ACA 13 California

Funny how a Bill passes under the radar. I goes to the ballot November.

California coffers are in trouble when we were rich three years ago

Along comes Assembly Bill ACA 13 with got pushed forward to require

a two thirds majority for local and state taxes to change. 

ACA 13 (Ward), a proposed state constitutional amendment, which will significantly weaken California citizens’ ability to use the statewide initiative process by imposing a higher vote requirement to pass citizen-led initiatives, making it much easier to pass property taxes.  

Ward claimed ACA 13 would ensure that voters, rather than wealthy corporations or special interests, decide on taxes and services.  

Ward' s an Assembly member from San Diego and a Democrat.

ACA 13, or the Protect and Retain the Majority Vote Act,

 is a proposed state constitutional amendment in California. 

 It would ensure that a simple majority vote is required for a measure to pass.

 It would also require that any statewide initiative seeking to increase a vote threshold be approved by the same proportion of voters.  

 ACA 13 aims to protect the democratic process in local communities. It would ensure that voters, not wealthy corporations or special interests, decide which taxes and services are right for their communities. It would also make it harder for California voters to restore taxpayer protections when the State Legislature or courts attempt to weaken them. 

ACA 13 is specifically targeted at the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (TPA). The TPA has qualified for the November 2024 ballot and polling shows it to be popular with voters. 

California state taxes, currently can be raised with a two-thirds vote of the 

Legislature. 

The business initiative would add a statewide vote requirement on top of that, 

though only a simple majority of voters would be needed.

Backed by labor unions, the League of California Cities, 

the California State Association of Counties, 

and groups that pursue infrastructure funding, 

"No levy, charge, or exaction regulating or related to 

vehicle miles traveled may be imposed as a condition of

property development or occupancy.” VMT fees are used 

as an environmental planning tool to focus development 

in more concentrated areas to reduce travel by automobiles.

prohibit advisory votes on how new tax money 

should be spent from being on the same ballot as 

measures to raise those taxes.

Such advisory votes aren't binding,

can be used to hold officials accountable 

if they don’t spend the money as promised. 

Local taxes approved by less than a two-thirds vote in 2023, 

and presumably increased fees, 

would be voided if the business-backed measure passes. 

The same goes for state taxes and fees not approved by a statewide vote.

Good for development?

Bad for businesses?

Additional taxes to get California back in the green?

What about local taxes and Proposition 13?