PROP 14
AUTHORIZES BONDS CONTINUING STEM CELL RESEARCH. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by Petition Signatures
Authorizes $5.5 billion state bonds for: stem cell and other medical research, including training; research facility construction; administrative costs. Dedicates $1.5 billion to brain-related diseases. Appropriates General Fund moneys for repayment. Expands related programs. Fiscal Impact: Increased state costs to repay bonds estimated at about $260 million per year over the next roughly 30 years.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA 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.
ARGUMENTS
PROProp. 14 funds further development of treatments and cures for chronic, life-threatening diseases like Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Kidney Disease. Builds on 2,900 medical discoveries; increases patient access & affordability; stimulates California’s economy; ensures strict accountability. Doctors, Nobel Prize Scientists, over 70 leading Patient Advocate Organizations, urge YES on 14.
CONNo on Prop. 14. Would commit $7.8 billion we cannot afford during this economic and budget crisis. Funds a state agency with management challenges and poor results after $3 billion already spent. Servicing debt of Prop. 14 could increase pressure for higher taxes or layoffs of nurses, first responders and other public employees.
PROP 15
INCREASES FUNDING SOURCES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY COLLEGES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES BY CHANGING TAX ASSESSMENT OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by Petition Signatures
Taxes such properties based on current market value, instead of purchase price. Fiscal Impact: Increased property taxes on commercial properties worth more than $3 million providing $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion in new funding to local governments and schools.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA NO vote on this measure means: Property taxes on commercial properties would stay the same. Local governments and schools would not get new funding.
ARGUMENTS
PROProp. 15 is a fair and balanced reform that: closes property tax loopholes benefitting wealthy corporations, cuts taxes for small businesses, protects homeowners and renters, requires full transparency and reclaims billions of dollars for schools and local communities. Supported by nurses, teachers, small business owners, affordable housing advocates and community organizations.
CONProp 15 is a $12.5 billion property tax increase that raises our cost of living and makes everything we buy – food, gas, utilities, day care and health care – more expensive. Prop 15 repeals taxpayer protections in Prop 13. NO on Prop 15!
PROP 16
ALLOWS DIVERSITY AS A FACTOR IN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, AND CONTRACTING DECISIONS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by the Legislature
Permits government decision-making policies to consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in order to address diversity by repealing constitutional provision prohibiting such policies. Fiscal Impact: No direct fiscal effect on state and local entities. The effects of the measure depend on the future choices of state and local government entities and are highly uncertain.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA 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.
ARGUMENTS
PROProp. 16 expands equal opportunity to all Californians, increasing access to fair wages, good jobs, and quality schools for everyone. Prop. 16 fights wage discrimination and systemic racism, opening up opportunities for women and people of color. Supported by League of Women Voters of California, California Federation of Teachers, Minority Business Consortium, and state higher education leaders. VoteYesOnProp16.org
CONPoliticians want to strip our Constitution of its prohibition on discrimination and preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. They want to play favorites. If there’s anything that should be fundamental in our society it’s that the state should treat all Californians equally. VOTE NO.
PROP 17
RESTORES RIGHT TO VOTE AFTER COMPLETION OF PRISON TERM. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by the Legislature
Restores voting rights upon completion of prison term to persons who have been disqualified from voting while serving a prison term. Fiscal Impact: Annual county costs, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars statewide, for voter registration and ballot materials. One-time state costs, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, for voter registration cards and systems.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA NO vote on this measure means: People on state parole would continue to be unable to vote in California.
ARGUMENTS
PROProp. 17 restores a citizen’s right to vote after they finish their prison term—aligning California with other states. A recent parole commission report found that citizens who complete their prison terms and have their voting rights restored are less likely to commit future crimes. Yes on Prop. 17.
CONVote NO on Proposition 17 because it: • Amends California’s Constitution to grant violent criminals the right to vote before completing their sentence including parole. • Allows criminals convicted of murder, rape and child molestation to vote before paying their debt to society. • Denies justice to crime victims.
PROP 18
AMENDS CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION TO PERMIT 17-YEAR-OLDS TO VOTE IN PRIMARY AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS IF THEY WILL TURN 18 BY THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION AND BE OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by the Legislature
Fiscal Impact: Increased statewide county costs likely between several hundreds of thousands of dollars and $1 million every two years. Increased one-time costs to the state of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA NO vote on this measure means: No one younger than 18 years of age may vote in any election.
ARGUMENTS
PROProposition 18 will allow first-time voters to participate in a full election cycle provided that they are 18 by the time of the general election. This measure is needed to boost youth civic engagement in our elections and help create more lifelong participants in the most fundamental process of democracy.
CONScience and legal consistency demand a NO vote on Proposition 18. Law prohibits younger teens from smoking, drinking and even tanning because research shows the logic and reasoning area of their brains is not fully developed. Those abilities are vital to responsible voting. We must not lower the voting age.
PROP 19
CHANGES CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX RULES. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by the Legislature
Allows homeowners who are over 55, disabled, or wildfire/disaster victims to transfer primary residence’s tax base to replacement residence. Changes taxation of family-property transfers. Establishes fire protection services fund. Fiscal Impact: Local governments could gain tens of millions of dollars of property tax revenue per year, probably growing over time to a few hundred million dollars per year. Schools could receive similar property tax gains.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA 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.
ARGUMENTS
PROProp. 19 Limits Taxes on Seniors, Severely Disabled Homeowners, and Wildfire Victims; CLOSES unfair tax loopholes used by wealthy out-of-state investors; and PROTECTS Prop. 13 savings. Join Disability Rights and Senior/Housing Advocates, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Responders, Business & Labor, Democrats & Republicans. Get the Facts at YESon19.vote.
CONProposition 19 is a billion-dollar tax increase on families. It takes away one of the best tools parents have to help their children—the right, enshrined in California’s Constitution since 1986, to pass their home and other property on without any increase in property taxes. VOTE NO ON 19.
PROP 20
RESTRICTS PAROLE FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES CURRENTLY CONSIDERED TO BE NON-VIOLENT. AUTHORIZES FELONY SENTENCES FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES CURRENTLY TREATED ONLY AS MISDEMEANORS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by Petition Signatures
Limits access to parole program established for non-violent offenders who have completed the full term of their primary offense by eliminating eligibility for certain offenses. Fiscal Impact: Increase in state and local correctional, court, and law enforcement costs likely in the tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on implementation.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA 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.
ARGUMENTS
PROProposition 20 closes a loophole in the law that now allows convicted child molesters, sexual predators and others convicted of violent crimes to be released from prison early. Proposition 20 also expands DNA collection to help solve rapes, murders and other serious crimes, and strengthens sanctions against habitual thieves who steal repeatedly.
CONProp. 20 is a prison spending scam. California already has severe and lengthy sentences—including life in prison—for serious and violent crimes. Prison special interests want to scare you into spending tens of millions on prisons which could force draconian cuts to rehabilitation, schools, mental health, and homelessness.
PROP 21
EXPANDS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS’ AUTHORITY TO ENACT RENT CONTROL ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by Petition Signatures
Allows local governments to establish rent control on residential properties over 15 years old. Local limits on rate increases may differ from statewide limit. Fiscal Impact: Overall, a potential reduction in state and local revenues in the high tens of millions of dollars per year over time. Depending on actions by local communities, revenue losses could be less or more.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA NO vote on this measure means: State law would maintain current limits on rent control laws cities and counties can apply.
ARGUMENTS
PROProposition 21 is the change we need to tackle homelessness. A YES Vote on Proposition 21 is a vote to keep families in their homes. A strong coalition of elected leaders; affordable housing providers; and senior, veteran, and homeless advocates agree that Proposition 21 will help prevent homelessness.
CONProp. 21 will make Califonia’s housing crisis worse. Prop. 21 undermines the strongest statewide rent control law in the nation, costs jobs, reduces home values, stops new housing from being built, and eliminates homeowner protections while providing no protections for renters, seniors, veterans or the disabled.
PROP 22
EXEMPTS APP-BASED TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY COMPANIES FROM PROVIDING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TO CERTAIN DRIVERS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by Petition Signatures
Classifies app-based drivers as “independent contractors,” instead of “employees,” and provides independent-contractor drivers other compensation, unless certain criteria are met. Fiscal Impact: Minor increase in state income taxes paid by rideshare and delivery company drivers and investors.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA 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.
ARGUMENTS
PROYes on 22 PROTECTS app-based drivers’ choice to be independent contractors—by 4:1 margin drivers support independence! • SAVES rideshare, delivery services & hundreds of thousands of jobs • PROVIDES drivers new benefits, earnings guarantee • STRENGTHENS public safety • ENDORSED by overwhelming majority of drivers, community, public safety, small business groups • VoteYesProp22.com
CONNo on 22 stops billion-dollar app companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash from writing their own exemption to California law and profiting from it. 22 denies their drivers rights and safety protections they deserve: sick leave, healthcare and unemployment. Companies profit; exploited drivers lose rights and protections. Vote NO.
PROP 23
ESTABLISHES STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR KIDNEY DIALYSIS CLINICS. REQUIRES ON-SITE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by Petition Signatures
Requires physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant on site during dialysis treatment. Prohibits clinics from reducing services without state approval. Prohibits clinics from refusing to treat patients based on payment source. Fiscal Impact: Increased state and local government costs likely in the low tens of millions of dollars annually.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA YES vote on this measure means: Chronic dialysis clinics would be required to have a doctor on-site during all patient treatment hours.
NOA NO vote on this measure means: Chronic dialysis clinics would not be required to have a doctor on-site during all patient treatment hours.
ARGUMENTS
PROCombats poor hygiene in dialysis clinics by requiring infection reporting. Improves staffing, including requiring a doctor in clinics during treatment. Stops discrimination based on patients’ insurance. Applies improvements to ALL clinics, whether in wealthy neighborhoods or poor, rural, Black or Brown communities. Patients, healthcare professionals, veterans, faith leaders agree: YesOnProp23.com
CONAmerican Nurses Association\California, California Medical Association, patient advocates strongly urge NO on 23! Prop. 23 would force many community dialysis clinics to shut down—threatening the lives of 80,000 California patients who need dialysis to survive. Prop. 23 increases health care costs by hundreds of millions annually; makes our doctor shortage and ER overcrowding worse. NoProposition23.com
PROP 24
AMENDS CONSUMER PRIVACY LAWS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by Petition Signatures
Permits consumers to: prevent businesses from sharing personal information, correct inaccurate personal information, and limit businesses’ use of “sensitive personal information,” including precise geolocation, race, ethnicity, and health information. Establishes California Privacy Protection Agency. Fiscal Impact: Increased annual state costs of at least $10 million, but unlikely exceeding low tens of millions of dollars, to enforce expanded consumer privacy laws. Some costs would be offset by penalties for violating these laws.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA 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.
ARGUMENTS
PROYES ON PROP. 24 TO STRENGTHEN PRIVACY RIGHTS Parents, Common Sense Media, the California NAACP and a Nobel Prize winning economist say vote YES on PROP. 24. Make privacy laws stronger! Protect kids online! Strengthen privacy laws and hold corporations accountable when they violate your fundamental rights. YES ON PROP. 24!
CONProposition 24 reduces your privacy rights in California. Proposition 24 allows “pay for privacy” schemes, makes workers wait years to learn what confidential information employers collect on them, and makes it harder to stop tech giants from selling your information. Proposition 24 was written behind closed doors with input from social media corporations.
PROP 25
REFERENDUM ON LAW THAT REPLACED MONEY BAIL WITH SYSTEM BASED ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND FLIGHT RISK.
SUMMARY
Put on the Ballot by Petition Signatures
A “Yes” vote approves, and a “No” vote rejects, law replacing money bail with system based on public safety and flight risk. Fiscal Impact: Increased costs possibly in mid hundreds of millions of dollars annually for a new process for release from jail prior to trial. Decreased county jail costs, possibly in high tens of millions of dollars annually.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
YESA 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.
NOA 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.
ARGUMENTS
PROYes on 25 replaces money bail with a fairer, safer and less costly process. Currently, if a person can afford to pay a bail bond company, they go free until trial. If they can’t afford to pay, even if they’re innocent, they stay in jail. That’s blatant discrimination. Vote YES.
CONProp. 25 was written by Sacramento politicians to take away every Californian’s option to post bail and replaces this right with a new DISCRIMINATORY system of computer-generated PROFILING administered by government bureaucrats—costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Prop. 25 is unfair, unsafe and costly. Vote NO on Prop. 25.