California Bill ACA13

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/13/23
• Refer: 8/17/23
• Report Pass: 8/17/23
• Refer: 8/21/23
• Refer: 8/24/23
• Refer: 9/6/23
• Refer: 9/7/23
• Refer: 9/11/23
• Enrolled: 11/1/23
• Chaptered: 11/2/23
• Passed: 11/2/23

Caption

Voting thresholds.

Impact

The proposed amendment retains the current requirement of majority voting for passing statewide initiatives and referenda while establishing strict criteria for future proposals that seek to amend this requirement. This likely aims to prevent initiatives that would create a supermajority requirement, thereby enhancing the principle of majority rule. It also explicitly grants local governing bodies the authority to conduct advisory votes on governance issues, allowing citizens to express their opinions on local matters without these advisory votes being binding on the governing body.

Summary

Assembly Constitutional Amendment No. 13 (ACA 13), known as the Protect and Retain the Majority Vote Act, aims to amend the California Constitution regarding voter approval thresholds for initiatives and amendments. The primary objective of this amendment is to ensure that any initiative proposing to increase the voter approval requirement for state and local measures must be approved by voters with a proportion equal to or greater than the highest vote requirement it imposes. This change applies to statewide initiative measures submitted to voters on or after January 1, 2024.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding ACA 13 appears to be largely supportive, particularly from proponents who argue that it strengthens the democratic process by ensuring that any amendments to voting standards reflect the will of the majority. Critics, however, may express concerns about the potential for limiting local authority in governance matters. The bill appears to resonate with a desire to empower citizens and uphold democratic principles by safeguarding against measures that could undermine majority rule.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding ACA 13 may include debates over local control and the extent to which local governments should be able to influence governance through advisory votes. Although the bill does not invalidate existing constitutional provisions, it raises questions about balancing state-level voting requirements against local governance rights. This could provoke discussions among lawmakers regarding the scope of local authority and the fundamental structure of the state's democratic processes.