized under state law (“Assembly Bill 32”) to address global warming would be suspended. These regulations would remain suspended until the state unemployment rate drops to 5.5 percent or lower for one year. A NO vote on this measure means: The state could continue to implement the measures authorized under Assembly Bill 32 to address global warming.
November 2, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: Three business tax provisions will return to what they were before 2008 and 2009 law changes. As a result: (1) a business will be less able to deduct losses in one year against income in other years, (2) a multistate business will have its California income determined by a calculation using three factors, and (3) a business will not be able to share tax credits with related businesses. A NO vote on this measure means: Three business tax provisions that were recently changed will not be affected. As a result of maintaining current law: (1) a business will be able to deduct losses in one year against income in more situations, (2) most multistate businesses could choose to have their California income determined based only on a single sales factor, and (3) a business will be able to share its tax credits with related businesses.
November 2, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: The Legislature’s vote requirement to send the annual budget bill to the Governor would be lowered from two-thirds to a majority of each house of the Legislature. A NO vote on this measure means: The Legislature’s vote requirement to send an annual budget bill to the Governor would remain unchanged at two-thirds of each house of the Legislature.
November 2, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: The definition of taxes would be broadened to include many payments currently considered to be fees or charges. As a result, more state and local proposals to increase revenues would require approval by two-thirds of each house of the Legislature or by local voters. A NO vote on this measure means: Current constitutional requirements regarding fees and taxes would not be changed.
November 2, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: The responsibility to determine the boundaries of State Legislature and Board of Equalization districts would be returned to the Legislature. The Citizens Redistricting Commission, established by Proposition 11 in 2008 to perform this function, would be eliminated. (Proposition 20 on this ballot also concerns redistricting issues. If both Proposition 27 and Proposition 20 are approved by voters, the proposition receiving the greater number of “yes” votes would be the only one to go into effect.) A NO vote on this measure means: The responsibility to determine the boundaries of Legislature and Board of Equalization districts would remain with the Citizens Redistricting Commission.
June 8, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: Earthquake safety improvements made to unreinforced masonry (such as brick) buildings would not result in higher property taxes until the building is sold. A NO vote on this measure means: Earthquake safety improvements made to unreinforced masonry buildings would continue to be excluded from property taxes but for only up to 15 years.
June 8, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: All voters would receive the same primary election ballot for most state and federal offices. Only the two candidates with the most votes—regardless of political party identification—would advance to the general election ballot. A NO vote on this measure means: Voters would continue to receive primary election ballots based on their political party. The candidate with the most votes from each political party would continue to advance to the general election ballot.
June 8, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: The state ban on public funding for political campaigns for elected offices would be lifted. For the 2014 and 2018 elections, candidates for the office of Secretary of State could choose to receive public funds to pay for the costs of campaigns if they met certain requirements. Charges related to lobbyists would be increased to pay for these costs. A NO vote on this measure means: The state ban on public funding for political campaigns for elected offices would continue. Candidates for the office of Secretary of State would continue to pay for their campaigns with private funds subject to current rules. Existing charges related to lobbyists would not change.
June 8, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: Local governments would generally be required to receive two-thirds voter approval before they could start up electricity services or expand electricity service into a new territory. A NO vote on this measure means: Local governments generally could continue to implement proposals involving the start-up or expansion of electricity service either through approval by a majority of voters or actions by governing boards.
June 8, 2010
A YES vote on this measure means: Insurance companies could offer new customers a discount on their automobile insurance premiums based on the length of time the customer had maintained bodily injury liability coverage with another insurer. A NO vote on this measure means: Insurers could provide discounts to their long-term automobile insurance customers, but would continue to be prohibited from providing such discounts to new customers switching from other insurers.
May 19, 2009
This measure would make major changes to the way in which the state sets aside money in one of its “rainy day” reserve accounts and how this money is spent. As a result, Proposition 1A could have significant impacts on the state’s budgeting practices in the future. The measure would tend to increase the amount of money set aside in the state’s rainy day account by increasing how much money is put into this account and restricting the withdrawal of these funds. If this measure is approved, several tax increases passed as part of the February 2009 budget package would be extended by one to two years. State tax revenues would increase by about $16 billion from 2010-11 through 2012‑13.
May 19, 2009
Amends the State Constitution as it relates to Proposition 98, providing "supplemental education" payments in place of recent "maintenance factor" payments. Also provides greater discretion to the Legislature and Governor regarding how the payments would be distributed.
May 19, 2009
This measure is one of the major components of the plan approved by the Legislature and the Governor in February 2009 to balance the state budget. The measure makes major changes to the 1984 voter initiative that created the California Lottery. These changes could increase lottery ticket sales and allow the state to borrow $5 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal year from future lottery profits. In addition to borrowing this $5 billion, the state also could borrow more from lottery profits in future years. Under the measure, lottery profits now dedicated to schools and colleges would be used to pay back the borrowing. The measure would increase state payments to education from the state General Fund to make up for the loss of these lottery payments.
May 19, 2009
This measure would temporarily redirect a significant portion of Proposition 10 (First 5 program) funds to achieve budgetary savings and would make permanent changes to state and local First 5 commission operations.
May 19, 2009
Proposition 63 provides state funding for certain new or expanded mental health programs through a personal income tax surcharge of 1 percent on the portion of a taxpayer’s taxable income in excess of $1 million. This measure allows for the temporary redirection of some Proposition 63 funds—specifically, $226.7 million in 2009‑10, and between $226.7 million and $234 million in 2010‑11. In effect, these Proposition 63 revenues would be used to offset state costs that would otherwise be borne by the General Fund, thereby achieving savings to help address the state’s current budgetary problem.
May 19, 2009
This proposition amends the Constitution to prevent the California Citizens Compensation Commission from approving increases in the annual salary of elected state officials in certain cases when the state General Fund is expected to end the year with a deficit.
November 4, 2008
Beginning January 1, 2015, this measure prohibits with certain exceptions the confinement on a farm of pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. Under the measure, any person who violates this law would be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in county jail for up to six months.
November 4, 2008
This measure authorizes the state to sell $980 million in general obligation bonds for capital improvement projects at children’s hospitals. The measure specifically identifies the five University of California children’s hospitals as eligible bond fund recipients. There are additional children’s hospitals that are likely to meet other eligibility criteria specified in the measure, which are based on hospitals’ performance in the 2001‑02 fiscal year. These criteria include providing at least 160 licensed beds for infants and children.
November 4, 2008
This measure amends the State Constitution to require, with certain exceptions, a physician (or his or her representative) to notify the parent or legal guardian of a pregnant minor 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. The measure identifies an unemancipated minor as being a female under the age of 18 who has not entered into a valid marriage, is not on active duty in the armed services of the United States, and has not been declared free from her parents’ or guardians’ custody and control under state law.
November 4, 2008
This measure (1) expands drug treatment diversion programs for criminal offenders, (2) modifies parole supervision procedures and expands prison and parole rehabilitation programs, (3) allows inmates to earn additional time off their prison sentences for participation and performance in rehabilitation programs, (4) reduces certain penalties for marijuana possession, and (5) makes miscellaneous changes to state law related mainly to state administration of rehabilitation and parole programs for offenders.
November 4, 2008
This measure makes several changes to current laws relating to California’s criminal justice system. These include: setting required spending levels for certain new and existing criminal justice programs; increasing penalties for certain crimes; making various changes to state parole policies; and making various other changes related to gang databases, hearsay evidence, gang injunction procedures, criminal background checks for public housing residents, temporary housing for offenders, release of undocumented persons, juvenile justice coordinating council membership, and juveniles in adult court.
November 4, 2008
This measure makes a number of changes regarding Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the permitting of electricity generating facilities and transmission lines. Primarily, the measure establishes additional, higher RPS targets for electricity providers, makes RPS requirements enforceable on publicly owned utilities, changes the process for defining “market price of electricity,” changes the cost cap provisions that limit electricity provider obligations under the RPS, expands the scope of RPS enforcement, revises RPS-related contracting period and obligations, sets a lower penalty rate in statute and removes the cap on the total penalty amount for failure to meet RPS requirements, directs the use of RPS penalty revenues, and expands the Energy Commission’s permitting authority.
November 4, 2008
This measure amends the California Constitution to specify that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. As a result, notwithstanding the California Supreme Court ruling of May 2008, marriage would be limited to individuals of the opposite sex, and individuals of the same sex would not have the right to marry in California.
November 4, 2008
This measure amends the State Constitution and various state laws to (1) expand the legal rights of crime victims and the payment of restitution by criminal offenders, (2) restrict the early release of inmates, and (3) change the procedures for granting and revoking parole.
November 4, 2008
This measure allows the state to sell $5 billion in GO bonds for various renewable energy, alternative fuel, energy efficiency, and air emissions reduction purposes. It also designates various state agencies to administer different components of the measure. Finally, the measure specifies that not more than 1 percent of the funds in each account established by the measure may be used to pay for program administration.
November 4, 2008
This measure amends the California Constitution to change the redistricting process for the state Legislature, Board of Equalization, and California members of the U.S. House of Representatives, beginning with the 2010 census.
November 4, 2008
This measure authorizes the state to sell $900 million in general obligation bonds for the Cal-Vet program. These bonds would provide sufficient funds for at least 3,600 additional veterans to receive loans.
November 4, 2008
This measure authorizes the state to sell $9.95 billion in general obligation bonds to fund (1) pre-construction activities and construction of a high-speed passenger train system in California, and (2) capital improvements to passenger rail systems that expand capacity, improve safety, or enable train riders to connect to the high-speed train system. The bond funds would be available when appropriated by the Legislature. General obligation bonds are backed by the state, meaning that the state is required to pay the principal and interest costs on these bonds.
June 3, 2008
This measure amends the State Constitution to (1) constrain state and local governments’ authority to take private property and (2) phase out rent control. The measure also might constrain government’s authority to implement certain other programs and laws, such as mandatory inclusionary housing programs and tenant relocation benefits. The measure’s provisions apply to all governmental agencies.
June 3, 2008
This constitutional amendment limits state and local government’s use of eminent domain in certain circumstances. Specifically, the measure prohibits government from using eminent domain to take a single-family home (including a condominium) for the purpose of transferring it to another private party (such as a person, business, or association). This prohibition, however, would not apply if government was taking the home under certain specified circumstances.
February 5, 2008
The measure Prohibits certain motor vehicle fuel taxes from being retained in the General Fund and delays repayment of such taxes previously retained. It also changes how and when General Fund borrowing of certain transportation funds is allowed. This measure will increase stability of state funding for highways, streets, and roads and may decrease stability of state funding for public transit. May reduce stability of certain local funds for public transit.
February 5, 2008
This measure makes major changes to the State Constitution and state laws relating to the California Community Colleges. It's main provisions (1) change current minimum education funding requirement into two separate requirements: one for K-12 schools and one for community colleges, (2) lower community college education fees from $20 per unit to $15 per unit and significantly limit the state’s authority to increase fee levels in future years, and (3) formally establish the community colleges in the State Constitution and increase the size of the community colleges’ state governing board and the board’s administrative authority.
February 5, 2008
Under this measure, an individual could serve a total of 12 years in the Legislature (compared to 14 years currently). Unlike the current system, these years could be served without regard to whether they were in the Assembly or Senate. In other words, an individual could serve six two-year terms in the Assembly, three four-year terms in the Senate, or some combination of terms in both houses. (As under current law, an individual could serve additional time by finishing out less than one-half of another person’s term.) Existing Members of the Legislature could serve up to a total of 12 years in their current legislative house (regardless of how many years were already served in the other house). This could result in some current Members serving longer than 14 years in the Legislature.
February 5, 2008
The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians owns a casino in Riverside County with about 2,000 slot machines. The measure ratifies an amendment to the existing gaming compact that would allow the tribe to operate up to 7,500 slot machines. The tribe would make increased payments to the state annually through 2030.
February 5, 2008
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians owns a casino in Riverside County with about 2,000 slot machines. The measure ratifies an amendment to the existing gaming compact that would allow the tribe to operate up to 7,500 slot machines. The tribe would make increased payments to the state annually through 2030.
February 5, 2008
The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation owns a casino in San Diego County with about 2,000 slot machines. The measure ratifies an amendment to the existing gaming compact that would allow the tribe to operate up to 5,000 slot machines. The tribe would make increased payments to the state annually through 2030.
February 5, 2008
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians owns two casinos in Riverside County with about 2,000 slot machines. The measure ratifies an amendment to the existing gaming compact that would allow the tribe to operate up to 5,000 slot machines. The tribe would make increased payments to the state annually through 2030.
November 7, 2006
This measure amends the State Constitution to further limit the conditions under which the Proposition 42 transfer of gasoline sales tax revenues for transportation uses can be suspended. Specifically, the measure requires Proposition 42 suspensions to be treated as loans to the General Fund that must be repaid in full, including interest, within three years of suspension. Furthermore, the measure only allows suspension to occur twice in ten consecutive fiscal years. No suspension could occur unless prior suspensions (excluding those made prior to 2007‑08) have been repaid in full.
November 7, 2006
This measure authorizes the state to sell about $20 billion of general obligation bonds to fund transportation projects to relieve congestion, improve the movement of goods, improve air quality, and enhance the safety and security of the transportation system.
November 7, 2006
This proposal would increase penalties for sex offenses, require GPS devices for registered sex offenders, limit where registered sex offenders may live, and generally make more sex offenders eligible for commitment as sexually violent predators.
November 7, 2006
This initiative allows the state to sell $5.4 billion in general obligation bonds for safe drinking water, water quality, and water supply; flood control; natural resource protection; and park improvements.
November 7, 2006
This proposition amends the California Constitution to require, with certain exceptions, a physician (or his or her representative) to notify the parent or legal guardian of a pregnant minor 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. The proposition identifies an unemancipated minor as being a female under the age of 18 who has not entered into a valid marriage, is not on active duty in the armed services of the United States, and has not been declared free from her parents’ or guardians’ custody and control under state law.
November 7, 2006
This measure increases excise taxes on cigarettes (and indirectly on other tobacco products) to provide funding for hospitals for emergency services as well as programs to increase access to health insurance for children, expand nursing education, support various new and existing health and education activities, curb tobacco use and regulate tobacco sales.
November 7, 2006
Beginning in January 2007, the measure would impose a severance tax on oil production in California to generate revenues to fund $4 billion in alternative energy programs over time. (The term “severance tax” is commonly used to describe a tax on the production of any mineral or product taken from the ground, including oil.) The measure defines “producers,” who are required to pay the tax, broadly to include any person who extracts oil from the ground or water, owns or manages an oil well, or owns a royalty interest in oil.
November 7, 2006
This measure makes significant changes to state laws regarding the financing of campaigns for elected state offices and state ballot measures. The measure’s provisions regarding candidates for office generally affect only state elected officials.
June 6, 2006
This proposition allows the state to sell $600 million of general obligation bonds for local library facilities. The state would use these bond funds to provide grants to local governments to construct new libraries, expand or renovate existing libraries, acquire land for new or expanded libraries, provide related furnishings and equipment.
June 6, 2006
This proposition changes the California Constitution and state law to create and support a new, publicly funded, preschool program for children to attend in the year prior to kindergarten.
November 8, 2005
Amends California Constitution to bar abortion on unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor's parent/legal guardian, except in medical emergency or with parental waiver. Permits judicial waiver of notice based on clear and convincing evidence of minor's maturity or minor's best interests. Physician must report abortions performed on minors and State shall compile statistics. Authorizes monetary damages for violation. Minor must consent to abortion unless mentally incapable or in medical emergency. Permits judicial relief if minor's consent to abortion is coerced.
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November 8, 2005
Increases length of time required before a teacher may become a permanent employee from two complete consecutive school years to five complete consecutive school years; measure applies to teachers whose probationary period commenced during or after the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Authorizes school boards to dismiss a permanent teaching employee who receives two consecutive unsatisfactory performance evaluations.
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November 8, 2005
Prohibits public employee labor organizations from using dues or fees for political contributions unless the employee provides prior consent each year on a specified written form. Prohibition does not apply to dues or fees collected for charitable organizations, health care insurance, or other purposes directly benefiting the public employee. Requires labor organizations to maintain and submit to the Fair Political Practices Commission records concerning individual employees' and organizations' political contributions; those records are not subject to public disclosure.
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November 8, 2005
Changes state minimum school funding requirements (Proposition 98), permitting suspension of minimum funding, but terminating repayment requirement, and eliminating authority to reduce funding when state revenues decrease. Excludes above-minimum appropriations from schools' funding base. Limits state spending to prior year total plus revenue growth. Shifts excess revenues from schools/tax relief to budget reserve, specified construction, debt repayment. Requires Governor to reduce state appropriations, under specified circumstances, including employee compensation, state contracts. Continues prior year appropriations if new state budget delayed. Prohibits state special funds borrowing. Requires payment of local government mandates.
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November 8, 2005
Amends state Constitution’s process for redistricting California’s Senate, Assembly, Congressional and Board of Equalization districts. Requires three-member panel of retired judges, selected by legislative leaders, to adopt new redistricting plan if measure passes and again after each national census. Panel must consider legislative, public proposals/comments and hold public hearings. Redistricting plan becomes effective immediately when adopted by judges’ panel and filed with Secretary of State. If voters subsequently reject redistricting plan, process repeats. Specifies time for judicial review of adopted redistricting plan; if plan fails to conform to requirements, court may order new plan.
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November 8, 2005
Establishes discount prescription drug program, overseen by the Department of Health Services. Enables certain low - and moderate - income California residents to purchase prescription drugs at reduced prices. Imposes $15 application fee, renewable annually. Requires Department's prompt determination of residents' eligibility, based on listed qualifications. Authorizes Department to contract with pharmacies to sell prescription drugs at agreed-upon discounts negotiated in advance, and to negotiate rebate agreements with drug manufacturers. Permits outreach programs to increase public awareness. Creates state fund for deposit of rebate payments from drug manufacturers. Allows program to be terminated under specified conditions. (See full text of analysis for key differences between Proposition 78 and Proposition 79.)
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November 8, 2005
Provides for prescription drug discounts to Californians who qualify based on income-related standards, to be funded through rebates from participating drug manufacturers negotiated by California Department of Health Services. Rebates must be deposited in State Treasury fund, used only to reimburse pharmacies for discounts and to offset administration costs. At least 95% of rebates must go to fund discounts. Prohibits new Medi-Cal contracts with manufacturers not providing the Medicaid best price to this program, except for drugs without therapeutic equivalent. Establishes oversight board. Makes prescription drug profiteering, as defined, unlawful. (See full text of analysis for key differences between Proposition 78 and Proposition 79.)
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November 8, 2005
Addresses a number of aspects of the state’s electricity market: the regulation of the Electric Service Providers and direct access, the procurement process, resource adequacy requirements, the renewables portfolio standard, and the use of time-differentiated electricity rates.
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November 2, 2004
This measure amends the State Constitution to significantly reduce the state’s authority over major local government revenue sources. Under the measure, with two significant exceptions, the state could not reduce local sales tax rates or alter the method of allocation, shift property taxes from local governments to schools or community colleges, or decrease VLF revenues without providing replacement funding.
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November 2, 2004
This measure adds to the State Constitution the requirement that meetings of public bodies and writings of public officials and agencies be open to public scrutiny. The measure also requires that statutes or other types of governmental decisions, including those already in effect, be broadly interpreted to further the people’s right to access government information. The measure, however, still exempts some information from disclosure, such as law enforcement records. Under the measure, future governmental actions that limit the right of access would have to demonstrate the need for that restriction.
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November 2, 2004
This measure places into the State Constitution a requirement that all parties that participate in a primary election be able to advance their top vote-getting candidate to the general election.
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November 2, 2004
This measure authorizes the state to sell $750 million in general obligation bonds for capital improvement projects at children’s hospitals. The measure specifically identifies the five University of California children’s hospitals as eligible bond-fund recipients. There are other children’s hospitals likely to meet the eligibility criteria specified in the measure, which include providing at least 160 licensed beds for infants and children.
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November 2, 2004
This measure amends both the State Constitution and state statutes to make changes to primary elections. For most state and federal elected offices, this measure allows voters—including those not affiliated with a political party—to vote for any candidate regardless of the candidate’s political party. The measure applies to the election of state constitutional officers, members of the Legislature, and members of Congress. The measure, however, does not apply to the election of the U.S. President or political party committees. If approved, the new system would be used beginning with the March 2006 primary.
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November 2, 2004
This proposition establishes a state personal income tax surcharge of 1 percent on taxpayers with annual taxable incomes of more than $1 million. Funds resulting from the surcharge would be used to expand county mental health programs.
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November 2, 2004
This measure makes changes to the current unfair competition law. It restricts who can bring unfair competition lawsuits, requires lawsuits brought on behalf of others to be class actions, and restricts the use of civil penalty revenues.
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November 2, 2004
This measure amends the State Constitution to significantly reduce the Legislature’s authority to make changes affecting any local government’s revenues from the property tax, sales tax, and vehicle license fee. Specifically, the measure requires approval by the state’s voters before a legislative measure could take effect that reduced a local government’s revenues below the amount or share it would have received based on laws in effect on January 1, 2003.
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November 2, 2004
This measure amends the Three Strikes law and also amends the law relating to sex crimes against children.
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November 2, 2004
This measure increases funding for the reimbursement of physicians and hospitals for uncompensated emergency medical care and other purposes. In addition to providing the new revenues, this measure would affect the distribution of certain existing state and local funds for uncompensated medical care.
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November 2, 2004
This measure, which amends the State Constitution and state statutes, sets up two possible scenarios regarding new state gambling revenues. The first scenario would occur only if all Indian tribes with compacts agree to specified revisions to their existing compacts. The second scenario would be triggered if the tribes do not agree to the revisions. In this case, 5 existing racetracks and 11 existing card rooms would be allowed to operate slot machines.
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November 2, 2004
This measure makes changes to current law. It expands DNA collection, requires timely collection and analysis of samples, provides additional funding, and makes it a felony offense for a person required to submit a sample or print to tamper with a DNA sample, or thumb or palm print impression.
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November 2, 2004
This measure amends the State Constitution and state statutes to require the Governor to amend an existing gaming compact or enter into a new compact with any tribe within 30 days of a tribe’s request. Any such compact would have to include various specified provisions.
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November 2, 2004
The measure authorizes the state to sell $3 billion in general obligation bonds to provide funding for stem cell research and research facilities in California . A new state medical research institute would be established to use the bond funds to award grants and loans for stem cell research and research facilities, and to manage stem cell research activities funded by this measure within California.
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November 2, 2004
In 2003, the Legislature approved and the Governor signed Senate Bill 2 (Chapter 673) to expand health insurance coverage beginning in 2006 for employees of certain employers and, in some cases, their dependents. The law also established a program to assist lower-income employees with paying their share of health care premiums. This proposition would allow the provisions of SB 2 to go into effect.
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November 2, 2004
This measure requires that proceeds from the sale of surplus state property that occur on or after the passage of this measure be used to pay the principal and interest on Proposition 57 bonds. Once these bonds are fully repaid, proceeds from surplus property sales would be deposited in the General Fund. The measure does not apply to properties acquired with specified transportation funds or other special fund monies.
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March 2, 2004
This measure allows the state to issue $12.3 billion of general obligation bonds for construction and renovation of K-12 school facilities ($10 billion) and higher education facilities ($2.3 billion).
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March 2, 2004
This measure permits the Legislature to pass the state budget and tax increase measures related to the budget by a 55 percent vote. Other changes to the budget process would be made.
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March 2, 2004
This proposition puts before the voters authorization for the state to issue a bond of up to $15 billion to deal with its budget deficit. The bond authorized by this measure would be used in place of the deficit-financing bond authorized last year by the Legislature
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March 2, 2004
This proposition amends the Constitution, making changes related to (1) the enactment and maintenance of a balanced state budget, (2) the establishment of specific reserve requirements, and (3) a restriction on future deficit-related borrowing.
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October 7, 2003
This measure would increase the amount of General Fund revenue committed to pay-as-you-go capital outlay projects for both state and local governments.
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October 7, 2003
This measure restricts, effective January 1, 2005, state and local governments from “classifying” information on a person’s race, ethnicity, color, or national origin for the purposes of public education, public contracting, public employment, and other government operations.
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November 5, 2002
This measure allows the state to sell $2.1 billion of general obligation bonds to fund 21 housing programs.
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November 5, 2002
This measure allows the state to issue $13.05 billion of general obligation bonds for construction and renovation of K-12 school facilities ($11.4 billion) and higher education facilities ($1.65 billion).
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November 5, 2002
This measure makes technical and conforming changes to the Constitution recommended by the California Law Revision Commission related to court consolidation.
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November 5, 2002
This proposition makes various funding changes to the state’s Before and After School Learning and Safe Neighborhoods Partnership Program.
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November 5, 2002
This measure allows the state to sell $3.44 billion in general obligation bonds for various water-related programs. More than half of the funds would be allocated to two purposes—coastal protection and the CALFED Bay-Delta Program.
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November 5, 2002
This measure redirects to transportation-related purposes 30 percent of the sales tax revenue from the lease and sale of new and used motor vehicles that currently goes to General Fund supported programs.
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November 5, 2002
This measure allows eligible citizens, upon presenting proof of current residence, to register up to and including election day.
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March 5, 2002
This measure allows the state to sell $2.6 billion of general obligation bonds to conserve natural resources (land, air, and water), to acquire and improve state and local parks, and to preserve historical and cultural resources.
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March 5, 2002
This measure allows the state to sell $200 million in general obligation bonds for updated voting systems.
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March 5, 2002
This measure places in the State Constitution those provisions of current law that require that, from 2003-04 through 2007-08, gasoline sales tax revenues be used for specified state and local transportation purposes.
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March 5, 2002
This measure amends the Constitution to explicitly state that every vote cast in accordance with state law shall be counted, thus affirming in the Constitution the right of the voter to have his/her vote counted.
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March 5, 2002
This measure requires the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to revoke for ten years the license of a chiropractor who is convicted for a second time, or is convicted of multiple counts in a single case, of various specified offenses, including insurance fraud.
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March 5, 2002
This measure allows local voters to petition the Secretary of State to permit their incumbent Senator or Assembly Member who is termed-out to run for reelection to that same office at the next election or elections (in the case of the Assembly), thereby allowing the legislator to serve up to an additional four years in office.
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November 7, 2000
This measure authorizes the state to sell $500 million in general obligation bonds for the Cal-Vet program.
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November 7, 2000
This proposition amends the State Constitution to allow legislators to participate in the state Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
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November 7, 2000
This measure revises state laws on political campaigns for state and local elective offices and ballot propositions.
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November 7, 2000
This proposition amends the State Constitution to allow the state and local governments to contract with qualified private entities for architectural and engineering services for all phases of a public works project.
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November 7, 2000
This measure changes state law so that certain adult offenders who use or possess illegal drugs would receive drug treatment and supervision in the community, rather than being sent to prison or jail or supervised in the community, generally without drug treatment. The measure also provides state funds to counties to operate the drug treatment programs.
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November 7, 2000
This proposition, which amends the State Constitution, would classify as "taxes" some new charges that government otherwise could impose as "fees."
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November 7, 2000
This proposition, which amends the State's Constitution, makes major changes in public funding for K-12 education.
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November 7, 2000
This proposition (1) changes the State Constitution to lower the voting requirement for passage of local school bonds and (2) changes existing statutory law regarding charter school facilities.
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March 7, 2000
This proposition allows the state to sell $2.1 billion of general obligation bonds to spend on acquisition, development, and protection of recreational, cultural, and natural areas.
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March 7, 2000
This measure allows the state to sell $1.97 billion of general obligation bonds to improve the safety, quality, and reliability of water supplies, as well as to improve flood protection. Of this total, $250 million is dedicated specifically to carrying out the CALFED Bay-Delta plan.
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March 7, 2000
This proposition allows the state to sell $350 million of general obligation bonds for local library facilities.
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March 7, 2000
This measure allows the state to sell $220 million in general obligation bonds for local crime laboratories.
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March 7, 2000
This proposition authorizes the state to sell $50 million of general obligation bonds to pay the state's share of the cost for construction and renovation of new and existing veterans' homes.
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March 7, 2000
This proposition amends the State Constitution to allow private nonprofit groups to conduct raffles under certain conditions.
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March 7, 2000
This measure amends state law so that a case of first degree murder is eligible for a finding of a special circumstance if either the murderer intentionally killed the victim "by means of lying in wait" or arson or kidnapping was committed to further the murder scheme.
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March 7, 2000
This measure requires longer prison sentences for offenders convicted of the second degree murder of law enforcement personnel working for the California State University system and the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District.
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March 7, 2000
This proposition changes the way that a portion of the annual lottery revenues is distributed to public education. Basically, of the future growth in lottery funds, one-half must go to K-14 public schools and be spent on instructional materials.
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March 7, 2000
The initiative proposes changes to the prosecution, sentencing, and incarceration of juvenile offenders. It also expands penalties for gang members, vandals, and other adult criminals.
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March 7, 2000
This initiative provides that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid in California.
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March 7, 2000
This measure would require that all election ballots for certain federal and state offices provide voters with the option of voting for "none of the above".
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March 7, 2000
PROPOSITION 24 REMOVED BY ORDER OF THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT
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March 7, 2000
This measure would revise state laws governing political campaigns for state candidates and campaigns for or against state ballot measures commencing in 2001.
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March 7, 2000
This measure provides that K-14 jurisdictions could incur bonded indebtedness for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of K-14 school facilities if approved by a majority of the local jurisdiction voters. Any such proposal submitted to the voters must include: (1) a provision that the bond proceeds will be used only for school facilities purposes listed in the proposition; (2) a list of specific school facilities projects to be funded; and (3) a requirement of an annual, independent financial audit.
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March 7, 2000
This measure would allow all candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives from California to sign and submit declarations stating that they will either adhere to or decline to adhere to voluntary term limitations.
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March 7, 2000
This measure eliminates certain provisions of Proposition 10, including the California Children and Families First Fund and the 50 cents per pack excise tax on cigarettes and the equivalent tax on other tobacco products which were effective January 1, 1999.
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March 7, 2000
This proposition would allow the Pala compacts approved by the Governor and the Legislature in 1998 to go into effect. The Pala compact authorizes the operation of Indian "video lottery terminals" if they operate as lotteries, not slot machines. These compacts, however, would not go into effect if the voters approve Proposition 1A on this ballot.
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March 7, 2000
This proposition would allow the provisions of SB 1237 to go into effect. Senate Bill 1237 (1) gives third-party claimants the right to sue an insurance company for unfair claim practices in certain liability cases and (2) creates an alternative, binding arbitration system for settling these liability cases.
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March 7, 2000
This proposition becomes law only if Proposition 30 on this ballot is also approved by the voters. Proposition 31 would amend parts of Proposition 30, limiting to some extent when a third-party claimant can sue an insurance company for unfair claims practices.
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March 7, 2000
This proposition amends the State Constitution to permit Indian tribes to conduct and operate slot machines, lottery games, and banked and percentage card games on Indian land, under specified circumstances.
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November 3, 1998
This constitutional amendment allows property owners to transfer their current assessed value to a replacement property within their county if the original property was environmentally contaminated. This contamination could be caused, for example, by the presence of toxic or hazardous materials. The replacement property could involve either (1) the repair or reconstruction of a damaged structure on the contaminated site or (2) purchase of a similar structure on a different site.
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November 3, 1998
This measure amends the California Constitution to restrict the conditions under which state transportation funds, including gas tax revenues, revenues from fees and taxes on motor vehicles and their use, and funds in the Public Transportation Account, can be loaned to the state General Fund. Specifically, loans to the state General Fund in any fiscal year must be repaid within that fiscal year, except that repayment may be delayed up to 30 days after a state budget is enacted for the subsequent fiscal year. Loans extending over a fiscal year may be made only if the Governor declares a state of emergency which would result in a significant negative impact to the General Fund, or if there is a decrease in General Fund revenues from the previous year's level. Loans extending over a fiscal year must be repaid in full within three fiscal years.
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November 3, 1998
Under this measure, a voter could not cross party lines when voting for delegates to a political party's presidential nominating convention. A voter would only be permitted to vote for delegates to a presidential nominating convention of a political party with which the voter is affiliated. Accordingly, county elections officials would be required by this measure to prepare additional and separate partisan presidential primary ballots for the selection of delegates to presidential nominating conventions for the sole use of persons registered with that political party.
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November 3, 1998
This measure places new restrictions on the use of traps and poisons to capture and kill specified mammals for various purposes.
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November 3, 1998
This measure requires the state to enter into a specific compact allowing certain Class III gambling activities on Indian lands for those tribes that agree to sign the agreement. The measure also requires the Governor to negotiate a separate tribal-state compact with any tribe that wants a different compact.
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November 3, 1998
This measure prohibits both the slaughter of horses for human consumption and the sale of horsemeat for human consumption in California. In addition, horses could not be sent out of California for slaughter in other states or countries for human consumption. Under the measure horses include any horse, pony, burro, or mule. The measure establishes felony and misdemeanor criminal penalties for violations of these provisions.
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November 3, 1998
This measure provides tax credits to individuals and corporations for certain expenditures they make that reduce emissions of pollutants into the air. For example, a trucking company that modifies the engines on its older, heavy-duty diesel trucks so that the fuel burns more cleanly could be eligible for a tax credit under the measure. A tax credit reduces the amount of taxes paid to the state by an individual or corporation. Under the measure, a maximum total of $218 million in tax credits would be available for award each fiscal year until January 1, 2011. This maximum amount may be reduced under specified circumstances when there is a drop in the state's General Fund revenues. Credits not awarded in one year may be carried over and awarded in a later year.
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November 3, 1998
This measure makes various changes to the state's education system (grades kindergarten through twelve--K-12). Specifically, it: (1) creates a state Office of the Chief Inspector of Public Schools, (2) Increases the responsibilities of school site councils and principals, (3) alters the state qualifications that must be met by teachers in California, (4) requires teachers to keep lesson plans on the subjects they teach, and (5) prevents the state from reducing funding for the existing kindergarten through grade three (K-3) class size reduction program. Mandates the expulsion of students possessing unlawful drugs at school.
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November 3, 1998
This measure prohibits assessment of utility tax, bond payments or surcharges for payment of costs of nuclear power plants/related assets; limits authority of electric companies to recover costs for non-nuclear generation plants; prohibits issuance of rate reduction bonds and assessments on customers for payment of bond principal, interest, and related costs; provides judicial review of Public Utilities Commission decisions relating to electric restructuring and financing costs by writ of mandate; may provide up to 20% electricity rate reduction for residential and small commercial customers of investor-owned utilities by January 1, 1999; restricts customer information dissemination.
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November 3, 1998
Creates state commission to provide information and materials and to formulate guidelines for establishment of comprehensive early childhood development and smoking prevention programs; creates county commissions to develop strategic plans with emphasis on new programs; creates trust fund for these programs; funds exempt from Proposition 98 requirement that dedicates portion of general tax revenues to schools.
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November 3, 1998
This proposition provides another way of implementing sales tax revenue-sharing contracts. For Bradley-Burns revenues, contracts could be approved by a two-thirds vote of each affected jurisdiction's governing body (a city council or board of supervisors).
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November 3, 1998
This measure authorizes the state to sell $9.2 billion in general obligation bonds for K-12 schools ($6.7 billion) and higher education facilities ($2.5 billion).
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June 2, 1998
Prohibits any statewide initiative, legislative measure, or local ballot measure from excluding or including any county, city or other local jurisdiction from its application based upon voter approval or the casting of a specified percentage of votes for or against the measure within that political subdivision. Provides that no statewide initiative, legislative measure, or local ballot measure can contain language which enables alternative or cumulative provisions of the measure to become law based upon a specified percentage of votes being cast for or against the measure.
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June 2, 1998
Provides for consolidation of superior court and municipal court in county upon approval by majority of superior court judges and of municipal court judges in that county. Upon consolidation, the superior court has jurisdiction over all matters now handled by superior and municipal court, municipal court judges become superior court judges, and the municipal court is abolished. Makes related changes to constitutional provisions regarding municipal courts. Provides for addition of nonvoting members to Judicial Council and lengthens some members' terms.
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June 2, 1998
This measure grants the Commission on Judicial Performance discretionary authority with regard to the oversight and discipline of subordinate judicial officers, subject to California Supreme Court review, according to same standards as judges. Provides that no person found unfit to serve as subordinate judicial officer after hearing before Commission shall have status required to serve as subordinate judicial officer. Responsibility of court to initially discipline or dismiss subordinate judicial officer as employee not diminished or eliminated by measure.
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June 2, 1998
Amends Penal Code section 190, which provides that second degree murder of peace officer who defendant knows or should know is performing official duty, is punishable by 25 years to life in prison, to provide that such murder, if committed either intentionally, with intent to commit great bodily injury, or with personal use of a firearm or dangerous or deadly weapon, is punishable by life in prison without parole. Eliminates duplicative provision in Penal Code. Persons convicted of any murder may not earn credits in prison to reduce the sentence.
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June 2, 1998
Prohibits school districts from spending more than five percent of funds from all sources for costs of general administration, instructional resources supervision, and supervision of instruction, beginning fiscal year 1999-2000. Requires State Board of Education to fine districts failing to comply. Requires districts to publish percentage of funds expended on administrative costs annually, report expenditure information to State Board of Education, and undertake performance audits and fiscal efficiency reviews every five years. Requires districts to develop systems which indicate the intended contribution of each projected expenditure to the achievement of specific performance objectives.
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June 2, 1998
Prohibits contracting where performance of work by civil service employees is less costly unless urgent need for contract. Prohibits contracts which Controller or awarding agency determines are against public interest, health, safety or where quality of work would be lower than civil service work. Contractors must indemnify state in suits related to performance of contracts. Requires defined competitive bidding of state-funded design and engineering contracts over $50,000, unless delay from bidding would endanger public health or safety. Provisions severable and should be harmonized with similar measures on subject.
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June 2, 1998
Declares that the official position of the People of the State of California is that its elected officials should vote to help enact an amendment to the U.S. Constitution limiting congressional terms. The proposed constitutional amendment would limit U.S. Senators to two terms and House of Representatives members to three terms. Requires the California Legislature and state and federal legislators from California to use their powers to pass the amendment. All candidates for federal or state legislative office who do not provide required support must be identified as non-supporters on ballot.
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June 2, 1998
Requires all employers and labor organizations to obtain employee's or member's permission before withholding wages or using union dues or fees for political contributions. Employee's or member's permission is to be obtained annually using a prescribed form. Requires record keeping. Prohibits contributions to state and local candidates by residents, governments or entities of foreign countries.
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June 2, 1998
Requires all public school instruction be conducted in English. Requirement may be waived if parents or guardian show that child already knows English, or has special needs, or would learn English faster through alternate instructional technique. Provides initial short-term placement, not normally exceeding one year, in intensive sheltered English immersion programs for children not fluent in English. Appropriates $50 million per year for ten years funding English instruction for individuals pledging to provide personal English tutoring to children in their community. Permits enforcement suits by parents and guardians.
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November 5, 1996
This measure authorizes the state to sell $995 million of general obligation bonds for the purposes of restoration and improvement of the Bay-Delta; wastewater treatment and water supply and conservation; and local flood control and prevention. General obligation bonds are backed by the state, meaning that the state is required to pay the principal and interest costs on these bonds. General Fund revenues would be used to pay these costs. General Fund revenues come primarily from the state personal and corporate income taxes and sales tax.
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November 5, 1996
This measure authorizes the state to sell $700 million in general obligation bonds for county juvenile and adult detention facilities. The money raised from the bond sales would be used for the construction, renovation, remodeling, and replacement of local facilities that are used to treat, rehabilitate, and punish juvenile offenders ($350 million) and adult offenders ($350 million).
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November 5, 1996
This measure authorizes the state to sell $400 million in general obligation bonds for the Cal-Vet program. The Department of Veterans Affairs advises that these bonds would provide sufficient funds to enable at least 2,000 additional veterans to receive loans.
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November 5, 1996
Under the measure, attorney fees for any legal matter would be subject to the laws in effect on January 1, 1995. Any changes to these state laws by the Legislature would also require a vote of the electorate, unless the changes further the purposes of the measure, in which case they could be enacted by a two-thirds vote of each house. The measure also enacts into law existing State Bar rules prohibiting attorneys from collecting excessive fees, and provides that clients can sue attorneys to recover fees that have been found to be excessive by the court. The measure enacts into law criteria for determining whether a fee is excessive. The criteria are similar to those currently used by the State Bar. Finally, the measure requires that a court impose sanctions against an attorney if the court determines that the attorney has filed a frivolous legal action.
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November 5, 1996
This measure makes a number of changes to current state law regarding campaign contributions and spending. Specifically, the measure (1) limits the amount of campaign contributions that an individual or group can make to a candidate for state and local elective office and prohibits lobbyists from making contributions, (2) establishes voluntary campaign spending limits, (3) limits when campaign fund-raising may occur, and (4) establishes penalties for violations of the measure and increases penalties for existing campaign law violations.
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November 5, 1996
This measure would eliminate state and local government affirmative action programs in the areas of public employment, public education, and public contracting to the extent these programs involve "preferential treatment" based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. The specific programs affected by the measure, however, would depend on such factors as (1) court rulings on what types of activities are considered "preferential treatment" and (2) whether federal law requires the continuation of certain programs. The measure provides exceptions to the ban on preferential treatment when necessary for specified reasons.
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November 5, 1996
This measure would increase the minimum hourly wage paid by employers to employees working in all industries in California to $5.00 per hour beginning March 1, 1997, and to $5.75 per hour beginning March 1, 1998.
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November 5, 1996
The measure makes various changes regarding securities fraud with respect particularly to retirement savings (as defined by the measure). It also would make it more difficult to change state laws concerning attorney-client fee agreements in all types of cases.
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November 5, 1996
This measure makes a number of changes to current state law regarding campaign contributions and spending. The measure: limits the amount of campaign contributions that an individual or group can make to a candidate for state and local elective office and prohibits lobbyists from making contributions; establishes both mandatory and voluntary campaign spending limits; limits when campaign fund-raising may occur; eliminates current restrictions on public officials receiving gifts and honoraria; eliminates tax deductions for lobbying expenses; and establishes penalties for violations of the measure and increases penalties for existing campaign law violations.
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November 5, 1996
This measure would limit the ability of certain people to sue to recover losses suffered in accidents.
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November 5, 1996
This measure establishes additional requirements for the operation of health care businesses. The measure: prohibits health care businesses from denying recommended care without a physical examination; requires the state to set more comprehensive staffing standards for more types of health care facilities; prohibits health care businesses from using financial incentives to withhold medically appropriate care; increases protections for certain health care employees and contractors; and requires health care businesses to make various types of information available to the public.
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November 5, 1996
This measure amends state law to allow persons to grow or possess marijuana for medical use when recommended by a physician. The measure provides for the use of marijuana when a physician has determined that the person's health would benefit from its use in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or "any other illness for which marijuana provides relief." The physician's recommendation may be oral or written. No prescriptions or other record-keeping is required by the measure. The measure also allows caregivers to grow and possess marijuana for a person for whom the marijuana is recommended. The measure states that no physician shall be punished for having recommended marijuana for medical purposes. Furthermore, the measure specifies that it is not intended to overrule any law that prohibits the use of marijuana for nonmedical purposes.
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November 5, 1996
This measure imposes new taxes on some health care businesses and individuals, with the revenue dedicated to financing a variety of health care services. It also establishes additional requirements for the operation of health care businesses.
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November 5, 1996
This measure (1) reinstates, beginning with the 1996 tax year, the income tax increase for higher-income taxpayers that ended last year and (2) allocates the money from this tax increase to schools and local governments.
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November 5, 1996
This measure would constrain local governments' ability to impose fees, assessments, and taxes. The measure would apply to all cities, counties, special districts, redevelopment agencies, and school districts in California.
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March 26, 1996
This measure authorizes the state to sell $2 billion in general obligation bonds in order to reconstruct, replace, or retrofit state-owned toll bridges and highway bridges in phase two of the Seismic Retrofit Program. The measure provides that, of the $2 billion, $650 million shall be used only for the seismic retrofit of state-owned toll bridges. The measure also requires that expenditures for phase two seismic retrofit of state highway bridges, as well as for toll bridges, be funded exclusively from bond funds and not from other state funds, such as toll revenues or revenues from the state gas tax.
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March 26, 1996
This constitutional amendment would extend the existing parent-child exemption from reappraisal to sales or transfers of property between grandparents and grandchildren. These sales or transfers would be exempt only in cases where both parents of the grandchild are deceased, and would apply only to the sale or transfer of a principal residence and the first $1 million of other property. Grandchildren would not be eligible to receive the exemption--or would be eligible to receive only a reduced exemption--if they had already benefited from a purchase or transfer that was exempt from reappraisal.
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March 26, 1996
This measure prohibits an inmate who participates in the Joint Venture Program, and is then released from state prison, from collecting unemployment insurance benefits based upon his or her participation in a Joint Venture business
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March 26, 1996
This measure adds first-degree murder during either a carjacking or a carjacking-kidnap to the list of special circumstances punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This measure also specifies that the first-degree murder of a juror--either in retaliation for performing his or her official actions or to prevent the juror from carrying out his or her official duties--is a special circumstance.
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March 26, 1996
This measure adds first-degree murder resulting from a drive-by shooting to the list of special circumstances punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
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March 26, 1996
This measure amends Proposition 117's provisions related to mountain lions.
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March 26, 1996
This measure allows all persons who are entitled to vote in primary elections, including those not affiliated with a political party, to vote for any candidate regardless of the candidate's political party affiliation. Thus, voters in primary elections would be allowed to vote for candidates across political party lines. Furthermore, the initiative provides that county elections officials prepare only one ballot for all voters. The candidates for an office would be listed randomly on the ballot and not grouped by political party affiliation. The candidate of each political party who receives the most votes for a state elective office becomes the nominee of that party at the next general election.
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March 26, 1996
This measure phases out mobilehome rent control laws and prohibits local government from enacting new mobilehome rent control laws. The measure also requires mobilehome park owners to provide rent discounts to very-low income mobilehome owners.
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March 26, 1996
The measure establishes a "no-fault" motor vehicle insurance system for personal injuries resulting from vehicle accidents. This system, if approved by the voters, would apply to accidents occurring on or after July 1, 1997. The measure significantly changes current law regarding payments for bodily injuries. (The measure does not change current law regarding payments for property damage.)
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March 26, 1996
This measure changes who is responsible for paying the legal expenses of persons involved in shareholder lawsuits. Specifically, the measure requires the losing party in shareholder lawsuits to pay the winning party's reasonable legal expenses, including attorney fees. The measure permits the court, however, to waive the liability of the losing party if it finds that the lawsuit was substantially justified and the payment of the legal expenses would be unjust. The court may also reduce the expenses or require the losing attorney, rather than the losing client, to pay all or part of the expenses.
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March 26, 1996
This measure limits the amount of contingent fees attorneys representing plaintiffs could charge their clients when the defendant makes an early offer to settle the tort claim. Specifically, if the plaintiff accepts an early settlement offer, the attorney contingent fee would be limited to no more than 15 percent of the offer. If the plaintiff rejects an early settlement offer, the fee would then be limited to no more than 15 percent of the early settlement offer, plus an additional amount agreed to by the attorney and client. The additional amount would be a percentage of the recovery in excess of the early settlement offer. Contingent fees also would be limited to no more than 15 percent in those cases where attorneys do not fully disclose early settlement offers to their clients.
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March 26, 1996
This measure authorizes the state to sell $3 billion in general obligation bonds for K-12 schools ($2.025 billion) and higher education facilities ($0.975 billion).
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