Ballot Measures Qualified for Nov 2010 Election…Part II

Will CA voters legalize cannabis?

This post will provide a preview of three Ballot Measures that have qualified for the upcoming General Election. Feel free to add your comments on any of the measures be it lowering the bar for passage of our state budget, raiding local city coffers or the legalization of the sale and use of marijuana.

Each of these will have a significant impact on our state starting with 09-0057 to be known as the “On_Time Budget Act of 2010.”  If passed by California voters this Constitutional Amendment would lower the bar for passage of the state budget from the current two-thirds to a simple majority vote as explained below.
Initiative Constitutional Amendment.

1408. (09-0057) –

“Changes Legislative Vote Requirement to Pass a Budget from Two-Thirds to a Simple Majority. Retains Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Taxes.

Changes the legislative vote requirement necessary to pass the state budget from two-thirds to a simple majority. Provides that if the Legislature fails to pass a budget bill by June 15, all members of the Legislature will permanently forfeit any reimbursement for salary and expenses for every day until the day the Legislature passes a budget bill.

Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Unknown changes in the content of the state budget from lowering the legislative vote requirement for passage. Fiscal impact would depend on the composition and actions of future Legislatures. Minor reduction in state costs related to compensation of legislators in years when the budget bill is passed after June 15. (09-0057.)”

The next Ballot Measure, 09-0063, is an Initiative Constitutional Amendment known as the “Local Taxpayer, Public Safety, and Transportation Protection Act of 2010.”

This year the CA legislature has confiscated billions in local revenues to help close the huge shortfall in our state budget.

“Prohibits the State from Taking Funds Used for Transportation or Local Government Projects and Services.

Prohibits the State from shifting, taking, borrowing, or restricting the use of tax revenues dedicated by law to fund local government services, community redevelopment projects, or transportation projects and services.

 Prohibits the State from delaying the distribution of tax revenues for these purposes even when the Governor deems it necessary due to a severe state fiscal hardship.

Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Significant constraints on state authority over city, county, special district, and redevelopment agency funds. As a result, higher and more stable local resources, potentially affecting billions of dollars in some years. Commensurate reductions in state resources, resulting in major decreases in state spending and/or increases in state revenues. (09-0063.)”

The last Initiative Measure included in this post will be the controversial sale and use of marijuana, better know as “cannabis.”

The Title of this Initiative is labeled the “Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010.”

Initiative Statute
1377. (09-0024.Changes California Law to Legalize Marijuana and Allow It to Be Regulated and Taxed.

“Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older.
Prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds, using it in public, smoking it while minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years old.

Maintains current prohibitions against driving while impaired.

Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Savings of up to several tens of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments on the costs of incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders. Unknown but potentially major tax, fee, and benefit assessment revenues to state and local government related to the production and sale of marijuana products. (09-0024.)