CA Propositions: What Passed, What Failed And What It Means For The State

CALIFORNIA — Donald Trump scored a decisive victory on Election Day, Republicans took control of the U.S. Senate, and the party is on the verge of clinching control of the U.S. House.

Although California remained blue this election, the Golden State is getting more Republican as a number of counties flipped red and Trump significantly outperformed his 2020 and 2016 presidential election performances in the state.

The "right-shift" was also reflected in the outcomes of state propositions on the ballot. California voters decided on 10 propositions that will influence everything from rent control to public safety in the state.

California voters passed Proposition 36. The proposition was the state's most contentious measure as it called for tougher penalties for drug and theft crimes. The proposition repeals a sentence-softening reform that voters passed a decade ago.

"The measure partly rolls back a progressive law passed by voters in 2014 that downgraded several nonviolent crimes to misdemeanors, including theft under $950 in value and some drug offenses," the Associated Press reported. "The reversal reflects widespread anger among voters who are increasingly pinning the blame for homelessness and retail theft on criminal justice reform and progressive district attorneys."

While Californians took a tougher stance on crime, voters also decided not to open the door for broader rent control in the state. Voters rejected Proposition 33. The proposition would have rolled back state restrictions that prevent cities from limiting rent increases.

Here's a look at which propositions passed, which failed, and what it means for the state.

What Passed

Proposition 2: Bonds for Public School and College Facilities

Voters approved Proposition 2, which will allow the state to borrow $10 billion to help pay for public school construction and renovation projects. The measure will shift the cost burden for such projects onto the state and away from local communities.

Lawmakers put the proposition on the ballot, saying many California schools are badly in need of repair due to hazardous conditions such as mold and leaks as well as facility updates to best prepare students for the future.

The $10 billion bond will cost the state $500 million annually for 35 years. The debt will be paid out of the general fund. There is no tax hike associated with the measure.

Proposition 3: Constitutional Right to Marriage

Voters approved Proposition 3, which will replace a ban on same-sex marriage in the state Constitution.

Proposition 3 will repeal 2008's controversial Proposition 8, which codified in the state Constitution that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

Proposition 3 won't change the current status of same-sex marriage in the state because a federal court legalized it in 2013, and the U.S. Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal nationwide in 2015. The state's ban on same-sex marriage was known as a zombie law because it's currently unenforceable.

Proposition 4: Bonds for Water, Wildfire, and Climate Risks

Voters approved Proposition 4, a $10 billion bond measure to fund projects to help California prepare for the impacts of climate change. The bonds will help fund projects for clean air, safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protection of natural resources.

Of the $10 billion in bonds, $3.8 billion will be spent on safe drinking water initiatives, as well as drought and flood protection measures. In addition, $1.5 billion will support wildfire prevention efforts, $1.2 billion will support coastline protection programs, and another $1.2 billion will support land conservation and habitat restoration efforts.

Other funds will go toward developing energy infrastructure, creating parks and expanding outdoor access, mitigating extreme heat, and supporting farms and agriculture.

California taxpayers will have to pay the bond back with interest. A legislative analysis estimated it will cost about $400 million a year for the next 40 years to repay the bond.

Proposition 35: Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal

Voters approved Proposition 35, which will make a tax on certain health care plans permanent and require that the money go toward Medi-Cal.

The measure is the rare proposition that has the support of the California Democratic Party, the Republican Party of California, and all the major state health organizations. Supporters argue that the proposition will infuse much-needed investments into Medi-Cal by ensuring that a steady stream of revenue is directed toward patient care.

Proposition 36: Increased Sentencing for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes

Voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, which called for tougher penalties for drug and theft crimes.

Proposition 36 marks the latest pendulum swing in California's approach to mass incarceration and the War on Drugs, and will roll back some provisions of the controversial Proposition 47 passed a decade ago to reduce overcrowding in the state's prison system. The measure will increase prison time for drug and theft offenses previously decreased to misdemeanors.

In California, stealing items worth $950 or less is currently a misdemeanor. Proposition 36 upgrades it to a felony if the person has two or more past convictions. The measure also lengthens some felony sentences.

Proposition 36 also imposes a "treatment-mandated felony" on those who possess illegal drugs instead of a misdemeanor in some cases. The courts will be required to warn people that they could be charged with murder for selling or providing illegal drugs that kill someone.

Overall, the proposition is expected to increase prison populations and increase state criminal justice costs.

What Failed

Proposition 5: Bonds for Affordable Housing and Infrastructure

Voters rejected Proposition 5, which would have made it easier to pass local bond measures in the state.

The proposition would have amended the state Constitution to lower the supermajority vote required by voters to finance affordable housing and infrastructure projects in their communities. The rejection of the proposition means that local bond measures will still require a two-thirds majority to pass in cities, counties and special districts.

Proposition 33: Local Government Residential Rent Control

Voters rejected Proposition 33, which would have allowed for broader rent control in the state.

The proposition would have ended state limits on rent control, allowing cities to pass new rent control statutes even on newly constructed buildings and single-family homes.

What Hasn't Been Called Yet

Proposition 6: Eliminates Forcing Inmates to Work

Voters were leaning against Proposition 6, which would amend the state Constitution to ban involuntary servitude, which is currently permitted as punishment for crime.

While still too early to call, about 54% of voters opposed the measure as of Saturday.

If passed, the proposition would end mandatory work requirements for inmates and make jobs voluntary. The state would also be prohibited from disciplining prisoners who refuse to work.

—> MONDAY UPDATE: CA Voters Reject Prop. 6; Forced Labor Will Continue In Prisons

Proposition 32: Raises Minimum Wage

Proposition 32 was failing narrowly. Voters were asked to raise the state minimum wage to $18 an hour, with adjustments for inflation in future years.

While still too early to call, 51.5% of voters opposed the measure as of Saturday.

If passed, the proposition would give California the highest minimum wage in the nation, immediately boosting wages by $2 an hour for millions of residents. The ballot measure follows the state's recent increase of the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 an hour.

Proposition 34: Restricts Spending of Prescription Revenues

Proposition 34 was leading narrowly. The measure largely targets a single prominent California nonprofit for its affordable housing activism.

While still too early to call, about 51% of voters approved the measure as of Saturday.

If passed, the proposition would require certain healthcare providers to spend 98% of revenues from federal discount drug programs on direct patient care.

Patch editors Paige Austin, Kat Schuster, Chris Lindahl and Michael Wittner contributed to this report.