California 'Fee' Proposition To Wreak Fiscal Havoc

While Propositions 19 (marijuana) and 23 (global warming suspension) grabbed headlines, Prop 26, which would require a 2/3rds vote threshold for fees, slipped under the radar and passed. Opponents say it could make regulation nearly impossible.

2 minute read

November 8, 2010, 5:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


It was perceived by some to be odd - the voters approved Prop 25, reducing the legislative threshold to approve budgets from 2/3 to a majority, but by approving Prop 26 as well, many of the fiscal strategies to get new revenue will be more more difficult, if not impossible. The proposition applies to all levels of government and to local voters unlike Prop 25 that only applied to the state legislature.

"Proposition 26... will tighten how the state constitution defines taxes and regulatory fees. It has been called the "evil twin" of Proposition 23 by environmental activists who fear it would inhibit the state's ability to regulate carbon emissions. But the same voters either did not see a connection between Prop 26 and climate policy or did not care.

"Shaun Bowler, a political scientist at University of California, Riverside, said odd voting patterns often spark lawsuits, and referenda have been thrown out as a consequence."

"Prop 26 will end up in court," predicted Bowler, who said it is poorly worded and fails to clearly define "fee."

From San Francisco Chronicle: Half Moon Bay weighs options after tax rejected: Half Moon Bay, CA voters rejected a sales tax measure for the struggling city on Nov. 2. "In a double dose of bad news, voters approved Prop 26" which will make passing fees even more difficult than the 'general' one-cent sales tax, Measure K, that needed only 50%+1 to pass.

Thanks to Len Conley

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 in The New York Times - Energy & Environment

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight