American Politics: Campus Crushed
Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:30 pmby Shrillland
Well NSG, the presidential primary ended, Congressional and state primaries continue, and Trump is moving along with his court cases. Oh, and we banned asbestos. Hurray, I guess. Now let's return to our regularly scheduled election of nihilistic despair, shall we?
Of course, there's other news for American Politics that will come, and here is where we'll talk about it. You all know the rules, right? Good. Let's go then.
Plebiscite Plaza 2024:
Of course, there's other news for American Politics that will come, and here is where we'll talk about it. You all know the rules, right? Good. Let's go then.
Plebiscite Plaza 2024:
First, there's Amendment 1 on March 5. Since 1984, Alabama's had the Budget Isolation Resolution Amendment, which says, among other things, that the state's general and education budgets must be the first things the Legislature approves unless 60% of the legislature grants a waiver for any other bill. Since the Budgets are actually done last, this effectively means a 60% threshold for most legislation. This Amendment would automatically exempt local laws or Alabama's infamous local/county amendments from the isolation process, meaning they could be passed with simple majorities regardless of when the budgets are approved. REJECTED
Alaska will be voting on a measure that would repeal RCV and top-four primaries, a system that was narrowly approved in 2020. It would take everything back to the previous model of FPTP party primaries and general elections.
A second measure would increase worker's rights and benefits. First, the state minimum wage would be increased to $15 an hour incrementally to July 1, 2027. Second, employees would be allowed to accrue up to 56 hours of paid sick leave a year if they work in a business with 15 or more employees and up to 40 hours a year if they work somewhere with less than 15. Third, employers would be banned from taking adverse actions against employees who refuse to attend company-sponsored meetings regarding political or religious issues. Religious organisations could still require them without trouble, colleges would still be allowed to discuss coursework regarding such subjects, and skipping other types of meetings can still be considred actionable.
A second measure would increase worker's rights and benefits. First, the state minimum wage would be increased to $15 an hour incrementally to July 1, 2027. Second, employees would be allowed to accrue up to 56 hours of paid sick leave a year if they work in a business with 15 or more employees and up to 40 hours a year if they work somewhere with less than 15. Third, employers would be banned from taking adverse actions against employees who refuse to attend company-sponsored meetings regarding political or religious issues. Religious organisations could still require them without trouble, colleges would still be allowed to discuss coursework regarding such subjects, and skipping other types of meetings can still be considred actionable.
Proposal number one would create a new $20 court cost for each conviction a person receives. The money would go to a new fund that would pay out a benefit of $250,000 to the spouses and children of first responders killed in the line of duty. If the fund contains more than $2 million, then excess money would go to things like responder training and equipment.
Proposal number two is an amendment that would allow the Legislature to terminate states of emergency and alter the Governor's authority for them. It would also automatically terminate a state of emergency after 30 days unless the Legislature renews it or it's caused by war, fire, or flood.
Proposal number three is an amendment that would require partisan primaries for partisan offices and expressly forbid jungle primaries statewide. This was put up alongside companion legislation that would ban RCV in general elections, but that bill was vetoed with no possibility of being overridden.
Proposal number four is an amendment that would raise signature thresholds for ballot initiatives. Currently, getting on the ballot requires 10% of the number of people who voted for Governor statewide in the last election to sign it if it's a statute and 15% if it's an amendment. This would change that to 10% and 15% in each legislative district instead.
Proposal number five would allow property owners to apply for a property tax refund if the city, town, village, etc, where the property sits isn't enforcing public nuisance laws, including laws that ban illegal camping, loitering, panhandling, public voiding of bodily waste, obstructing thoroughfares, and drinking or posessing illegal drugs in public.
Proposal number six would provide for life imprisonment for anyone convicted of sex trafficking minors.
Proposal number two is an amendment that would allow the Legislature to terminate states of emergency and alter the Governor's authority for them. It would also automatically terminate a state of emergency after 30 days unless the Legislature renews it or it's caused by war, fire, or flood.
Proposal number three is an amendment that would require partisan primaries for partisan offices and expressly forbid jungle primaries statewide. This was put up alongside companion legislation that would ban RCV in general elections, but that bill was vetoed with no possibility of being overridden.
Proposal number four is an amendment that would raise signature thresholds for ballot initiatives. Currently, getting on the ballot requires 10% of the number of people who voted for Governor statewide in the last election to sign it if it's a statute and 15% if it's an amendment. This would change that to 10% and 15% in each legislative district instead.
Proposal number five would allow property owners to apply for a property tax refund if the city, town, village, etc, where the property sits isn't enforcing public nuisance laws, including laws that ban illegal camping, loitering, panhandling, public voiding of bodily waste, obstructing thoroughfares, and drinking or posessing illegal drugs in public.
Proposal number six would provide for life imprisonment for anyone convicted of sex trafficking minors.
Arkansas is voting on an amendment that would allow the State Lottery to fund grants and scholarships technical institutes and vocational-technical schools as well as regular colleges and universities.
First, we've got Prop 1 on March 5. This changes the Mental Health Services Act to the Behavioural Health Services Act. First, it would change how money collected under this law is spent. Counties' share of money would go down to 91%(from 95%) and state share would go up to 9%(from 5%). Counties would be required to include housing interventions, early interventions, and full-service partnership programmes to help people regardless of mental health status. 30% of county money would go to housing interventions(50% of which would go to fighting chronic homelessness), 35% to full-service partnerships, and 35% to behavioural health supports and services(51% of which would be committed for people age 25 and younger). As for the state's share, 22% goes to a reserve for counties, 33% goes to a behavioural health workforce initiative run by the state Department of Healthcare Access and Information, and 44% goes to the state Department of Public Health mental health and substance-abuse prevention measures. Second, the current 16-member body that provides oversight would grow to 27 members(all still appointed by the Governor). The 11 new members would include five who either themselves have or are relations of people who have substance abuse disorders, a veteran or a veteran's organisation representative, an expert in housing and homelessness, a representative of a disability rights organisation, a current or former behavioural health director, a children's or youth organisation representative, and a person with knowledge and experience in community-defined evidence practices and reducing behavioral health disparities. Third, it would issue $6.38 billion in bonds, $4.3 billion of which would go to behavioural health treatment and housing, $1.05 billion to homeless veterans with mental or substabce abuse issues, and $922 million to housing for people at risk of homelessness with behavioural health issues. APPROVED
On to November. The first proposition would raise the minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2026 for all employees and index it to inflation thereafter.
The second proposition would repeal the Private Attorneys General Act and replace it with a new law. This is a law, passed in 2003, that allows employees to file lawsuits and collect civil penalties for violations of state labour laws if the state doesn't respond to a complaint in a given amount of time. In its place, the Fair Pay and Employer Accountability Act would come into being. This law would double the existing statutory and civil penalties and require that 100% of all penalties go to aggrieved employees(up from the current 25% requirement). It would also provide resources to employers to ensure compliance. Next, it would require the state Department of Labour Standards Enforcement to be a party to all labour complains filed with the Labour Commissioner. It wouldn't award the parties attorney's fees, which PAGA does currently. Finally, it requires the state to fund the Labour Standards Enforcement Department to fulfill its new obligations.
The third, fourth, and fifth propositions are all amendments with a connection to each other. The third measure would lower the threshold for cities and counties to approve taxes and bonds for housing. It would go down from a two-thirds majority to 55% plus one. The fourth measure, on the other hand, would increase thresholds by defining all state and local levies, fees, and charges as taxes and require both a two-thirds majority of the legislature and voter approval for state taxes. Currently, only one of those two is required. It would also require two-thirds voter approval for local tax increases, which currently only need a simple majority on top of local government passage. Finally, the fifth measure would require all future measures that change voter thresholds to supermajorities would have to pass by the supermajority that's being proposed. It would also allow localities to put up advisory referenda.
The sixth proposition is a veto measure. Back in 2022, the Legislature passed SB 1137, which put limits on where new oil and gas wells could be drilled, effectively banning them within health protection zones, which are within 3,200 feet of pretty much anywhere where people could be such as homes, schools, businesses, hospitals, prisons, etc. CalGEM(California Geological Energy Management Division) would be required to report on these health protection zones starting in 2027. Companies could only redrill or rework existing wells within these zones to plug them up or to improve public and environmental safety. They would also be required, starting in 2025, to set up leak destection system for wells within these zones that could be regulated by CalGEM, the Air Resources Board, and the State Water Board. Drillers would also have to provide contact information for public complaints and assurances that light and noise will be limited, dust will be mitigated, and speed limits for vehicles will be met among other things. The oil companies and many of the state's unions got this measure on the ballot to veto the law. A Yes vote here will mean the law is upheld.
The seventh proposition is an income tax increase of 0.75% for anyone with incomes over $5 million. This would last 10 years, and the money would go to the new California Institute for Pandemic Prevention, which would provide grants for creating a pandemic detection system and supporting CDPH(Public Health) efforts to prevent future pandemics. A nine-member board would oversee the Institute and a three-member panel wouldoversee grants, all of which would be awarded publicly. The Institute would last until 2035 unless there's still money available, in which case it could continue giving grants until 2040. It would also create the Community Pandemic Response Fund, and the School Disease Spread Prevention Fund, both of which would focus on preventing disease spread in high-risk communities and schools, respectively.
The eighth proposition would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Act, the 1995 law that prohibits rent controls. Cities and counties could now control rents on any housing or apartments built after February 1, 1995, and they could also impose limits on how much landlords could charge first-time renters.
The ninth proposition is an amendment that would repeal Article 34 of the state's constitution, which says that low rent publicly-funded housing projects have to be approved by a local referendum. This measure was ratified by Prop 10(1950) and was intended as a redlining measure.
The tenth proposition would repeal Prop 8(2008) and formally grant same sex couples the right to marry. This is primarily symbolic, but a popular plan nonetheless.
On to November. The first proposition would raise the minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2026 for all employees and index it to inflation thereafter.
The second proposition would repeal the Private Attorneys General Act and replace it with a new law. This is a law, passed in 2003, that allows employees to file lawsuits and collect civil penalties for violations of state labour laws if the state doesn't respond to a complaint in a given amount of time. In its place, the Fair Pay and Employer Accountability Act would come into being. This law would double the existing statutory and civil penalties and require that 100% of all penalties go to aggrieved employees(up from the current 25% requirement). It would also provide resources to employers to ensure compliance. Next, it would require the state Department of Labour Standards Enforcement to be a party to all labour complains filed with the Labour Commissioner. It wouldn't award the parties attorney's fees, which PAGA does currently. Finally, it requires the state to fund the Labour Standards Enforcement Department to fulfill its new obligations.
The third, fourth, and fifth propositions are all amendments with a connection to each other. The third measure would lower the threshold for cities and counties to approve taxes and bonds for housing. It would go down from a two-thirds majority to 55% plus one. The fourth measure, on the other hand, would increase thresholds by defining all state and local levies, fees, and charges as taxes and require both a two-thirds majority of the legislature and voter approval for state taxes. Currently, only one of those two is required. It would also require two-thirds voter approval for local tax increases, which currently only need a simple majority on top of local government passage. Finally, the fifth measure would require all future measures that change voter thresholds to supermajorities would have to pass by the supermajority that's being proposed. It would also allow localities to put up advisory referenda.
The sixth proposition is a veto measure. Back in 2022, the Legislature passed SB 1137, which put limits on where new oil and gas wells could be drilled, effectively banning them within health protection zones, which are within 3,200 feet of pretty much anywhere where people could be such as homes, schools, businesses, hospitals, prisons, etc. CalGEM(California Geological Energy Management Division) would be required to report on these health protection zones starting in 2027. Companies could only redrill or rework existing wells within these zones to plug them up or to improve public and environmental safety. They would also be required, starting in 2025, to set up leak destection system for wells within these zones that could be regulated by CalGEM, the Air Resources Board, and the State Water Board. Drillers would also have to provide contact information for public complaints and assurances that light and noise will be limited, dust will be mitigated, and speed limits for vehicles will be met among other things. The oil companies and many of the state's unions got this measure on the ballot to veto the law. A Yes vote here will mean the law is upheld.
The seventh proposition is an income tax increase of 0.75% for anyone with incomes over $5 million. This would last 10 years, and the money would go to the new California Institute for Pandemic Prevention, which would provide grants for creating a pandemic detection system and supporting CDPH(Public Health) efforts to prevent future pandemics. A nine-member board would oversee the Institute and a three-member panel wouldoversee grants, all of which would be awarded publicly. The Institute would last until 2035 unless there's still money available, in which case it could continue giving grants until 2040. It would also create the Community Pandemic Response Fund, and the School Disease Spread Prevention Fund, both of which would focus on preventing disease spread in high-risk communities and schools, respectively.
The eighth proposition would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Act, the 1995 law that prohibits rent controls. Cities and counties could now control rents on any housing or apartments built after February 1, 1995, and they could also impose limits on how much landlords could charge first-time renters.
The ninth proposition is an amendment that would repeal Article 34 of the state's constitution, which says that low rent publicly-funded housing projects have to be approved by a local referendum. This measure was ratified by Prop 10(1950) and was intended as a redlining measure.
The tenth proposition would repeal Prop 8(2008) and formally grant same sex couples the right to marry. This is primarily symbolic, but a popular plan nonetheless.
Measure number one would limit statewide property tax growth to 4% above last year's revenue and require statewide voter approval to keep any revenue above that limit.
Measure number two would expand a property tax exemption for disabled veterans. Currently, veterans with a 100% disability rating get 50% exempted from the first $200,000 of their property's value. This would expand the exemption to include veterans with individual unemployability status, which means they have one service-related issue that causes 60% disability or two or more issues that have a combined 70% disability or one of those issues causing 40% disability.
Measure number three would create a new Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board that would supervise cases against judges or lawyers sent to it by the Commission on Judicial Discipline. This would be a 12-member board consisting of four district court judges, four attorneys, and four citizens. Cases would also be made public when formal proceedings begin rather than when everything is finished. Tribunals would consist of three members, one from each category, and they could be appealed to the State Supreme Court or to a tribunal if the case is against a Supreme Court Justice or their family or more than two Justices recuse themselves.
Measure number four would remove a suspect's right to bail in first-degree murder cases if the presumption is great and the proof is evident.
Measure number five would require all future ballot measures to include an economic impact statement showing the effects the measure would have on employment, the state's GDP, and state and local revenues, expenditures, taxes, and fiscal liabilities.
Measure number six would make slight changes to the timeline for filing and signing ballot initiatives as well as for judges and justices to signify if they're running for office again. Filing a ballot initiative would now have a deadline of three months and a week, the deadline for referendum signatures would be reduced from 90 days after the Legislature adjourns to 83 days, the deadline for publishing initiatives would be moved from 15 days prior to the final day of voter registration to 45 days before the final day of voting(remember, it's all by mail in Colorado), and expand the time for judges to file an intent of re-election from between 3-6 months before the general election to 3-and-a-week to 6-and-a-week months.
Measure number seven would repeal Amendment 43 from 2006, the constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriage.
Measure number eight would allow the state to retain any revenue from sports betting taxes over $29 million, the cap placed on it in 2019's Prop DD, which legalised sports betting in Colorado.
Measure number two would expand a property tax exemption for disabled veterans. Currently, veterans with a 100% disability rating get 50% exempted from the first $200,000 of their property's value. This would expand the exemption to include veterans with individual unemployability status, which means they have one service-related issue that causes 60% disability or two or more issues that have a combined 70% disability or one of those issues causing 40% disability.
Measure number three would create a new Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board that would supervise cases against judges or lawyers sent to it by the Commission on Judicial Discipline. This would be a 12-member board consisting of four district court judges, four attorneys, and four citizens. Cases would also be made public when formal proceedings begin rather than when everything is finished. Tribunals would consist of three members, one from each category, and they could be appealed to the State Supreme Court or to a tribunal if the case is against a Supreme Court Justice or their family or more than two Justices recuse themselves.
Measure number four would remove a suspect's right to bail in first-degree murder cases if the presumption is great and the proof is evident.
Measure number five would require all future ballot measures to include an economic impact statement showing the effects the measure would have on employment, the state's GDP, and state and local revenues, expenditures, taxes, and fiscal liabilities.
Measure number six would make slight changes to the timeline for filing and signing ballot initiatives as well as for judges and justices to signify if they're running for office again. Filing a ballot initiative would now have a deadline of three months and a week, the deadline for referendum signatures would be reduced from 90 days after the Legislature adjourns to 83 days, the deadline for publishing initiatives would be moved from 15 days prior to the final day of voter registration to 45 days before the final day of voting(remember, it's all by mail in Colorado), and expand the time for judges to file an intent of re-election from between 3-6 months before the general election to 3-and-a-week to 6-and-a-week months.
Measure number seven would repeal Amendment 43 from 2006, the constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriage.
Measure number eight would allow the state to retain any revenue from sports betting taxes over $29 million, the cap placed on it in 2019's Prop DD, which legalised sports betting in Colorado.
Connecticut will be voting on an amendment that would allow the Legislature to implement no-excuse absentee voting.
Amendment 1 would, starting in 2026, make school board elections partisan for both primary and general elections.
Amendment 2 would establish a right to hunt and fish into the state constitution.
Amendment 3 would legalise recreational marijuana in Florida. People over age 21 could have up to three ounces of weed with up to five grams of concentrate. Medical marijuana treatment centres would be allowed to become full dispensaries, and the legislature would be allowed to pass legislation allowing other dispensaries.
Amendment 4 would create a constitutional right to abortion before foetal viability or when needed to save the mother's life thereafter.
Amendment 5 would adjust Florida's property tax exemption($25,000 for all primary properties and an additional $25,000 for any property valued between $50-75,000) for inflation every January 1.
Amendment 6 would repeal a constitutional public funding option for political campaigns that agree to spending limits.
And a reminder that in Florida, a 60%+1 majority is required to ratify amendments.
Amendment 2 would establish a right to hunt and fish into the state constitution.
Amendment 3 would legalise recreational marijuana in Florida. People over age 21 could have up to three ounces of weed with up to five grams of concentrate. Medical marijuana treatment centres would be allowed to become full dispensaries, and the legislature would be allowed to pass legislation allowing other dispensaries.
Amendment 4 would create a constitutional right to abortion before foetal viability or when needed to save the mother's life thereafter.
Amendment 5 would adjust Florida's property tax exemption($25,000 for all primary properties and an additional $25,000 for any property valued between $50-75,000) for inflation every January 1.
Amendment 6 would repeal a constitutional public funding option for political campaigns that agree to spending limits.
And a reminder that in Florida, a 60%+1 majority is required to ratify amendments.
Georgia will be voting on an amendment that would create the Georgia Tax Court. This would change the structure of the currently existing Georgia Tax Tribunal, which oversees things like appeals for denied refunds, property assessment appeals, and tax challenges, and put it into the judicial system(it is currently an executive agency). It would have concurrent jurisdiction with the Georgia Business Court and state Superior Courts. The Legislature would be allowed to set the numbers of judges and how they can handle things with the requirement that all judges must serve four-year terms and be appointed by the Governor with confirmation from the Judiciary Committees of both Houses.
They're also voting on a measure that would raise the states personal property tax exemption limit(for everything except vehicle, trailers, and mobile homes) to $20,000 from the current $7,500.
Their third measure would raise the state's homestead exemption on property taxes from $2,000 to $10,000.
Their fourth measure would create a second homestead exemption to limit property tax increases, but it would allow school districts, counties, or municipalities to opt out of it.
They're also voting on a measure that would raise the states personal property tax exemption limit(for everything except vehicle, trailers, and mobile homes) to $20,000 from the current $7,500.
Their third measure would raise the state's homestead exemption on property taxes from $2,000 to $10,000.
Their fourth measure would create a second homestead exemption to limit property tax increases, but it would allow school districts, counties, or municipalities to opt out of it.
Hawaii will be voting on an amendment that would repeal the legislature's right to ban same-sex marriage.
Their second measure is an amendment that would change how district court judges are appointed. They would still be appointed by Hawaii's Chief Justice, but the process would now be the same as the one used by the Governor to make Supreme Court appointments. The Senate would have 30 days to approve an appointment, and if they don't vote either way, it'll be confirmed.
Their second measure is an amendment that would change how district court judges are appointed. They would still be appointed by Hawaii's Chief Justice, but the process would now be the same as the one used by the Governor to make Supreme Court appointments. The Senate would have 30 days to approve an appointment, and if they don't vote either way, it'll be confirmed.
Idaho will be voting on an amendment that says only US Citizens can vote.
Indiana's voting on an amendment that would remove the Superintendent of Public Instruction from the official line of succession for the governorship. This is effectively a formality since the Superintendent of Public Instruction, an elected office, was dissolved in 2021 and replaced with an appointed Education Secretary.
Iowa's first amendment would say that only citizens could vote in elections and it would also allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they'll be 18 by the general election.
Their second amendment would formally make the Lieutentant Governor the Governor upon that office's vacancy and give then the right to appoint a new Lieutenant Governor, something that isn't formalised currently. The Lieutenant takes over the duties but doesn't officially get the job.
Their second amendment would formally make the Lieutentant Governor the Governor upon that office's vacancy and give then the right to appoint a new Lieutenant Governor, something that isn't formalised currently. The Lieutenant takes over the duties but doesn't officially get the job.
Kentucky will be voting on an amendment that would allow the state to fund non-public education.
Another amendment would require that only citizens can vote.
Another amendment would require that only citizens can vote.
Maine will be voting on a measure that would change the state's flag, making them the third state to do so in two years. The current flag isn't all that popular, and this proposal would bring back the old state flag used before 1909.
Here's the current flag of Maine:
And here's a version of the old/new flag: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Flag_of_Maine_%281901-1909%29.svg/640px-Flag_of_Maine_%281901-1909%29.svg.png
Their second measure would limit people, corporations, and other entities who want to donate to SuperPACs to a maximum donation of $5,000.
Here's the current flag of Maine:
And here's a version of the old/new flag: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Flag_of_Maine_%281901-1909%29.svg/640px-Flag_of_Maine_%281901-1909%29.svg.png
Their second measure would limit people, corporations, and other entities who want to donate to SuperPACs to a maximum donation of $5,000.
Maryland will be voting on whether or not to include a right to reproductive freedom in their constitution.
Minnesota will be voting on an amendment that would allow the Lottery to continue to dedicate funds to the state's Environment and Natural Resources Fund until December 31, 2050. This commitment is currently set to expire in 2025. It would also allow the state to spend 7% of the fund's market value annually(up from the current 5.5% allowance) and allow the state to set up grants for environmental education, resource conservation, and addressing environmental issues in communities adversely affected by such issues.
Missouri will vote on an amendment that would exempt childcare properties from property taxes. If only part of a property is used for childcare, such as a corporate daycare, that part would be exempt.
The second measure is an amendment that would allow the legislature to pass a law that would be effective until December 2026 that would require a city to increase funding for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners without compensation by the state and allow the legislature to go around a constitutional provision that otherwise requires such compensation. Only Kansas City has a police force that fits the amendment's criteria, and the amendment is seen as a response to KC cutting police funding. This was actually already passed in 2022, but the Missouri Supreme Court invalidated it on May 1, 2024, after it was proven that the fiscal note that came with it, which said it wouldn't lead to additional state or local costs, was inaccurate and that voters were, therefore, misled. It would, in fact, cost KC $39 million a year. This one will include a revised ballot note with the corrected amount.
The second measure is an amendment that would allow the legislature to pass a law that would be effective until December 2026 that would require a city to increase funding for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners without compensation by the state and allow the legislature to go around a constitutional provision that otherwise requires such compensation. Only Kansas City has a police force that fits the amendment's criteria, and the amendment is seen as a response to KC cutting police funding. This was actually already passed in 2022, but the Missouri Supreme Court invalidated it on May 1, 2024, after it was proven that the fiscal note that came with it, which said it wouldn't lead to additional state or local costs, was inaccurate and that voters were, therefore, misled. It would, in fact, cost KC $39 million a year. This one will include a revised ballot note with the corrected amount.
Nebraska's voting on a veto measure. In 2023, LB 753 got passed, which created a new tax credit for people who contribute to education scholarships that fund private schools. This has proven contentious with a lot of voters and groups, so they got this measure on the ballot. A Yes vote will uphold the law.
Question 1 would strip the Board of Regents from the state constitution and allow the state Legislature to change the structure of Nevada's university system.
Question 2 would update offensive language in the constitution concerning people with mental illness or other disabilities.
Question 3 is an amendment would change the electoral system. Nevada would move to open primaries where the top five candidates would go to an RCV general. This measure would cover everything state and federal race save the Presidency, and it would require implementing legislation to be passed by July 1, 2025 at the latest. Since this is a citizens' measure, it has to pass twice. It already passed in 2022, so if it passes here, it'll be approved.
Question 4 would close the "convict loophole" in Nevada's constitution by banning slavery and involuntary servitude as punishments.
Question 5 would exempt child and adult diapers from sales taxes.
Question 2 would update offensive language in the constitution concerning people with mental illness or other disabilities.
Question 3 is an amendment would change the electoral system. Nevada would move to open primaries where the top five candidates would go to an RCV general. This measure would cover everything state and federal race save the Presidency, and it would require implementing legislation to be passed by July 1, 2025 at the latest. Since this is a citizens' measure, it has to pass twice. It already passed in 2022, so if it passes here, it'll be approved.
Question 4 would close the "convict loophole" in Nevada's constitution by banning slavery and involuntary servitude as punishments.
Question 5 would exempt child and adult diapers from sales taxes.
New Hampshire is voting on an amendment that would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.
In New Hampshire, amendments require a two-thirds majority to be approved.
In New Hampshire, amendments require a two-thirds majority to be approved.
First, there's a measure that would extend the current property tax exemption for disabled veterans to all disabled veterans and their spouses/widows based on their disability rating. Currently, it's only available to those with a 100% rating.
Second, another measure would increase the property tax exemption for all veterans from $4,000 to $10,000 and adjust it to inflation each year.
Third, there's an amendment that would allow the dean of the University of New Mexico Law School to authorise a designee to serve as chair of state's Judicial Nomination Commission, which nominates and appoints Appellate Judges. This designee would have to be either a former dean, an associate dean, or a fellow active or retired faculty member.
Fourth, another amendment would allow County Commissioner Boards to set the salaries of county officers, like County Clerk and so on, instead of the State Legislature as now. It would also clarify that any fees collected by a county go to the county treasury.
Second, another measure would increase the property tax exemption for all veterans from $4,000 to $10,000 and adjust it to inflation each year.
Third, there's an amendment that would allow the dean of the University of New Mexico Law School to authorise a designee to serve as chair of state's Judicial Nomination Commission, which nominates and appoints Appellate Judges. This designee would have to be either a former dean, an associate dean, or a fellow active or retired faculty member.
Fourth, another amendment would allow County Commissioner Boards to set the salaries of county officers, like County Clerk and so on, instead of the State Legislature as now. It would also clarify that any fees collected by a county go to the county treasury.
New York doesn't normally make even-numbered year appearances, but they technically can do so with any measure they wish. In this case, Proposal 1 would add an Equal Protection Clause based on gender, race, age, disability, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status and outcomes, reproductive autonomy, and gender expression.
First, a measure to be voted on June 11. Initiated Measure 1 would impose a maximum age limit on anyone serving in the US Congress. If it passes, people would no longer be allowed to serve in Congress if they reach the age of 81 by December 31 of the year before their term ends. If a court blocks enforcement of the age limit, then those candidates would be forbidden from being on the ballot, and if a court strikes that down, then the ballot would be required to show what age they would be at the end of their next term. It also gives standing to any elector to enforce the article and standing to the court on whether or not it is constitutional, but it also requires the State Attorney General to defend the measure in court.
On to November. Constitutional Measure 1 would update language in the constitution concerning people with mental illness or physical and mental disability.
Constitutional Measure 2 would make changes for citizen initiatives. First, it would add a single-subject rule for all measures up for a vote. Second, it would raise the signature threshold for constitutional questions from 4% of all state residents to 5%. Third, it would require such measure to be approved twice, first at the June primary and again in November.
Constitutional Measure 3 would cut how much could be spent from the state's Legacy Fund, which is a fund that receives 30% of all revenue from oil and gas production. Instead of 15% of the fund over two years, the state could only spend 5% over that period. In addition, the state would have to set a part of the fund aside to a new Legacy Earnings Fund instead of moving it to the General Fund like they do now.
On to November. Constitutional Measure 1 would update language in the constitution concerning people with mental illness or physical and mental disability.
Constitutional Measure 2 would make changes for citizen initiatives. First, it would add a single-subject rule for all measures up for a vote. Second, it would raise the signature threshold for constitutional questions from 4% of all state residents to 5%. Third, it would require such measure to be approved twice, first at the June primary and again in November.
Constitutional Measure 3 would cut how much could be spent from the state's Legacy Fund, which is a fund that receives 30% of all revenue from oil and gas production. Instead of 15% of the fund over two years, the state could only spend 5% over that period. In addition, the state would have to set a part of the fund aside to a new Legacy Earnings Fund instead of moving it to the General Fund like they do now.
SQ 833 would amend the constitution to allow the creation of public infrastructure districts, which would be allowed to issue bonds for public improvements within their borders. They would be created by a municipality if that city or town receives a petition signed by all the property owners that would be in the new district.
Oregon, alone in the United States, does not have any mechanism to impeach their elected executives. This first measure would change that and allow the Legislature to impeach the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, and Commissioner of Labour and Industries. it would take a two-thirds vote of the House to impeach an individual and a two-thirds vote of the Senate to convict them.
Their second issue would create(or technically recreate) the Independent Public Service Compensation Commission. This commission would set salaries for nearly all major elected officials from the Governor to Supreme Court Justices to legislators. This is actually Oregon's third attempt at a commission like this as two previous commissions(one in 1983 and another in 2007)were basically left to wither on the vine after losing their funding to continue.
Their third issue would introduce RCV to Oregon. This would take effect in 2028, and unlike other states that have implemented it, there would be no jungle primaries. Standard partisan primaries would just be required to have RCV ballots. Also, unlike other states, Oregon would even use it for Presidential ballots with the state's electoral votes going to the majority winner. If however, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact ever comes into effect, they would hand their electors off according to the compact while still showing their final round votes.
Their second issue would create(or technically recreate) the Independent Public Service Compensation Commission. This commission would set salaries for nearly all major elected officials from the Governor to Supreme Court Justices to legislators. This is actually Oregon's third attempt at a commission like this as two previous commissions(one in 1983 and another in 2007)were basically left to wither on the vine after losing their funding to continue.
Their third issue would introduce RCV to Oregon. This would take effect in 2028, and unlike other states that have implemented it, there would be no jungle primaries. Standard partisan primaries would just be required to have RCV ballots. Also, unlike other states, Oregon would even use it for Presidential ballots with the state's electoral votes going to the majority winner. If however, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact ever comes into effect, they would hand their electors off according to the compact while still showing their final round votes.
As they must every 10 years, Rhode Island will be voting on whether or not to have a Constitutional Convention.
An amendment up for a vote would say that only citizens can vote in elections.
South Dakota will be voting on an amendment that would update all language in the constitution to be gender-neutral in nature.
Another amendment would allow the Legislature to impose work requirements for Medicaid for anyone who isn't diagnosed as physically or mentally disabled.
Another amendment would allow the Legislature to impose work requirements for Medicaid for anyone who isn't diagnosed as physically or mentally disabled.
The first amendment would require all counties to have sheriffs that would be elected every four years. Since all 29 counties already do this, this is effectively a formality.
The second amendment would increase the amount of money that can be spent on public education from the State School Fund from 4% annually to 5%.
The third amendment would require property and income taxes to fund public education that uses a portion of the Uniform School Fund and provides for a budgetary stabilisation account and allows the state to use such revenue for other purposes after all educational purposes are met, something that is not currently allowed.
The second amendment would increase the amount of money that can be spent on public education from the State School Fund from 4% annually to 5%.
The third amendment would require property and income taxes to fund public education that uses a portion of the Uniform School Fund and provides for a budgetary stabilisation account and allows the state to use such revenue for other purposes after all educational purposes are met, something that is not currently allowed.
Virginia's voting on an amendment that would change the language involving property tax exemptions for veterans and their surviving spouses. "Killed in Action" would be replaced by "Died in the Line of Duty," wherever it appears.
Initiative 2109 would repeal the state's 7% capital gains tax on all stock sales for people with capital assets of over $250,000, which was passed in 2021.
Initiative 2117 would repeal Washington's Climate Commitment Act(passed in 2021). This law requires all businesses that produce more than 25,000 metric tonnes of CO2 to purchase allowances every quarter from the State Ecology Department. They can sell any excess allowances to other companies, and emissions-intensive, trade-exposed companies(including Boeing) can get a certain amount of allowances free until 2034. I-2117 would also forbid any future cap-and-trade or cap-and-tax programmes meant to reduce or offset carbon emissions.
Initiative 2124 would allow individuals to opt in and out of the WA Cares fund, a state-run fund created in 2019 that's the first state fund for long-term health care insurance(extended hospital stays, nursing home care, etc). It's funded by a payroll tax, and I-2124 would make it so employees would have to opt in to have the tax taken off their paycheques.
Initiative 2117 would repeal Washington's Climate Commitment Act(passed in 2021). This law requires all businesses that produce more than 25,000 metric tonnes of CO2 to purchase allowances every quarter from the State Ecology Department. They can sell any excess allowances to other companies, and emissions-intensive, trade-exposed companies(including Boeing) can get a certain amount of allowances free until 2034. I-2117 would also forbid any future cap-and-trade or cap-and-tax programmes meant to reduce or offset carbon emissions.
Initiative 2124 would allow individuals to opt in and out of the WA Cares fund, a state-run fund created in 2019 that's the first state fund for long-term health care insurance(extended hospital stays, nursing home care, etc). It's funded by a payroll tax, and I-2124 would make it so employees would have to opt in to have the tax taken off their paycheques.
Amendment 1 would constitutionally ban euthanasia and medically-assisted suicide in West Virginia.
First, there are measures being voted on on April 2. Question 1 is an amendment that would prohibit any government from accepting non-governmental funds or assistance for administering elections.
Question 2 would require that only election officials designated by law could administer elections.' BOTH APPROVED
On to August 13, where there will be a measure would prohibit the legislature from delegating its power to appropriate money.
A second measure would require the legislature to pass a joint resolution before the Governor could spend Federal money appropriated to the State.
On to November, where another measure would say that only a citizen could vote.
Question 2 would require that only election officials designated by law could administer elections.' BOTH APPROVED
On to August 13, where there will be a measure would prohibit the legislature from delegating its power to appropriate money.
A second measure would require the legislature to pass a joint resolution before the Governor could spend Federal money appropriated to the State.
On to November, where another measure would say that only a citizen could vote.
Amendment A would create residential real property as a new separate category for taxation purposes and allow the creation of a separate subcategory of owner-occupied primary residences, which could be taxed at a different rate from other real estate.