A resolution to propose to the people of the State of California an amendment to the Constitution of the State, by amending Section 4 of Article XIIIA thereof, and by amending Section 2 of Article XIIIC thereof, relating to transportation.

The California Constitution conditions the imposition of a special tax by a city, county, or special district upon the approval of 23 of the voters of the city, county, or special district voting on that tax, except that certain school entities may levy an ad valorem property tax for specified purposes with the approval of 55% of the voters within the jurisdiction of these entities. This measure would require that the imposition, extension, or increase by a local government of a special tax as may otherwise be authorized by law, whether a sales or transactions and use tax, parcel tax, or other tax for the purpose of providing funding for transportation purposes be submitted to the electorate by ordinance and approved by 55% of the voters voting on the proposition. The measure would authorize an ordinance submitted to the voters for approval under these provisions to provide, as otherwise authorized by law, for the issuance of bonds payable from the revenues from the special tax. The measure would require an ordinance submitted to the voters under these provisions to include an expenditure plan specifying the transportation programs and projects to be funded by the revenues from the special tax and a requirement for an annual independent audit to ensure that the revenues are expended only for authorized purposes. The measure would also make conforming and technical, nonsubstantive changes. The California Constitution provides that a proposed amendment of the Constitution, upon submission to, and approval by, the voters takes effect the day after the election unless the measure provides otherwise. This measure would provide that the amendments in this measure shall take effect on the date of the election.