California Ballot Propositions

Proposition 45: Places environmental review deadlines to help expedite or advance projects developers designate as “essential.” According to CalMatters: A 365-day limit would be placed on environmental reviews deemed important, including  infrastructure like roads and bridges, housing, schools, broadband and wildfire mitigation. Would also require courts to rule within 270 days on lawsuits related to

Proposition 44: Requires community clinics, which serve low-income patients, to spend 90% of their annual revenue on patient care. Clinics that don’t spend the 90% will be penalized by the State. According to CalMatters: This proposition would direct the attorney general to provide guidance on what type of spending qualifies as patient care. The measure

Proposition 43: Increase the percentage of votes needed to approve voter-proposed local special taxes from majority (over 50%) to two-thirds. According to CalMatters: This proposition would make it tougher to impose or increase local taxes from a simple majority. Opposers of the proposition argue the measure would limit the ability to raise the needed revenue

Proposition 42: Prevents any new state tax on personal property (all things other than real estate), and would revoke taxes enacted after January 1, 2026. According to CalMatters: This proposition was put in place on the ballot by opponents of Prop. 40 (Billionaire Tax). Proposition 42 would nullify Proposition 40 if it receives more votes.

Proposition 41: Requires the state auditor to review programs funded by new special taxes before it appears on the ballot to voters. Programs funded by special taxes would be regularly reviewed. According to CalMatters: The auditor would assess whether the program that would receive funding could cut spending by at least 10% annually Proposition 41 requires

Proposition 40: Impose a one-time 5% tax on Californians whose net worth exceeded $1 billion at the start of this year. According to CalMatters: The revenue generated from this tax would be used to fund healthcare, food assistance, and education. 90% of these tax revenues for health care, 10% for food assistance or education-related programs.

Proposition 39: Require voters to present a government-issued ID at the polls and mail-in ballots to have the last four digits of designated government-issued identification number written on envelope to verify all registered voters are U.S. citizens Supporters argue the measure would increase trust and confidence in our elections. Opposers say the measure adds an

Proposition 38: Authorizes $8.4 billion in bonds to fund immunology and immunotherapy research. A select research institute affiliated with the University of California would receive half of the funding, and the other half would be distributed to select public universities and non-profits. Immunotherapy is treatment that uses the body’s immune system, usually your own, to

Proposition 37: Authorizes $25 billion in bonds to offer eligible home-buyers fixed-rate mortgages for up to 17% of purchase price of a newly constructed home priced below about $1.5 million. According to CalMatters: Buyers must be California residents, meet income limits, must occupy the home, and be able to contribute a 3% down payment. Homeowners would

Proposition 3: Allows the state of California to make already voter-approved high tax rates permanent for high-income earners (individuals earning over $371,000 annually). According to CalMatters: California voters approved the high tax increases for high-income earners in 2012. Unless Proposition 3 is passed, this tax increase will expire in 2031. Of the money collected from these

Proposition 2: Allows the state of California to increase the cap on contributions made towards its emergency rainy day fund from 10% of general fund tax revenue to 20%. California’s Rainy Day Fund was approved by voters in 2014. Building state budget reserves to help maintain funding for education, health care, public safety, and other

Proposition 1: Allows the state of California to sell $11.25 billion in bonds in order to generate funds for affordable housing programs. According to CalMatters: The bonds are expected to fund up to 40,000 multifamily rental units, and help another 40,000 households afford a home. $1.25 billion would be used towards veteran housing, while the

Proposition 5: Require political seat vacancies following a recall to be filled by subsequent special election or appointment. Delaying the election of a successor until a separate election is done. According to CalMatters: Under the current law, voters decide in the same election whether or not to recall an officer, and who would replace an

Proposition 4: Allows the state of California to establish public campaign funds for public office candidates. According to CalMatters: Current law prohibits California state and local governments from using public funds to support election campaigns. Supporters of the proposition say passing of this measure would remove the financial barrier and encourage any eligible candidate to

Proposition 4: The state would distribute $10 billion in general obligation bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protection of communities and lands. “Yes” Vote: A “yes” vote would mean the state could borrow the funds and distribute towards various projects aimed at conserving natural resources and addressing the causes and effects of climate

Proposition 2: The state would borrow $10 billion for in state obligation funds for repairs, upgrade, and construction of K-12 public schools and community colleges. $8.5 million (or 85%) would be distributed to public schools and charter schools. The remaining $1.5 million (or 15%) would be distributed to community colleges. “Yes” Vote: A “yes” vote

Proposition 32: Raises minimum wage as follows: For employers with 26 or more employees, to $17 immediately – $18 on January 1, 2025  For employers with 25 or fewer employees, to $17 on January 1, 2025, $18 on January 1, 2026.  “Yes” Vote:  The state minimum wage would be $18 per hour in 2026. After

Proposition 6: End mandatory work assignments for state prisoners. It would make employment voluntary for incarcerated people and would protect them from being disciplined for refusing a work assignment. It would authorize credits for incarcerated people who voluntarily participate in work assignments. “Yes” Vote: A “yes” vote would mean state prisons would not be allowed to

Proposition 5: Lower the voting requirement so certain types of local bond measures could pass with 55% of the vote instead of two-thirds of the vote. This lower voting requirement applies to housing program bonds for low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and other groups. It could also be used to improve infrastructure for

Proposition 3: Amends California Constitution to recognize the fundamental right to marry, regardless of sex or race. Removes language in the California Constitution stating that marriage is only between a man and a woman. “Yes” Vote: A “yes” vote would mean the language in the California Constitution would be updated. There would be no change