Taking a closer look state propositions on the ballot

California voters face 12 state ballot propositions, many of which have Marin implications. While this column doesn’t “endorse” measures or candidates, below is my snapshot of each.

Proposition

14 is another attempt to boost the stem cell research industry by authorizing $5.5 million in bonds. It’s similar to 2004’s Proposition 71 that authorized $3 billion in bonded indebtedness to jump-start pioneering medical research. Despite that aspiration, Californians don’t have much to show for their money. So far, no statefunded stem cell treatment has been approved by the federal government.

The marquee statewide measure Proposition 15 wins my biannual Xavier Becerra Award for the most misleading ballot summary. Becerra as California

Attorney General has the duty to write neutral ballot summaries. He’s notorious for slanting them to favor the outcome or special interests he favors.

Prop. 15 creates a “split roll” abolishing 1996’s Proposition 13 property tax limits for commercial real estate valued over $3 million. The taxes generated go toward expanding state services, coincidentally increasing the state’s public employee headcount and their compensation.

Once Prop. 13 is cracked by split rolls, residential property owners will likely see a future measure — despite non-credible promises to the contrary — trying to abolish Prop. 13’s homeowner’s property tax cap.

Proposition 16 reinstates the state’s previously abolished ability to enact affirmative action in public employment, higher education and governmental contracting. If the fight to eliminate racial injustice is to have substance, reinstituting affirmative action is timely. The measure could have been improved by including a 20-year sunset clause. Californians should know by 2040 if affirmative action works. It it’s not, even well-intended efforts need to end if they fail their purpose.

Felons are allowed to vote after completing their prison term under Proposition 17. If a convict paid their debt to society, they should be allowed to rejoin all aspects of civil life, including voting.

Seventeen-year- olds will be able to vote in primaries if they’ll be 18 by November elections if Proposition 18 passes.

It’s another example of taking a good idea and going one step too far.

Proposition 19 takes away more than it gives. The measure helps older or disabled property ownersmove to another California county without increasing their Proposition 13-limited property tax basis. It simultaneously increases homeowner’s property tax when they die and leave their property to their children. The net of these changes generates hundreds of millions in new tax revenue making it just another tax increase.

Recent liberalization of parole laws is modified by Proposition 20. It defines “non-violent” so that those convicted of human trafficking are not considered for early parole and raises the money threshold for thievery to be classified as a felony.

Proposition 21 expands residential rent control by covering older properties now exempt and loosens rent municipal rent limit restrictions. Rent control advocates and those opposing statewide one-size-fit-all approaches will approve.

Under Proposition 22, appbased ride-share drivers will be treated as independent contractors instead of as employees. If Prop. 22 fails, expect these forms of localmobility to become uneconomic and disappear from California.

Proposition 23 is another kidney dialysis measure. These are inside deals benefitting special interests in this lucrative industry. Take a pass.

California’s already strong consumer privacy laws are made even stronger by Proposition 24.

Pushed by the bail bond industry, Proposition 25 overturns the legislatively enacted ban on money bail.

Some folks are so dangerous or have such a propensity to crime they should be off the streets even before trial. While many arrestees can’t afford to pay money bail, unless something else is devised the accused values more than escaping justice, defendants may be gone with the wind before trials are scheduled without money bail.