Plain English Breakdown
The bill was vetoed; its legal status remains uncertain until it is known if lawmakers overrode the veto.
AB-699: Changes How Local Tax and Bond Info Appears on Ballots
This vetoed bill would let local governments send voters to a guide for tax details instead of printing them directly on the ballot, while requiring extra written statements with sample ballots.
What This Bill Does
- Allows local governments to put a note on the ballot directing voters to the county voter information guide for tax rates or bond repayment info if the measure has more than one rate or involves bonds.
- Requires elections officials to give voters a separate measure information statement with their sample ballot if they use this option.
- Mandates that the new statement includes what the tax is for, how money will be spent, all expected tax rates, and how long the tax lasts.
- Permits local governments to send these required statements electronically by email or website using existing procedures voters have already agreed to.
- Sets up a process where the state may pay local agencies if they face extra costs from following this new rule.
Who It Names or Affects
- Local government officials who create tax and bond measures for voters to decide on.
- County and city elections officials who prepare ballots and voter information materials.
- Voters in local areas where these taxes or bonds are being proposed.
Terms To Know
- Measure
- A proposal put on a ballot for voters to approve or reject, such as a new tax or bond issue.
- Ad valorem property taxes
- Taxes based on the value of real estate that are used to pay back borrowed money (bonds).
- State-mandated local program
- A rule created by the state government that requires local agencies to do something new or different.
Limits and Unknowns
- The governor vetoed this bill, so it did not become law unless lawmakers later overrode the veto.
- Local governments can only use these changes if a tax has more than one rate or involves issuing bonds.
- Electronic delivery of statements is allowed only using existing procedures where voters have already agreed to receive other election materials electronically.