Prop. 43 Would Raise Bar for California Local Taxes

Proposition 43 would require two-thirds voter support for every local tax dedicated to specific services, including measures placed on ballots by residents. Citizen-sponsored proposals can currently pass with a simple majority. For Simi Valley voters, the change could affect future local funding measures tied to firefighting, education, healthcare or other community services.

Recent results show how much the threshold could matter. A Los Angeles mansion-sales tax received 58% support in 2022, while 62% of Sonoma County voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 2024 for wildfire response and additional emergency services. Both fell short of two-thirds. Supporters, including the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, argue that all special-tax proposals should meet the same standard. Municipal leaders, unions and housing advocates counter that one-third of voters could prevent communities from raising money for essential programs.

California voters established a two-thirds requirement for special taxes in 1996. A 2017 state Supreme Court decision found that the rule specifically covered proposals submitted by local officials, without resolving the standard for citizen initiatives. Proposition 43 emerged from negotiations that removed broader provisions, including retroactive cancellation of taxes approved by simple majorities. Supporters have contributed almost $15 million, compared with $6 million raised by opponents. A September Public Policy Institute of California survey showed 51% of likely voters opposed and 43% supported the measure. Los Angeles voters will also consider a half-cent sales tax this November intended to add firefighters.