STATE PROPOSITIONS
Proposition 14
Proposition 14, which would keep alive California’s first-of-its-kind stem cell research program with a $5.5 billion infusion of borrowed money was passing Tuesday night. If successful, the measure will provide $1.5 billion dedicated to research on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, epilepsy and similar diseases. The bonds would be paid off over about 30 years at a total cost of about $7.8 billion.
Proposition 15
Proposition 15, which would loosen some of 1978’s Proposition 13 limits on property tax increases, was too close to call Tuesday night. If is passes, the proposition would permit most commercial and industrial properties to be taxed on current market value rather than the original purchase price. Those properties would be reassessed every three years. Residential property wouldn’t be affected. The measure could raise an additional $12.5 billion a year to fund schools and local government services.
Proposition 17
Proposition 17, which would restore voting rights to people on parole, was leading in early returns Tuesday. It would change the state constitution to allow an estimated 50,000 felons on parole to vote. Supporters say the parolees have paid their debt to society and should be able to shape the policies that affect their lives. Opponents say restoring rights early to felons is a slap in the face to their victims.
Proposition 18
Proposition would amend 18, which California’s
Constitution to permit 17year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they will turn 18 by the next general election, was trailing. At least 18 states and Washington, D.C., have adopted laws that let people younger than 18 vote in certain circumstances.
Proposition 19
Early returns showed voters nearly evenly split on Proposition 19, which would allow homeowners who are 55 and older, disabled or wildfire victims to transfer a primary residence’s tax base to a replacement home, allowing them in many cases to keep their property tax payment at the same or lower level.
Proposition 20
One of two criminal justice measures on the ballot,
Proposition 20 would roll back some criminal justice changes approved by voters in 2014 and 2016. It was trailing heavily in early returns. If approved, it would add 22 crimes to the state’s list of violent offenses that make an offender ineligible for earlier parole, allow felony charges for some theft crimes that currently can be charged only as misdemeanors, and reinstate DNA collections for some crimes that were reduced from felonies to misdemeanors.
Proposition 21
Proposition 21, which would allow local governments to establish rent control on residential properties over 15 years old, was trailing heavily Tuesday. People who own one or two single-family homes would be exempt from the measure.
Proposition 23
A measure that would require dialysis clinics to have a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant available during operating hours, was trailing heavily in early returns. Supporters of Proposition 23 say a doctor is needed at clinics whenever the state’s 80,000 dialysis patients are being treated to make sure they get quality care. Opponents say the mandate would create a financial burden that could lead some clinics to close.
Proposition 24
Proposition 24, which would allow consumers to prevent businesses from sharing their personal information and limits businesses’ use of geolocation, race, health or other information was leading in early returns. The measure would triples fines for companies that violate children’s privacy, and create a state agency to enforce and implement the law. The measure builds on privacy rights in the California Consumer Privacy Act.
Proposition 25
The second of two criminal justice measures on the ballot, Proposition 25 asked voters to approve a state law passed in 2018 that would replace money bail with a system based on public safety and flight risk. It was trailing in early returns. If voters approve, no one would pay bail and most misdemeanor suspects would remain free before trial. However, those suspected of felonies or certain misdemeanor charges would be evaluated for their perceived risk of committing another crime or not appearing in court.