Bill > SB512

This bill amends the California Elections Code to authorize voters in districts with transportation tax authorization to impose a retail transactions and use tax through an initiative measure, with specific restrictions. Under the new provisions, such an initiative tax cannot exceed the maximum rate that could be set by the district's governing body, and must include the same spending limitations and accountability standards that would apply to a tax enacted by the district's governing body. Specifically, the initiative must include a transportation expenditure plan detailing how the tax revenue will be used, though it does not need approval from local agencies. The bill clarifies that this is meant to implement the constitutional right of voters to affect local taxes through the initiative process. Additionally, the bill includes a standard provision that if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill creates state-mandated local costs, the state will reimburse local agencies and school districts according to existing statutory procedures. The bill aims to expand voter initiative powers specifically for transportation-related tax measures in certain districts.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB512