Propositions on the November 2024 Ballot

The California Association of Realtors actively lobbies for laws and policies that benefit homeowners and the real estate industry. This includes supporting legislation that promotes housing affordability and opposing measures that could negatively impact property rights. I'm at the C.A.R. conference this week and we were reviewing propositions on the November ballot that may have an impact on California homeowners. Take a look....

California Proposition 3 is a constitutional amendment that aims to recognize the fundamental right to marry, regardless of sex or race. It seeks to remove language from the California Constitution that defines marriage as only between a man and a woman. This measure would effectively repeal Proposition 8, which was passed in 2008 and defined marriage in this restrictive way. Ensuring marriage equality can have indirect effects on housing by promoting stability and legal recognition for all families, which can influence housing decisions and access to housing benefits.

A YES vote on Proposition 3 means updating the constitution to reflect current marriage laws, ensuring that all individuals have the right to marry regardless of gender or race. A NO vote means keeping the existing language in the constitution, which defines marriage as between one man and one woman

California Proposition 4 is a $10 billion bond measure aimed at addressing various environmental and climate-related challenges. Officially titled the “Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act,” it seeks to fund projects such as:

• Water management facilities ($3.8 billion)

• Forest management ($1.5 billion)

• Coastal area management ($1.2 billion)

• Land conservation ($1.2 billion)

• Renewable energy projects ($850 million)

• Public parks ($700 million)

• Heat protection and disaster shelters ($450 million)

• Farmland and community gardens ($300 million)

The measure also mandates that a significant portion of the funds be allocated to low-income and climate-vulnerable communities.

A YES vote on Proposition 4 means approving the issuance of $10 billion in bonds to fund various environmental and climate-related projects. A NO vote on Proposition 4 means rejecting the issuance of $10 billion in bonds for environmental and climate-related projects.

California Proposition 5 is a constitutional amendment that aims to lower the voter approval requirement for local bond measures from two-thirds (66.67%) to 55%. These bonds would fund affordable housing and public infrastructure projects.

A YES vote on Proposition 5 means local governments could approve bonds for these purposes with a 55% majority, potentially increasing funding for housing and infrastructure. A "NO" vote means the current two-thirds requirement would remain in place.

California Proposition 33 aims to expand local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential properties by repealing the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995. This act currently limits rent control on single-family homes and properties built after February 1, 1995.

A YES vote on Proposition 33 would allow cities and counties to implement or expand rent control measures on all types of housing. A "NO" vote would maintain the existing restrictions under the Costa-Hawkins Act.

Source: ballotpedia | Voterguide.sos.gov | Reason.org