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Elections and Voter Information

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2008 Ballot Measure Update


Ballot Measure Update as of August 15, 2008

Changes since the last update:

  • 1331. (07-0099) Eminent Domain. Taking Property for Private Ownership. Statute. FAILED to Qualify.

  • 1334. (08-0001) Education. Modified Definition of Discriminatory Practices in Public Schools. Statute. FAILED to Qualify.

  • 08-0014 "Senate and Assembly Term Limits, Campaign Contributions and Junkets." ADDED to Initiatives Pending at the Attorney General's Office.

    Changes since the August 5, 2008 update are marked with the New button below.

    Past Updates:

     08/05/08  07/28/08  07/23/08  07/16/08  06/27/08  06/17/08

Qualified for 2008 General: 12 - Propositions qualified for the November 4, 2008 General Election ballot
Raw Count: 0 - Initiatives pending raw count of signatures
Signature Verification : 0 - Initiatives pending signature verification
Failed: 12 - Initiatives failed to qualify
Withdrawn: 1 - Initiative withdrawn
Circulating: 8 - Initiatives and Referenda in circulation
Attorney General: 1 - Initiative pending at the Attorney General's Office

The full texts of the initiatives listed on this page are available on the Attorney General's website at http://ag.ca.gov/initiatives/activeindex.php.

The complete Ballot Pamphlets for current and previous elections are online. They include the full text of the ballot propositions.

University of California Hastings College of the Law maintains a comprehensive, searchable database of information on California ballot initiatives from 1911 to the present. The database contains the full text of the initiatives, accompanying material relating to their filing & qualification, related legal and legislative history, and digital images of pertinent documents. To go to the California Ballot Initiatives Database, click the link below:

University of California Hastings College of the Law also maintains a comprehensive, searchable database of California ballot measures from 1911 to the present. The Hastings site also offers PDF versions of ballot pamphlets from 1911 to the present. To go to the California Ballot Propositions Database, click the link below:


Ballot measures that have qualified are listed below. In addition, you will find a list of initiatives that are currently circulating for possible placement on the next ballot.

California uses the direct initiative process, which enables voters to bypass the Legislature and have an issue of concern put directly on the ballot for voter approval or rejection. There are two types of initiatives that can be placed on the ballot: 1) statute revision, which requires signatures equal to five percent of the total votes cast for Governor in the preceding gubernatorial election, and 2) constitutional amendment, which requires signatures equal to eight percent of the Governor's total vote in the preceding gubernatorial election.

As new initiatives enter circulation or qualify for an election ballot, the Secretary of State's office will issue initiative status updates.

Suggested Initiative Deadlines

Contact the Elections Division at (916) 657-2166 for further information.


Top | Qualified for 2008 General | Pending Raw | Pending Sigs | Failed | Withdrawn | Circulating | Attorney General

Propositions that are on the
November 4, 2008, General Election Ballot

Bond Measure
Proposition 1

SB 1856 (Chapter 697, 2002). Costa.
Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century.*


*Note: The Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century was originally scheduled to appear on the November 2, 2004, General Election ballot. Subsequently, Senate Bill 1169, Chapter 71, Statutes of 2004, provided that it appear on the November 7, 2006, General Election ballot. However, most recently, Assembly Bill 713, Chapter 44, Statutes of 2006, provides for the submission of this Act on the November 4, 2008, General Election ballot instead.

Initiative Statute
Proposition 2

1274. Treatment of Farm Animals. Statute.

Proponent: Joe Ramsey (916) 967-8102

Requires that an enclosure or tether confining specified farm animals allow the animals for the majority of every day to fully extend their limbs or wings, lie down, stand up, and turn around. Specified animals include calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens, and pregnant pigs. Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes. Provides misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Probably minor local and state enforcement and prosecution costs, partly offset by increased fine revenue. (Initiative 07-0041.) (Full Text)

Initiative Statute
Proposition 3

1271. Children’s Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program. Statute.

Proponent: Diana S. Dooley (916) 552-7111

Authorizes $980,000,000 in bonds, to be repaid from state’s General Fund, to fund the construction, expansion, remodeling, renovation, furnishing and equipping of children’s hospitals. Designates that 80 percent of bond proceeds go to hospitals that focus on children with illnesses such as leukemia, cancer, heart defects, diabetes, sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. Requires that qualifying children’s hospitals provide comprehensive services to a high volume of children eligible for governmental programs and meet other requirements. Designates that 20 percent of bond proceeds go to University of California general acute care hospitals. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: State costs of about $2 billion over 30 years to pay off both the principal ($980 million) and the interest ($1 billion) costs of the bond. Payments of about $67 million per year. (Initiative 07-0034.) (Full Text)

Initiative Constitutional Amendment
Proposition 4

1287. Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy.
         Constitutional Amendment.

Proponent: John Smith

Amends California Constitution to prohibit abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor’s parent, legal guardian or, if parental abuse reported, an adult family member. Provides exceptions for medical emergency or parental waiver. Permits courts to waive notice based on clear and convincing evidence of minor’s maturity or best interests. Mandates reporting requirements, including reports from physicians regarding abortions on minors. Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violation. Requires minor’s consent to abortion, with exceptions. Permits judicial relief if minor’s consent is coerced. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potential unknown net state costs of several million dollars annually for health and social services programs, court administration, and state health agency administration combined. (Initiative 07-0053.) (Full Text)

Initiative Statute
Proposition 5

1310. Nonviolent Offenders. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation. Statute.

Proponent: Daniel N. Abrahamson (510) 229-5211

Requires State to expand and increase funding and oversight for individualized treatment and rehabilitation programs for nonviolent drug offenders and parolees. Reduces criminal consequences of nonviolent drug offenses by mandating three-tiered probation with treatment and by providing for case dismissal and/or sealing of records after probation. Limits court’s authority to incarcerate offenders who violate probation or parole. Shortens parole for most drug offenses, including sales, and for nonviolent property crimes. Creates numerous divisions, boards, commissions, and reporting requirements regarding drug treatment and rehabilitation. Changes certain marijuana misdemeanors to infractions. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Increased state costs that could exceed $1 billion annually primarily for expanding drug treatment and rehabilitation programs for offenders in state prisons, on parole, and in the community. Savings to the state that could exceed $1 billion annually due primarily to reduced prison and parole operating costs. Net savings on a one-time basis on capital outlay costs for prison facilities that could exceed $2.5 billion. Unknown net fiscal effect on expenditures for county operations and capital outlay. (Initiative 07-0081.) (Full Text)

Initiative Statute
Proposition 6

1326. Criminal Penalties and Laws. Public Safety Funding. Statute.

Proponents: George C. Runner, Jr., Gary Ovitt and Mike Reynolds

Requires new state spending on various programs to combat crime and gangs, and to operate prison and parole systems. Increases penalties for several crimes, including violating gang injunctions, using or possessing to sell methamphetamine, or carrying loaded or concealed firearms by certain felons. Eliminates bail for illegal immigrants charged with violent or gang-related felonies, establishes crime for removing or disabling a monitoring device affixed as part of a criminal sentence, and changes evidence rules to allow use of certain hearsay statements as evidence when witnesses are unavailable. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Net state costs likely to exceed a half billion dollars annually primarily for increased funding of criminal justice programs, as well as for increased costs for prison and parole operations. Unknown one-time state capital outlay costs potentially exceeding a half billion dollars for prison facilities. Unknown net fiscal impact for state trial courts, county jails, and other local criminal justice agencies. (Initiative 07-0094.) (Full Text)

Initiative Statute
Proposition 7

1304. Renewable Energy. Statute.

Proponent: Jim Gonzalez c/o Randall W. Keen (310) 312-4000

Requires all utilities, including government-owned utilities, to generate 20% of their power from renewable energy by 2010, a standard currently applicable only to private electrical corporations. Raises requirement for all utilities to 40% by 2020 and 50% by 2025. Imposes penalties for noncompliance. Fast-tracks approval for new renewable energy plants. Requires utilities to sign longer contracts (20 year minimum) to procure renewable energy. Creates Solar and Clean Energy Transmission Account to purchase property or rights of way for renewable energy. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: State administrative costs of up to $3.4 million annually for the regulatory activities of the Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission, paid for by fee revenues. Potential, unknown increased costs and reduced revenues, particularly in the short term, to state and local governments resulting from the measure’s potential to increase retail electricity rates, with possible offsetting cost savings and revenue increases, to an unknown degree, over the long term to the extent the measure hastens renewable energy development. (Initiative 07-0066.) (Full Text)

Initiative Constitutional Amendment
Proposition 8

1298. Limit on Marriage. Constitutional Amendment.

Proponents: Dennis Hollingsworth, Gail J. Knight, Martin F. Gutierrez, Hak-Shing William Tam, and Mark A. Jansson c/o Andrew Pugno (916) 608-3065

Amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: The measure would have no fiscal effect on state or local governments. This is because there would be no change to the manner in which marriages are currently recognized by the state. (Initiative 07-0068.) (Full Text)

Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute
Proposition 9

1325. Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Parole. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

Proponents: Henry Nicholas, Marcella Leach and LaWanda Hawkins c/o Ashlee N. Titus (916) 442-7757

Requires notification to victim and opportunity for input during phases of criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole. Establishes victim safety as consideration in determining bail or release on parole. Increases the number of people permitted to attend and testify on behalf of victims at parole hearings. Reduces the number of parole hearings to which prisoners are entitled. Requires that victims receive written notification of their constitutional rights. Establishes timelines and procedures concerning parole revocation hearings. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Unknown potential increases in state prison and county jail operating costs due to provisions restricting early release of inmates. To the extent that any such costs were incurred, they could collectively amount to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. A potential net savings in the low tens of millions of dollars for the administration of parole reviews and revocations if the changes related to parole revocation procedures were not overturned by potential legal challenges. (Initiative 07-0100.) (Full Text)

Initiative Statute
Proposition 10

1332. Bonds. Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy. Statute.

Proponents: Allison Hart, Mitzi Dudley and Thomas Daly c/o Daniel K. Abramson (213) 624-6200

Authorizes $5 billion in bonds paid from state’s General Fund, allocated approximately as follows: 58% in cash payments of between $2,000 and $50,000 to purchasers of certain high fuel economy and alternative fuel vehicles; 20% in incentives for research, development and production of renewable energy technology; 11% in incentives for research and development of alternative fuel vehicle technology; 5% in incentives for purchase of renewable energy technology; 4% in grants to eight cities for education about these technologies; and 3% in grants to colleges to train students in these technologies. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: State costs of about $9.8 billion over 30 years to pay both the principal ($5 billion) and interest ($4.8 billion) costs on the bond. Payments of about $325 million per year. Increase in state sales tax revenues of an unknown amount, potentially totaling in the tens of millions of dollars, over the period from 2009 to beyond 2018. Increase in local sales tax and VLF revenues of an unknown amount, potentially totaling in the tens of millions of dollars, over the period from 2009 to about 2018-19. Potential state costs of up to about $10 million annually, through about 2018 -19, for state agency administrative costs not funded by the measure. (Initiative 07-0101.) (Full Text)

Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute
Proposition 11

1307. Redistricting. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

Proponents: Kathay Feng, Jeannine English and David Fleming

Creates 14-member redistricting commission responsible for drawing new district lines for State Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization districts. Requires State Auditor to randomly select commission members from voter applicant pool to create a commission with five members from each of the two largest political parties, and four members unaffiliated with either political party. Requires nine votes to approve final district maps. Establishes standards for drawing new lines, including respecting the geographic integrity of neighborhoods and encouraging geographic compactness. Permits State Legislature to draw lines for congressional districts subject to these standards. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Probably no significant increase in state redistricting costs. (Initiative 07-0077.) (Full Text)

Bond Measure
Proposition 12

SB 1572 (Chapter 122, 2008). Wyland.
Veterans' Bond Act of 2008.


Top | Qualified for 2008 General | Pending Raw | Pending Sigs | Failed | Withdrawn | Circulating | Attorney General

Initiatives Pending Raw Count of Signatures

None At This Time


Top | Qualified for 2008 General | Pending Raw | Pending Sigs | Failed | Withdrawn | Circulating | Attorney General

Initiatives Pending Signature Verification

None At This Time


Top | Qualified for 2008 General | Pending Raw | Pending Sigs | Failed | Withdrawn | Circulating | Attorney General

Failed Initiatives
 
(Includes initiatives which have failed to qualify in the past 30 days only)

1318. (07-0087)

Teacher and Administrator Compensation. Statute.

Summary Date: 01/17/08 Failed: 07/23/08

Proponent: William H. Schindler

Prohibits public school districts from paying any employee a salary higher than that paid to the highest-paid classroom teacher. Requires teachers and administrators to be paid on the same salary schedule according to their experience, education, and number of days worked. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: No fiscal effect on overall K-12 education spending. Redistribution of resources at the local level in response to a cap on administrator salaries. (Initiative 07-0087.) (Full Text)

1319. (07-0088, Amdt. #2S)

Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

Summary Date: 01/30/08 Failed: 07/23/08

Proponent: Steven J. Ipsen (213) 700-4133

Requires notification to victims and opportunity for input during phases of criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole. Establishes victim safety as primary consideration in determining bail. Requires victims have safe access to courthouses. Provides more assistance collecting restitution. Prohibits release of defendants on their own recognizance for specified crimes, including serious or violent felonies. Authorizes courts of appeal to adjudicate death penalty appeals. Creates Department of Parole to handle all parole hearings. Requires prosecutors receive certain benefits and be paid salaries comparable to similar public attorneys. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Increased state and county judicial system costs that initially exceed $100 million and amount to tens of millions of dollars annually thereafter on a statewide basis. A net increase in costs for state prison operations that, depending on circumstances, could range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. A potential net savings in the low tens of millions of dollars for the administration of parole reviews and revocations if the changes related to parole revocation procedures were not overturned by potential legal challenges. A net increase in local government costs for county jails, work release programs, probation supervision, and other local law enforcement agencies in the millions to tens of millions of dollars annually on a statewide basis. (Initiative 07-0088.) (Full Text)

1320. (07-0095)

Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

Summary Date: 01/30/08 Failed: 07/23/08

Proponent: Steven J. Ipsen (213) 700-4133

Requires notification to victims and opportunity for input during phases of criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole. Establishes victim safety as primary consideration in determining bail. Requires victims have safe access to courthouses. Provides more assistance collecting restitution. Prohibits release of defendants on their own recognizance for specified crimes, including serious or violent felonies. Authorizes courts of appeal to adjudicate death penalty appeals. Creates Department of Parole to handle all parole hearings. Requires prosecutors receive certain benefits and be paid salaries comparable to similar public attorneys. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Increased state and county judicial system costs that may initially exceed $100 million and amount to tens of millions of dollars annually thereafter on a statewide basis. A net increase in costs for state prison operations that, depending on circumstances, could range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. A potential net savings in the low tens of millions of dollars for the administration of parole reviews and revocations if the changes related to parole revocation procedures were not overturned by potential legal challenges. A net increase in local government costs for county jails, work release programs, probation supervision, and other local law enforcement agencies in the millions to tens of millions of dollars annually on a statewide basis. (Initiative 07-0095.) (Full Text)

1321. (07-0096) Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

Summary Date: 01/30/08 Failed: 07/23/08

Proponent: Steven J. Ipsen (213) 700-4133

Requires notification to victims and opportunity for input during phases of criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole. Establishes victim safety as primary consideration in determining bail. Requires victims have safe access to courthouses. Provides more assistance collecting restitution. Prohibits release of defendants on their own recognizance for specified crimes, including serious or violent felonies. Authorizes courts of appeal to adjudicate death penalty appeals. Creates Department of Parole to handle all parole hearings. Requires prosecutors receive certain benefits and be paid salaries comparable to similar public attorneys. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Increased state and county judicial system costs that may initially exceed $100 million and amount to tens of millions of dollars annually thereafter on a statewide basis. A net increase in costs for state prison operations that, depending on circumstances, could range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. A potential net savings in the low tens of millions of dollars for the administration of parole reviews and revocations if the changes related to parole revocation procedures were not overturned by potential legal challenges. A net increase in local government costs for county jails, work release programs, probation supervision, and other local law enforcement agencies in the millions to tens of millions of dollars annually on a statewide basis. (Initiative 07-0096.) (Full Text)

1323. (08-0003)

Bonds. Water Storage, Reliability, Protection. Drinking Water. Statute.

Summary Date: 02/06/08 Failed: 07/23/08

Proponents: Allan Zaremberg and James N. Earp c/o Steve Lucas (415) 389-6800

Authorizes $11,690,000,000 in bonds paid from state’s General Fund, allocated approximately as follows: 30% to dams and other surface and groundwater storage for the state water system and the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta (“delta”) or its tributaries; 23% to statewide water supply reliability projects; 21% to delta sustainability and ecosystem improvements; 14% to groundwater protection and water quality projects; 11% to statewide conservation and pollution cleanup including ecosystem and urban watershed protection; and 2% to water recycling. Creates commission with the power to finance projects, including delta water conveyance. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: State cost of about $22.8 billion over 30 years to pay off both the principal ($11.7 billion) and interest ($11.1 billion) costs on general obligation bonds authorized by the initiative. Payments of about $760 million per year. Unknown eventual costs, potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year, to state and local governments to operate or maintain projects developed with these bond funds. (Initiative 08-0003.) (Full Text)

1324. (07-0097, Amdt. #3S)

Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

Summary Date: 02/08/08 Failed: 07/23/08

Proponent: Steven J. Ipsen (213) 700-4133

Requires notification to victim and opportunity for input during phases of criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole. Establishes victim safety as primary consideration in determining bail. Requires victims have safe access to courthouses. Provides more assistance collecting restitution. Prohibits release of defendants on their own recognizance for specified crimes, including serious or violent felonies. Authorizes courts of appeal to adjudicate death penalty appeals. Creates Department of Parole to handle all parole hearings. Requires prosecutors receive certain benefits and be paid salaries comparable to similar public attorneys. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Increased state and county judicial system costs that may initially exceed $100 million and amount to tens of millions of dollars annually thereafter on a statewide basis. A net increase in costs for state prison operations that, depending on circumstances, could range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. A potential net savings in the low tens of millions of dollars for the administration of parole reviews and revocations if the changes related to parole revocation procedures were not overturned by potential legal challenges. A net increase in local government costs for county jails, work release programs, probation supervision, and other local law enforcement agencies of up to the low hundreds of millions of dollars annually on a statewide basis. (Initiative 07-0097.) (Full Text)

1327. (07-0090)

Bonds. Water Storage, Reliability, Protection. Drinking Water. Statute.

Summary Date: 02/15/08 Failed: 07/28/08

Proponents: Allan Zaremberg and James N. Earp c/o Steve Lucas (415) 389-6800

Authorizes $11,690,000,000 in bonds paid from state’s General Fund, allocated approximately as follows: 30% to dams and other surface water storage projects for the state water resources development system; 23% to statewide water supply reliability projects; 21% to Sacramento-San Joaquin delta (“delta”) sustainability and ecosystem improvements; 14% to safe drinking water and water quality projects; 11% to statewide conservation and pollution cleanup including ecosystem and urban watershed protection; and 2% to water recycling. Creates commission with the power to finance projects, including delta water conveyance. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: State cost of about $22.8 billion over 30 years to pay off both the principal ($11.7 billion) and interest ($11.1 billion) costs on general obligation bonds authorized by the initiative. Payments of about $760 million per year. Unknown eventual costs, potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year, to state and local governments to operate or maintain projects developed with these bond funds. (Initiative 07-0090.) (Full Text)

1328. (07-0091)

Bonds. Water Storage, Reliability, Protection. Drinking Water. Statute.

Summary Date: 02/15/08 Failed: 07/28/08

Proponents: Allan Zaremberg and James N. Earp c/o Steve Lucas (415) 389-6800

Authorizes $11,690,000,000 in bonds paid from state’s General Fund, allocated approximately as follows: 30% to dams and other surface and groundwater storage for the state water system and the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta (“delta”) or its tributaries; 23% to statewide water supply reliability projects; 21% to delta sustainability and ecosystem improvements; 14% to groundwater protection and water quality projects; 11% to statewide conservation and pollution cleanup including ecosystem and urban watershed protection; and 2% to water recycling. Creates commission with the power to finance projects, including delta water conveyance. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: State cost of about $22.8 billion over 30 years to pay off both the principal ($11.7 billion) and interest ($11.1 billion) costs on general obligation bonds authorized by the initiative. Payments of about $760 million per year. Unknown eventual costs, potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year, to state and local governments to operate or maintain projects developed with these bond funds. (Initiative 07-0091.) (Full Text)

1329. (07-0092)

Bonds. Water Storage, Reliability, Protection. Drinking Water. Statute.

Summary Date: 02/15/08 Failed: 07/28/08

Proponents: Allan Zaremberg and James N. Earp c/o Steve Lucas (415) 389-6800

Authorizes $11,690,000,000 in bonds paid from state’s General Fund, allocated approximately as follows: 30% to dams and other surface and groundwater storage for the state water system and the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta (“delta”) or its tributaries; 23% to statewide water supply reliability projects; 21% to delta sustainability and ecosystem improvements; 14% to groundwater protection and water quality projects; 11% to statewide conservation and pollution cleanup including ecosystem and urban watershed protection; and 2% to water recycling. Creates commission with the power to finance projects, including delta water conveyance. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: State cost of about $22.8 billion over 30 years to pay off both the principal ($11.7 billion) and interest ($11.1 billion) costs on general obligation bonds authorized by the initiative. Payments of about $760 million per year. Unknown eventual costs, potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year, to state and local governments to operate or maintain projects developed with these bond funds. (Initiative 07-0092.) (Full Text)

1330. (07-0093)

Bonds. Water Storage, Reliability, Protection. Drinking Water. Statute.

Summary Date: 02/15/08 Failed: 07/28/08

Proponents: Allan Zaremberg and James N. Earp c/o Steve Lucas (415) 389-6800

Authorizes $11,690,000,000 in bonds paid from state’s General Fund, allocated approximately as follows: 30% to dams and other surface and groundwater storage for the state water system and the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta (“delta”) or its tributaries; 23% to statewide water supply reliability projects; 21% to delta sustainability and ecosystem improvements; 14% to groundwater protection and water quality projects; 11% to statewide conservation and pollution cleanup including ecosystem and urban watershed protection; and 2% to water recycling. Creates commission with the power to finance projects, including delta water conveyance. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: State cost of about $22.8 billion over 30 years to pay off both the principal ($11.7 billion) and interest ($11.1 billion) costs on general obligation bonds authorized by the initiative. Payments of about $760 million per year. Unknown eventual costs, potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year, to state and local governments to operate or maintain projects developed with these bond funds. (Initiative 07-0093.) (Full Text)

New1331. (07-0099)

Eminent Domain. Taking Property for Private Ownership. Statute.

Summary Date: 02/19/08 Failed: 08/15/08

Proponents: Don H. Lippman and Christopher A. Sutton

Changes procedures for condemning property if property will not be owned and permanently used by the acquiring public entity. Requires government to prove by clear and convincing evidence that property is needed for public use and condemnation will benefit a significant segment of public with no disproportionate benefit to private person or group. Eliminates presumption in favor of government and requires issues regarding use and compensation be decided by jury. Limits condemnation to needed part of property and allows property owners who successfully defend against condemnation to recover litigation expenses. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Probably no significant net fiscal impact on state and local governments. (Initiative 07-0099.) (Full Text)

New1334. (08-0001)

Education. Modified Definition of Discriminatory Practices in Public Schools. Statute.

Summary Date: 02/26/08 Failed: 08/15/08

Proponents: Karen England and Brad Dacus (916) 498-1940

Removes statutory language prohibiting teaching or school activity that “promotes a discriminatory bias” against persons based on specified characteristics. Inserts new language prohibiting teaching or school activity that “reflects adversely upon” persons based on certain characteristics, including race, sex, color, creed, disability, national origin, religion or ancestry. New language excludes sexual orientation, gender identity or behavior, or association with persons with specified characteristics. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: This measure would have no direct fiscal effect on state or local government. (Initiative 08-0001.) (Full Text)


Top | Qualified for 2008 General | Pending Raw | Pending Sigs | Failed | Withdrawn | Circulating | Attorney General

Withdrawn Initiatives
(Includes initiatives which have been withdrawn from submission or circulation in the past 30 days only)


1339. (08-0008, Amdt. #1NS)

Education. Modified Definition of Discriminatory Practices in Public School. Statute.

Summary Date: 04/01/08 Withdrawn: 07/28/08

Proponent: Karen England

Removes statutory language prohibiting teaching or school activity that “promotes a discriminatory bias” against persons based on specified characteristics. Inserts new language prohibiting teaching or school activity that “reflects adversely upon” persons based on certain characteristics, including race, sex, color, creed, disability, national origin, religion or ancestry. New language excludes sexual orientation, gender identity or behavior, or association with persons with specified characteristics. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: This measure would have no direct fiscal effect on state or local government. (Initiative 08-0008.)


Top | Qualified for 2008 General | Pending Raw | Pending Sigs | Failed | Withdrawn | Circulating | Attorney General

Initiatives and Referenda in Circulation
as of August 15, 2008

1335. (08-0002, Amdt. #1S)
Bans Abortion of Viable Fetus Unless Necessary to Save Mother’s Life. Declares God Creator of Life. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Summary Date: 03/26/08 Circulation Deadline: 08/25/08 Signatures Required: 694,354

Proponent: Laura Storms

Amends Constitution to: (1) create presumption that a fetus becomes viable at 24 weeks; (2) define fetal viability to include the use of life support; (3) ban abortion of a viable fetus except where necessary to save mother’s life; and (4) give viable fetuses rights to life and medical care. Provides abortion after 24 weeks is murder unless necessary to save mother’s life. Requires taxpayers pay all legal costs proponent incurs fighting challenges to initiative. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potential costs to state and local governments not likely to exceed $20 million annually after a few years for public benefit programs, legal proceedings, and incarceration. (Initiative 08-0002.) (Full Text)

1336. (08-0004)
Bans Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Criminal Penalties. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Summary Date: 03/26/08 Circulation Deadline: 08/25/08 Signatures Required: 694,354

Proponent: Laura Storms

Prohibits stem cell or other research or procedures that would injure or destroy a human embryo, as defined. Prohibits buying, selling, receiving, or transferring a human embryo for certain prohibited purposes. Subjects violators to fifteen years in prison without possibility of parole, a fine of at least $250,000 and permanent revocation of a medical license. Renders unenforceable contracts for payment of license fees and royalties derived from prohibited research. Requires taxpayers pay all legal costs proponent incurs fighting challenges to initiative. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potential state savings up to the low hundreds of millions of dollars annually over the next few decades resulting from reduced principal and interest costs for bonds to fund embryonic research. Unknown potential loss of state and local revenue gains and cost savings due to reduced research funding for embryonic research. (Initiative 08-0004.) (Full Text)

1337. (08-0005)
Bans Activities Defined as “Human Cloning.” Criminal Penalties. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Summary Date: 03/26/08 Circulation Deadline: 08/25/08 Signatures Required: 694,354

Proponent: Laura Storms

Amends constitution to ban activities related to “human cloning,” defined as: “human asexual reproduction, accomplished by introducing the genetic material from one or more human somatic cells into a fertilized or unfertilized oocyte whose nuclear material has been or will be removed or inactivated, so as to produce an organism, at any stage of development with a human or predominantly human genetic constitution.” Subjects violators to 15 or 25 year prison terms without possibility of parole, fines of at least $250,000, and permanent medical license revocation. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potential state savings up to the low hundreds of millions of dollars annually over the next few decades resulting from reduced principal and interest costs for bonds to fund embryonic research. Unknown potential loss of state and local revenue gains and cost savings due to reduced research funding for embryonic research. (Initiative 08-0005.) (Full Text)

1341. (08-0009)
Marijuana Legalization. Individual Rights. Constitutional Amendment.
Summary Date: 04/08/08 Circulation Deadline: 09/05/08 Signatures Required: 694,354

Proponent: Christopher Springer

Amends constitution to legalize marijuana and hemp within California and to provide for broad individual constitutional rights, including rights to food, shelter, medical care, and to be free from “unreasonable” taxation. Allows marijuana to be sold in any store that sells alcohol. Establishes local boards with expansive powers, including powers to regulate and tax marijuana. Requires marijuana tax revenues support specified programs. Exempts marijuana sales profits from income tax. Forbids most testing for marijuana used outside the workplace. Prohibits most marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco advertisements. Immunizes marijuana growers and sellers from liability. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potential savings of up to several tens of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments, which would no longer incur the costs of incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders. Potential costs of up to the tens of millions of dollars to state and local governments to fund the one-time start-up costs of the local boards. A potentially significant increase in state and local spending on substance abuse treatment services that could possibly be partially or fully offset by revenues from this measure. Potential increased revenues in the tens of millions to low hundreds of millions of dollars annually from marijuana stamps and licenses to support specified programs and the local boards. Unknown but potentially significant increase in state and local revenues from collection of sales and use taxes on the sale of Marijuana. Unknown but potentially significant decrease in state and local revenues from taxes on tobacco and alcohol due to a prohibition of advertising for these goods that would likely result in a decline in sales. (Initiative 08-0009.) (Full Text)

1342. (08-0010, Amdt. #2NS)
Redevelopment Areas. Limitations on Using Property Tax to Secure Debt. Statute.
Summary Date: 04/09/08 Circulation Deadline: 09/08/08 Signatures Required: 433,971

Proponents: Don H. Lippman and Christopher A. Sutton

Prohibits use of certain property tax revenues allocated from a redevelopment project area to secure the payment of a bond, loan, advance, or other debt, unless approved by a local ordinance and a two-thirds vote at a county-wide election. Requires certain information to be contained in an ordinance approving use of redevelopment property tax revenue to secure debt. Requires counties to establish procedures for elections seeking approval for the use of redevelopment tax revenue to secure debt. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Over time, potential major shift in property tax revenues from redevelopment agencies to cities, counties, special districts, and schools. Increased property tax revenues to schools would result in a comparable decrease in required state spending for education. (Initiative 08-0010.) (Full Text)

1343. (08-0011)
Repeal of Voter-Approved Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Summary Date: 04/28/08 Circulation Deadline: 09/25/08 Signatures Required: 694,354

Proponent: Laura Storms

Repeals bonds voters authorized in 2004 to fund the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Voids contracts entered into by Institute before November 5, 2008. Requires Legislature to spend $900 million to construct and fund an umbilical cord blood and adult stem cell research facility that also performs certain defined embryo adoptions and implantations. Prohibits funding of human embryonic stem cell research. Requires Legislature to appoint 35 member governing board to oversee new facility. Requires taxpayers to pay all legal costs proponent incurs fighting challenges to initiative. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potential state savings of about $120 million annually over the next few decades resulting from reduced principal and interest costs for bonds to fund stem cell research. Unknown potential loss of state or local revenue gains and cost savings due to reduced stem cell research funding. Unknown gain of state revenues for fees related to embryo adoptions. Unknown potential gain of local government revenue due to possible allocation of patent or license revenues to local governments. (Initiative 08-0011.) (Full Text)

1344. (08-0012, Amdt. #1NS)
Wealth Tax. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Summary Date: 08/04/08 Circulation Deadline: 01/02/09 Signatures Required: 694,354

Proponent: Paul McCauley

Imposes one-time tax of at least 55% on property exceeding $20 million of a California resident or held in California by nonresident. Imposes one-time tax (between 36.5% - 54.3%) on income exceeding $10 million when resident dies or leaves California. Imposes additional 17.5% tax on total incomes of taxpayers with income exceeding $150,000 if single, $250,000 if married; 35% if incomes exceed $350,000 if single, $500,000 if married. Creates tax credits. Requires State to acquire shares of specified corporations to influence environmental practices. May exempt new revenues from education funding requirements. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: One-time increase in state revenues potentially in the low hundreds of billions of dollars from imposition of a wealth tax, and ongoing increase in state revenues potentially in the billions of dollars from imposition of the tax on certain people dying or leaving the state. This revenue would be allocated to accomplish various goals related to environmental protection. Potential annual net increase in personal income tax revenues in the tens of billions of dollars annually. The first $7.5 billion annually would be allocated to the state General Fund with additional revenue allocated for environmental protection. Unknown state and local revenue reductions – potentially in the tens of billions of dollars annually – due to changes in taxpayer behavior. (Initiative 08-0012.) (Full Text)

1345. (08-0013)
Election Day Holiday. Initiative Statute.
Summary Date: 08/04/08 Circulation Deadline: 01/02/09 Signatures Required: 433,971

Proponent: Roy Benson

Declares a state holiday on Election Day - the Tuesday following the first Monday in November during even-numbered years. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Increased state costs once every two years of up to $20 million. (Initiative 08-0013.) (Full Text)


Top | Qualified for 2008 General | Pending Raw | Pending Sigs | Failed | Withdrawn | Circulating | Attorney General

Initiatives Pending at the Attorney General's Office
as of August 15, 2008

The list below reflects those proposed measures that have been submitted to the Attorney General for preparation of the title and summary that will appear on the initiative petitions. This process takes approximately 60 days; however, if amendments are submitted by the proponent the time period is lengthened. When the official summary is complete, the Attorney General forwards it to the proponent and to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State then provides calendar deadlines to the proponent and to the county elections officials.

Attorney General #
Approximate Due Date to
Secretary of State
Subject Proponent(s)
New08-0014 - 10/02/08
Senate and Assembly Term Limits, Campaign Contributions and Junkets
Paul McCauley




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