California Ballot Measures

Updated Nov. 16th

 

Proposition 51:  School Bonds. Funding for K-12 School and Community College Facilities

State school bond to address the backlog of school construction projects. These projects have been approved by local school boards and must meet state program eligibility criteria. School districts use local funds to match state dollars. Learn more.

The CAGOP recommends a YES vote

Results: Yes – 54%  No – 46%


Proposition 52:  State Fees on Hospitals. Federal Medi-Cal Matching Funds. Initiative Statutory and Constitutional Amendment

Since 2009, the State of California has partnered with hospitals to secure billions of dollars per year in federal matching funds for Medi-Cal. This alliance ensures vital access to health care for nearly 7 million California children, providing essential health services such as medical check-ups, immunizations, important prescriptions, dental and vision care. Prop 52 will extend this partnership. Learn more.

The CAGOP recommends a YES vote

Results: Yes – 69.8%  No – 30.2%


Proposition 53:  Revenue Bonds. Statewide Voter Approval

Proposition 53 closes a loophole in state law that could result in new debt to pay for multi-billion dollar projects – without giving Californians the right to vote. It forces politicians to be held accountable and get voter approval before issuing new revenue bond debt for projects over $2 billion. Learn more.

The CAGOP recommends a YES vote

Results: Yes – 48.8%  No – 51.2%


Proposition 54:  Legislature. Legislation and Proceedings (Legislature Transparency Act)

Proposition 54 will put a stop to secret legislation, give voters more access to the legislative process, and make sure legislators are working for voters, not the special interests. It requires: each bill must be in print and posted online for at least 72 hours before it may pass out of either house; the Legislature must post online a video record of every legislative meeting that is supposed to be open to the public; and it allows individuals to create and share their own recordings of legislative proceedings. Learn more.

The CAGOP recommends a YES vote

Results: Yes – 64.8%  No – 35.2%


Proposition 55:  Tax Extension to Fund Education and Healthcare

In 2012, Prop. 30 promised that its tax increases would be temporary and were only necessary to provide critical funding for education and public safety. Prop. 55 breaks this promise. Revenue from the personal income tax is highly volatile and any anticipated revenue from this initiative might be significantly reduced when California is faced with future recessions. The CalChamber Board states that passing an extension now is premature because Proposition 30 taxes do not expire for another two-and-a-half years.  Read more.

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 62.5%  No – 37.5%


Proposition 56:  Cigarette Tax to fund Healthcare, Tobacco Use Prevention, Research, and Law Enforcement

An increase in the tobacco tax that may benefit special interests while making sure schools get none of the new tax revenue as required by Proposition 98 and the State Constitution. Only 13 percent of the new taxes would actually help people quit or keep kids from starting.  Read more.

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 63.5%  No – 36.5%


Proposition 57:  Criminal Sentences. Juvenile Criminal Proceedings and Sentencing

Grants early release for felons currently serving sentences in our state prisons for a long list of crimes including rape of an unconscious person, discharging a firearm on school grounds, hostage taking and arson.  Read More.

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 63.7%  No – 36.3%


Proposition 58:  English Language Education, Put on the ballot by the Legislature

Eliminates the requirement that immigrant parents must sign waivers before their children are placed in non-English classes. Repeals all restrictions on the California Legislature to make future changes. Read More.

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 72.6%  No – 27.4%


Proposition 59:  California Overturn of Citizens United Act Advisory Question

This advisory question was placed on the ballot by the California Legislature and states that corporations should not have the same constitutional rights as human beings. While the Citizens United campaign finance decision also impacted labor unions, the Legislature did not reference unions in this measure.

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 52.7%  No – 47.3%


Proposition 60:  Adult Films. Condoms. Health Requirements

This measure will divert state resources from monitoring workplace injuries in other industries to make certain adult film performers are wearing condoms. Opponents are concerned it would set a dangerous precedent by giving specified non-profits and individuals the authority to overrule Cal/OSHA and file frivolous lawsuits against business owners.

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 45.9%  No – 54.1%


Proposition 61:  State Prescription Drug Purchases. Pricing Standards

The measure would impose unworkable contracting requirements for some state prescription drug purchases based on prices paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Independent experts warn the measure could increase state prescription drug costs, while reducing patient access to medicines. Read more. 

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 46%  No – 54%


Proposition 62:  Death Penalty. (Repeals Death Penalty)

Proposition 62 says the most heinous crimes should have no higher level of punishment. Death row inmates are now able to file one frivolous appeal after another, denying justice. While the backers of Proposition 62 says it will save taxpayers money, under this measure taxpayers are on the hook to feed, clothe, house, guard, and provide healthcare to brutal killers until they die of old age. Read more.

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 46.2%  No – 53.8%


Proposition 63:  Firearms. Ammunition Sales

Criminalizes the private sale or transfer of ammunition. A backdoor gun ban that impacts not just future ammunition sales, but forces you to surrender your existing private property to law enforcement.  Read more.  

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote 

Results: Yes – 62.7%  No – 37.3%


Proposition 64:  Marijuana Legalization. Initiative Statute

Legalizes recreational marijuana with a business model that creates winners and losers. It allows television ads promoting marijuana smoking and has no standard for marijuana impaired driving. Tax revenue from sales would be restricted to programs that address the consequences of legalization such as use by youth, environmental impact, and research on driving while intoxicated. Read more.

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 56.2%  No – 43.8%


Proposition 65:  Carry-Out Bags. Charges

SB 270 was passed by the Legislature in 2014 to ban single-use plastic carryout bags. It requires most stores to charge customers 10 cents for any carryout bags it provides at checkout. If Prop. 67 (referendum on this policy) passes, SB 270 will be upheld but the per bag revenue would be diverted from stores to certain environmental programs.

The CAGOP recommends a YES vote

Results: Yes – 44.9%  No – 55.1%


Proposition 66:  Death Penalty. Procedures. (Reforms Death Penalty)

This measure will save California taxpayers millions of dollars every year, assure due process protections for those sentenced to death and promote justice for murder victims and their families.  It reforms: the appeal process; death row housing and victim restitution; and the appointment of appellate counsel and agency oversight.  Read more.

The CAGOP recommends a YES vote

Results: Yes – 51.1%  No – 48.9%


Proposition 67:  Plastic Bag Ban Veto Referendum

This referendum seeks to overturn the ban on single-use plastic bags. A “Yes” vote would uphold current law established by SB 270. Opponents of the measure are concerned that local governments would enact various versions of the measure making it difficult for regional stores to comply. 

The CAGOP recommends a NO vote

Results: Yes – 52.4%  No – 47.6%


 

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