Proposition 13 Overhaul for Commercial Property Assessments

Two state senators are helping lead renewed efforts to place a Proposition 13 reform measure on the ballot for the November 2016 general election, targeting the current assessment practices on commercial properties. Senate Constitutional Amendment 5, authored by Senators Loni Hancock and Holly Mitchell, and sponsored by union-led Make It Fair, is anticipated to bring nearly $9 billion to local governments and schools by requiring certain properties used for business purposes to be reassessed regularly, rather than only when there is a change in ownership. The problem with the current process is businesses rely on loopholes in current law to avoid the reassessments, with some property values being decades out of date.

SCA 5 provides some exemptions for small businesses and excludes residential property entirely. SCA 5 will require a two-thirds vote in the Legislative that will likely prove difficult to earn but will surely still help in promoting the plan to a statewide audience.

Vote By Mail Ballots, Automatic Registration Focus of SOS Election Reforms

Secretary of State Alex Padilla with legislative committee leadership unveiled a package of elections reforms modeled after Colorado’s voting procedures through soon to be amended Senate Bill 450 (by Senator Ben Allen and Senator Robert Hertzberg).The reform package seek to create a rebound in California’s voter participation after dismally low turnout in recent statewide elections. Reform package supports attribute the low turnout to antiquated practices that ignore changes in technology and lifestyles. The key changes to current California practices include:

• Vote by mail ballots distributed to all voters
• Voting centers offering ballot collection and secure drop weeks before election day
• Polling locations open for 10 days days prior to an election
• Allowing voters to vote at any polling location in the county, not just their assigned location

CSAC will be reviewing this proposal and cost implications with elections officials and other stakeholders for possible action on the reform effort.

Remedy for the “One Candidate” Special Election Scenario

Senate Bill 49 (Runner) – Support
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee, June 16, 2015

Senate Bill 49 (Runner) seeks to address the rare but costly circumstance of when a legislative vacancy is filled by special election and only one candidate appears on the primary or general election ballot. This happened to recently elected state Senator Sharon Runner (R-Lancaster) who faced no opponent in the primary election to fill the seat left vacant by now Congressman Steve Knight. However, the election was still held imposing unnecessary costs on the county. SB 49 proposes an alternative by allowing the Secretary of State or Governor to declare a candidate as elected prior to the election date if only one candidate has qualified to be placed on the official ballot for a primary or general special election, respectively.

Favorable Rev and Tax Bills Moving Smoothly Through Second House

Several CSAC supported measures moved smoothly through the policy committees this week after entering the second house.

• AB 341 (Achadian) – Adjusts annual Financial Transaction Report and compensation report timeframes to accommodate audit and IRS deadlines. Passed Senate Governance & Finance Committee on consent.
• AB 464 (Mullin) – Increases the combined rate cap for transaction and use taxes, allowing voters statewide to increase the combined rate from 2% to 3% to fund local program and services. Passed Senate Governance & Finance Committee 4-2-1.
• AB 823 (Bigelow) – Provides online posting alternatives for current requirements placed on county clerks to post physical copies of proposed ordinances or proposed amendments to ordinances. Passed Senate Governance & Finance Committee on consent.