California may lower threshold for voter approval of local taxes

There are six bills before the California Legislature that seek to change the way local governments levy taxes.  Currently, the California Constitution states that taxes levied by local governments are either general taxes, subject to majority approval of its voters, or special taxes, subject to 2/3 vote (Article XIII C).  Proposition 13 of 1978 required a 2/3 vote of each house of the Legislature for state tax increases, and 2/3 vote of local voters for local special taxes.  Proposition 62 of 1986 prohibited local agencies from imposing general taxes without majority approval of local voters, and a 2/3 vote for special taxes.  Proposition ... Read More >