The Attorney General prepares a circulating title and summary of the chief purpose and points of a proposed initiative measure. Proposed initiative measures are cleared for circulation on the day the circulating title and summary is sent to the initiative proponent(s). No petition may be circulated for signatures before it has been cleared to do so by the Attorney General.
Please note: Counties have 8 business days after the filing of a petition to determine the total number of signatures affixed to the petition and transmit this information to the Secretary of State's office (Elections Code section 9030(b)). If no signatures are submitted, a proposed initiative measure will fail on the 9th business day after its circulation deadline.
1979. (25-0003)
INCREASES ETHNIC STUDIES REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION FROM THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Summary Date: 05/30/25 \ Circulation Deadline: 11/26/25 \ Signatures Required: 546,651
Proponent(s): Emeka Ogbatue
Under current law, undergraduate students at the California State University (CSU) must complete one three-unit ethnic studies course to graduate. This measure would change CSU’s graduation requirements to require, beginning in the 2030-2031 academic year: (1) undergraduate students to complete two ethnic studies courses (one three-unit lower division course and one three-unit upper division course); and (2) graduate students to complete one three-unit ethnic studies course. Prohibits the Legislature from reducing the number of required courses for graduation or altering required course curriculum. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Increased state costs in the tens of millions of dollars annually during initial implementation of the measure, with the bulk of costs phasing out over time. (25-0003.)
1980. (25-0002A1)
RESTRICTS INSURANCE DENIALS FOR PHYSICIAN-RECOMMENDED MEDICAL CARE. INCREASES INSURERS’ POTENTIAL LIABILITY. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Summary Date: 05/30/25 \ Circulation Deadline: 11/26/25 \ Signatures Required: 546,651
Proponent(s): Paul Eisner
Prohibits health insurers from delaying, denying, or modifying physician-recommended medical care if doing so could seriously harm the patient. Permits only licensed physicians to make coverage decisions. In lawsuits challenging coverage decisions, places burden on insurer to prove it did not violate the law; awards triple damages and attorney’s fees for violations. The measure does not define key terms (e.g., “insurer”, “medical procedure”) and its full scope therefore is uncertain and may be subject to litigation. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Either limited or extensive effect on state and local government health care costs, potentially from the hundreds of millions of dollars to as much as the billions of dollars annually, depending on how courts interpret the measure and how insurers react to the measure’s new restrictions. (25-0002A1.)
1981. (25-0004A1)
LIMITS ABILITY OF VOTERS TO RAISE REVENUES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Summary Date: 07/16/25 | Circulation Deadline: 01/12/26 | Signatures Required: 874,641
Proponent(s): Jon Coupal
Limits voters’ ability to pass voter-proposed local special taxes by raising the vote approval threshold requirement for such ballot measures from a simple majority (over 50%) to two-thirds. In charter cities, prohibits voters from approving real estate transfer taxes other than the existing 0.11% transfer tax authorized by Revenue and Taxation Code section 11911. Overturns all existing voter-approved property-related taxes that do not comply with these requirements two years after the measure is enacted. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Annual loss of revenues to local governments totaling up to a couple of billion dollars, predominantly affecting certain charter cities. Potential future reduction in what local governments would otherwise collect in revenues due to a higher vote threshold for certain taxes and fewer types of taxes that local governments can adopt. (25-0004A1.)
1982. (25-0005A1)
LIMITS ABILITY OF VOTERS TO RAISE REVENUES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Summary Date: 07/16/25 | Circulation Deadline: 01/12/26 | Signatures Required: 874,641
Proponent(s): Jon Coupal
Limits voters’ ability to pass voter-proposed local special taxes by raising the vote approval threshold requirement for such ballot measures from a simple majority (over 50%) to two-thirds. In charter cities, prohibits voters from approving real estate transfer taxes that exceed the rate specified in Revenue and Taxation Code section 11911 (0.11%). Overturns all existing voter-approved property-related taxes that do not comply with these requirements two years after the measure is enacted. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Annual loss of revenues to local governments totaling up to a couple of billion dollars, predominantly affecting certain charter cities. Potential future reduction in what local governments would otherwise collect in revenues due to a higher vote threshold for certain taxes, limits on tax rates, and fewer types of taxes that local governments can adopt. (25-0005A1.)
1983 (25-0006A1)
LIMITS ABILITY OF VOTERS TO RAISE REVENUES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Summary Date: 08/29/25 | Circulation Deadline 02/25/26 | Signatures Required: 874,641
Proponent(s): Jon Coupal
Limits voters’ ability to pass voter-proposed local special taxes by raising the vote approval threshold requirement for such ballot measures from a simple majority (over 50%) to two-thirds. In charter cities, prohibits voters from approving real estate transfer taxes other than the existing 0.11% transfer tax authorized by Revenue and Taxation Code section 11911. Overturns all existing voter-approved property-related taxes, including real estate sales and transfer taxes, that do not comply with these requirements two years after the measure is enacted. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Annual loss of revenues to local governments totaling up to a couple of billion dollars, predominantly affecting certain charter cities. Potential future reduction in what local governments would otherwise collect in revenues due to a higher vote threshold for certain taxes and fewer types of taxes that local governments can adopt. (25-0006A1.)
1984 (25-0007A1)
ESTABLISHES ADDITIONAL VOTER IDENTIFICATION AND CITIZENSHIP VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Summary Date: 09/19/25 | Circulation Deadline 03/18/26 | Signatures Required: 874,641
(25% of Signatures Reached 10/21/2025 (PDF))
Proponent(s): Carl DeMaio, Tony Strickland, Donald J. DiCostanzo
Under current law, when registering to vote, individuals must state under penalty of perjury that they are United States citizens and provide information to verify their identity (e.g., birthdate, driver’s license or Social Security number). This measure would amend the California Constitution to further require that:
- voters present government-issued identification at the polls or the last four digits of a government-issued identification number when voting by mail;
- the State provide voter identification cards on request; and
- elections officials annually report percentage of each county’s voters whose citizenship they have verified.
Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: One-time state and local government costs in the tens of millions of dollars to prepare for implementation of the measure. Increased annual state and local government costs potentially ranging in the tens of millions of dollars to the low hundreds of millions of dollars to fulfill new requirements related to elections administration. (25-0007A1.)
1985 (25-0009A1)
LIMITS COMPENSATION FOR HEALTH CARE EXECUTIVES, MANAGERS, AND ADMINISTRATORS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Summary Date: 10/07/25 | Circulation Deadline 04/06/26 | Signatures Required: 546,651
Proponent(s): Shelbi N. Augustus, Jonathan Everhart
Prohibits certain hospitals and medical entities from paying executives, managers, and administrators more than $450,000 in total annual compensation (salary, paid time off, bonuses, stock options, company vehicle, etc.) or severance payments; compensation limit increases up to 3.5% annually based on Consumer Price Index. Requires annual reporting of all executives, managers, and administrators receiving compensation or severance packages exceeding limit. Authorizes enforcement by Attorney General or taxpayer litigation. Penalties for violations include fines, revocation of tax-exempt status, and appointment of Attorney General representative to board of directors of nonprofit corporations. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: State cost as much as several million dollars annually to enforce the new limit on pay for administrators at affected hospitals and physician groups, mostly covered by fees charged to the affected entities. (25-0009A1.)
1986 (25-0008A1)
REQUIRES COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINICS SPEND 90% OF REVENUE ON PROGRAM SERVICES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Summary Date: 10/07/25 | Circulation Deadline 04/06/26 | Signatures Required: 546,651
Proponent(s): Shawna Brown, Sean Fleming
Requires nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Centers (community clinics that provide primary care to medically underserved areas and populations) to spend at least 90% of their revenue on program services advancing their charitable purpose, including but not limited to patient services, rather than management and overhead. Department of Public Health may waive spending requirement in exceptional circumstances. Authorizes Attorney General to publish guidance defining qualifying expenditures. Imposes monetary penalties for noncompliance, which may be refunded if centers become compliant within five years. Authorizes criminal charges for false reports and schemes to artificially increase spending ratio. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: State cost of up to the low tens of millions of dollars annually to enforce the new requirement that nonprofit safety net health clinics spend at least 90 percent of annual revenue on certain types of expenses, much of which would be covered by fees and penalties charged on the affected entities. (25-0008A1.)
1987 (25-0010)
REQUIRES FUTURE VOTE ON WHETHER CALIFORNIA SHOULD BECOME INDEPENDENT COUNTRY. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Summary Date: 10/15/25 | Circulation Deadline 04/13/26 | Signatures Required: 546,651
Proponent(s): Marcus Evans
If enacted, this measure places the following question on November 2028 ballot: “Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?” If at least 50% of registered voters participate in that election, and at least 55% vote “yes,” it would constitute “a vote of no confidence in the United States of America” and “expression of the will of the people of California” to become an independent country, but would not change California’s current government or relationship with the United States. Creates commission to report on California’s viability as independent country. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Around $10 million in one-time election-related costs and to form the new commission on national sovereignty and independence. Around $2 million in annual state costs to operate the commission. (25-0010.)
1988 (25-0011)
PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT ENTITIES FROM RESTRICTING BOYCOTTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING PALESTINIAN RIGHTS OR OPPOSING ISRAEL’S ACTIONS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Summary Date: 10/15/25 | Circulation Deadline 04/13/26 | Signatures Required: 546,651
Proponent(s): Hatem al-Bazian, Malak Afaneh
Prohibits policies by state and local governments and agencies, California State University, and University of California that: (1) restrict engagement in activities—including boycotts, divestments, and sanctions—that express support for Palestinian rights or opposition to Israel’s actions (“BDS activities”); or (2) condition eligibility for contracts, grants, or other funding on agreement not to participate in BDS activities. Prohibits high schools, colleges, and universities from disciplining students for certain BDS activities. Prohibits public investment and retirement funds from adopting policies that restrict support of BDS activities. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Net increase in state and local government costs, not likely to exceed the low millions of dollars annually, related to (1) developing new guidance and policies, (2) resolving alleged violations in the courts, and (3) responding to related public records requests. (25-0011.)
1989 (25-0012A2)
ELIMINATES REQUIREMENT THAT ELECTED INSURANCE COMMISSIONER APPROVE INCREASES IN PROPERTY AND AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE RATES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Summary Date: 10/15/25 | Circulation Deadline 04/13/26 | Signatures Required: 546,651
Proponent(s): Elizabeth Hammack
Repeals law requiring that insurers obtain Insurance Commissioner’s approval before raising property and automobile insurance rates. Instead, new rates take immediate effect; afterwards, Insurance Commissioner may disapprove their use in future policies, but not for policies that have already issued. Eliminates requirement that automobile rates be based primarily on driver’s safety record, years of driving experience, and miles driven. Instead, Insurance Commissioner will establish new criteria, which may include factors considered in other states (e.g., credit score, employment status). Eliminates compensation for public intervenors who challenge rate increases. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Likely reduction in state spending to regulate insurance companies. These savings would be very small compared to the state’s total budget. (25-0012A2.)
1990 (25-0013A1).
CREATES LOAN PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE-INCOME BUYERS OF QUALIFIED NEW HOMES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Summary Date: 10/21/25 | Circulation Deadline 04/20/26 | Signatures Required: 546,651
Proponent(s): Robert M. Hertzberg
Authorizes up to $25 billion in bonds to offer eligible buyers fixed-rate mortgages for up to 17% of the purchase price of a “qualified new home” (new construction or first sale of converted nonresidential property, priced below about $1 million–$1.5 million, depending on county, adjusted annually). Borrowers must be California residents for one year, plan to occupy the home, earn less than 200% of area median income, and pay at least 3% down. Requires that bonds be repaid by homeowners’ mortgage payments, not State. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: No direct state or local costs. (25-0013A1.)
1991 (25-0014).
REQUIRES STATE PROVIDE ANNUAL PAYMENTS TO STUDENTS ATTENDING RELIGIOUS AND OTHER PRIVATE SCHOOLS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.
Summary Date: 10/22/25 | Circulation Deadline 04/20/26 | Signatures Required: 874,641
Proponent(s): Kevin McNamee, Marion Marshall, Maria Flores, Cecilia Iglesias, Benito Bernal
Requires state to deposit yearly voucher payments ($17,000 initially, adjusted annually) into Education Savings Accounts for California residents in grades TK-12 attending religious and other private schools anywhere in the United States. Payments will come from General Fund and property tax revenues that currently fund public schools. Eliminates constitutional prohibition on state funding of religious and other private schools. Prohibits state regulation of private school curriculum. Prohibits building, safety, or health standards for home schools that are stricter than standards applied to homes or similar businesses. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: For the state: increased costs, likely ranging from several billion dollars to more than $10 billion per year, primarily driven by payments for students enrolled in private schools (or homeschooling). The state could pay for these costs using revenues it currently spends on public schools or other state programs. For public schools: reductions in state funding based on the number of students leaving public schools. This reduction could range from a few billion dollars to more than $16 billion per year and is separate from any reduction the state might make to pay for its own costs. Public schools would likely respond by spending less on staff, supplies, services, and other activities. (25-0014.)
1992 (25-0015).
ELIMINATES RIGHT OF LEGISLATORS WHO VOTED FOR TEMPORARY CHANGES TO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAPS IN RESPONSE TO TEXAS’ PARTISAN REDISTRICTING TO HOLD SPECIFIED OFFICES FOR 5–10 YEARS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Summary Date: 10/22/25 | Circulation Deadline 04/20/26 | Signatures Required: 874,641
Proponent(s): Carl DeMaio
Prohibits legislators from holding specified offices after their current term if they voted in 2025 to ask voters to approve the temporary use of new congressional district maps in California until the Citizens Redistricting Commission adopts new maps in 2031, or if they vote for future redistricting measures. Prohibition applies for 10 years to elective office, and five years to appointive office, legislative staff, and other specified offices, in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: No direct fiscal effect on state or local governments. (25-0015.)
*Elections Code section 9034 requires that once proponent(s) of a proposed initiative measure have gathered 25% of the number of signatures required (currently 136,663 for an initiative statute and 218,661 for a constitutional amendment) proponent(s) must immediately certify that they have done so under penalty of perjury to the Secretary of State.
Upon receipt of the certification, the Secretary of State must provide copies of the proposed initiative measure and the circulating title and summary to the Senate and the Assembly. Each house is required to assign the proposed initiative measure to its appropriate committees and hold joint public hearings, at least 131 days before the date of the election at which the measure is to be voted on. However, the Legislature cannot amend the proposed initiative measure or prevent it from appearing on the ballot.
