The California State Legislature passed two constitutional amendments on Sept. 14, 2023, that would change voter approval thresholds for certain ballot measures. Both of the constitutional amendments will appear on the ballot in Nov. 2024.
The first constitutional amendment, ACA 1, would lower the voter approval threshold from two-thirds (66.67%) to 55% for local special taxes to fund housing projects and public infrastructure. As of 2023, the California Constitution requires a two-thirds vote for voters to approve special taxes and bonds, except for school bonds. The two-thirds vote requirement was set in 1978, with the approval of Proposition 13. The threshold was decreased for school bonds in 2000, when voters approved Proposition 39.
ACA 1 was introduced into the Legislature on Dec. 5, 2022. The state Assembly voted 55-12 to pass ACA 1. The state Senate voted 29-10 to pass the constitutional amendment. Legislative Democrats, except two, supported ACA 1, while Republicans, along with two Democrats, opposed ACA 1.
