Ballot Measure

Justice

California stiffened penalties for theft — and more changes are coming

Lea esta historia en Español Californians accused of certain drug and retail theft crimes may already be facing stiffer penalties under an initiative voters passed this year, alongside related bills Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law.  Voters this November overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, which both modifies and adds key changes to California law.   That includes […]

By Cayla Mihalovich • December 27, 2024

Justice

California’s jail population will rise due to Prop. 36. So will inmate deaths, advocates say

California recorded historically high numbers of deaths in county jails for the past six years. Now, counties expect to house more prisoners as Prop. 36 takes effect.

By Nigel Duara • December 17, 2024

Elections

Anti-slavery measure Prop. 6 fails, allowing forced labor to continue in California prisons

Other states, including Nevada, are deleting references to slavery in their constitutions and banning forced prison labor. California voters rejected that path when they turned down Prop. 6.

By Cayla Mihalovich • November 10, 2024

Justice

Why Californians got tougher on crime: Bleak downtowns and attention-getting retail thefts

Californians overwhelmingly backed Prop. 36 to lengthen criminal sentences for certain theft and drug offenses, and to direct more people to drug treatment after convictions. Voters’ views changed on public safety after the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Nigel Duara and Joe Garcia • November 6, 2024

Elections

California voters pass Prop. 34 health care spending rules

Prop. 34 is about healthcare spending. But it will also likely quash the controversial AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s fight for rent control.

By Marisa Kendall • November 5, 2024

Elections

Prop. 4 passes: Californians approve $10 billion for water, wildfire, climate projects

California voters approved Prop. 4's $10 billion in bonds for environmental projects, with about $2 billion going toward protecting drinking water.

By Alejandro Lazo • November 5, 2024

Politics

California proposition to ban forced prison labor trails in early election results

The California Constitution permits involuntary servitude as criminal punishment, a practice that advocates liken to slavery. Prop. 6 would repeal that language and allow incarcerated people to prioritize rehabilitation.

By Cayla Mihalovich • November 5, 2024

K-12 Education

Voters agree to fix up California schools. $10 billion construction bond passes

Lea esta historia en Español With California’s fund for school repairs on empty, voters approved a $10 billion bond to pay for much-needed upgrades at K-12 schools and community colleges. “This is very good news for all students,” said Adam Clark, superintendent of Mt. Diablo Unified in Contra Costa County. “In our district, we have […]

By Carolyn Jones • November 5, 2024

Elections

Same-sex marriage gains constitutional protections as California voters approve Prop. 3

California voters passed Proposition 3, which enshrines the right to marry into the state’s constitution. While same-sex marriage is already legal, Prop. 3 ensures that LGBTQ+ couples can continue to marry even if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns landmark cases.

By Adam Echelman • November 5, 2024

Politics

Californians vote against rent control as Prop. 33 fails

California voters are deciding whether or not to repeal a past restriction on what properties could be affected by rent control, and whether the state can dictate local rent control policy.

By Felicia Mello • November 5, 2024