August 13
This measure would repeal the Governor’s authority to grant clemency and instead transfer clemency authority to the California Clemency Board, which would consist of county clemency boards. Each county would have at least one board of five citizens randomly selected from the pool of registered voters. The board would be responsible for reviewing and taking action on clemency requests from prisoners whose committing offense occurred in that county. The local clemency boards would have the authority to release prisoners, commute sentences, or concur with the inmate’s current sentence. A statewide elected officer whose responsibilities would include accepting clemency petitions from the public, processing clemency petitions for review, and undefined financial responsibilities would administer the local clemency boards.
May 7
The measure requires pupils to complete 40 hours of community service for an “acceptable” nonprofit organization or governmental entity in order to receive a high school diploma, starting in the 2005-06 school year.
April 29
The initiative amends the State Constitution to provide Las Vegas- and Atlantic City-type gaming in Eureka, California exclusively for a period of 28 years. After that time, the Legislature could either extend Las Vegas- and Atlantic City-type gaming to all counties in California or eliminate it.
March 15
This measure proposes to provide additional funding for emergency medical care services by increasing the surcharge on criminal fines, forfeitures, and penalties, including vehicle code violations, but not including parking offenses.
February 26
The measure increases the state minimum wage from the current $6.75 per hour to $10.29 per hour, effective January 1, 2003. In addition, the measure requires the Industrial Welfare Commission to adjust annually the minimum wage rate based on a consumer price index. The first adjustment would be effective January 1, 2005.
January 29
This measure would make major changes in the way in which California’s state and local governments raise revenues and finance programs. This would be accomplished by (1) replacing the existing sales and use tax (SUT) with a value added sales tax on certain tangible personal property, (2) replacing various excise taxes, (3) eliminating certain local taxes and fees, (4) eliminating taxing authority of certain local governments, and (5) making certain other changes in the law governing taxation.