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Proposition 218 is an adopted initiative constitutional amendment in the state of California that appeared on the November 5, 1996, statewide election ballot.[1] Proposition 218 revolutionized local and regional government finance in California.[2] Called the “Right to Vote on Taxes Act,”[3] Proposition 218 was sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association as a constitutional follow-up to the landmark Proposition 13 property tax revolt initiative constitutional amendment approved by California voters on June 6, 1978.[4] Proposition 218 was drafted by constitutional attorneys Jonathan Coupal and Jack Cohen.[5]
One of the most significant provisions of Proposition 218 constitutionally reserves to local voters the exercise of the initiative power to reduce or repeal any local tax, assessment, fee, or charge.[6] This includes a significantly reduced signature requirement making ballot qualification easier for local voters.[7] Proposition 218 was the first successful initiative measure in California history to alter the scope of the constitutional initiative power.[8]
- ^ California Secretary of State, Statement of Vote November 5, 1996, p. xii.
- ^ Wall, Dan (March 1997). "The New Tax Revolution". Cal-Tax Digest: 23.
- ^ Prop. 218, § 1.
- ^ "Ballot Propositions November 1996 Election". California Journal: 15. September 1996.
- ^ Coupal, Jonathan M.; Cohen, Jack (October 1997). "Water Rates Under Proposition 218". Debt Line. 16 (10). Califomia Debt and Investment Advisory Commission: 2.
- ^ Cal. Const., art. XIII C, § 3.
- ^ Cal. Const., art. XIII C, § 3.
- ^ California Statewide Initiatives 1912-2000 (2003), Initiative & Referendum Institute.