With the fewest ballot measures in more than a century, this year’s ballot includes only seven propositions. While some resulted from withdrawals from compromises made with the California legislature and Governor Newsom, others lacked enough signatures. The propositions that did make the ballot consisted of extremely important current issues.
Listed below is a short summary of each of the seven propositions:
November 8, 2022 Statewide Ballot Measures
Proposition 1: Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
Background: Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, certain California legislators wish to enshrine the right to abortion and contraceptives in the California Constitution. Many citizens fear that their right to privacy and reproductive self-determination could be easily taken away as the long-standing precedent was overturned and the power to legislate abortion was handed over to the states.
About: Proposition 1, introduced by California legislators, amends the California Constitution to prohibit the state from denying or interfering with an individual’s reproductive freedom. By granting the fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and choose or refuse contraceptives, this proposition would protect the right to reproductive freedom. If added to the California Constitution, it would become a constitutional right, rather than a law that could be easily struck down.
Proposition 26: Allows In-Person Roulette, Dice Games, and Sports Wagering on Tribal Lands. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Background: Proposition 26 was brought about because a group of Native American tribes hope that California will be next in legalizing sports betting on tribal lands. This proposition would allow for in-person betting in casinos and horse racing in these areas.
About: This proposition regulates and taxes sports wagering in California and strengthens California’s gambling regulations. While tribal governments were previously restricted from offering sports wagering, the new addition will permit tribal governments to offer sports wagering. The proposition also regards that gambling facilities are in good legal standing at the federal, state and local levels.
Proposition 27: Allows Online and Mobile Sports Wagering Outside Tribal Lands. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Background: A coalition of online sports books wants to legalize betting through mobile devices and apps for Californians. With increasing technology usage, the proposition focuses on making betting legal through an online interface.
About: Prop. 27 allows tribes or gambling companies to offer online sports betting. It will also create a new online sports betting regulatory unit and reduce illegal online sports betting. The legalization of online sports betting is expected to mitigate illegal online betting.
Proposition 28: Provides Additional Funding for Arts and Music Education in Public Schools. Initiative Statute.
Background: Former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner wants to push for more funding for the arts as funding has decreased due to budget cuts during the Great Recession of 2008. After the Great Recession, funding became focused on English and math, cutting down support for the arts.
About: By adding Proposition 28, the state would be required to provide funding to increase arts instruction. The proposition distributes funding to public schools, primarily for arts education programs.
Proposition 29: Requires On-Site Licensed Medical Professionals at Kidney Dialysis Clinics and Establishes Other State Requirements. Initiative Statute.
Background: 60% of voters rejected 2018’s ballot initiative, Prop. 8, and 2020’s revised initiative, Prop. 23, failed within similar margins. There have been previous failures in ballot propositions, and it is being tried again for the benefit of dialysis patients paying dues.
About: Prop. 29 adds different requirements for the conditions of dialysis clinics, such as requiring each clinic to have at least one physician on-site at all hours. It also requires clinics to report dialysis-related infections. If these infections are not reported, dialysis clinics can be fined. Most importantly, the proposition prohibits clinics from refusing care to a patient based on who is paying.
Proposition 30: Provides Funding for Programs to Reduce Air Pollution and Prevent Wildfires by Increasing Tax on Personal Income Over $2 Million. Initiative Statute.
Background: Due to the increase in climate change, this proposition aims to increase wildfire responses and the production of electric cars.
About: Prop. 30 requires that the new tax’s revenue go to increasing funding for wildfire activity. Additionally, about 20% of total revenue must be spent on wildfire responses.
Proposition 31: Referendum On 2020 Law That Would Prohibit the Retail Sale of Certain Flavored Tobacco Products.
Background: The new rise in e-cigarettes has been attributed to people switching from utilizing cigarettes to vape products. Tobacco companies are challenging a 2020 law that banned most flavored tobacco products. It unfairly blocks a market that is popular among many adults in the United States.
About: Prop. 31 bans most sales of flavored tobacco products. It clarifies what is defined as flavored tobacco products. By adding a $250 penalty for each violation, it instates a regulation that will be more likely followed.
