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2006 Ballot initiatives by state.

Alabama (4)
Alaska (5)
Arizona (25)
Arkansas (4)
California (36)
Colorado (28)
Florida (9)
Georgia (9)
Hawaii (5)
Idaho (9)
Illinois (2)
Kansas
Louisiana (21)
Maine (4)
Maryland (4)
Massachusetts (6)
Michigan (12)
Minnesota (1)
Mississippi
Missouri (14)
Montana (6)
Nebraska (16)
Nevada (15)
New Hampshire (2)
New Jersey (3)
New Mexico (4)
North Dakota (7)
Ohio (6)
Oklahoma (10)
Oregon (23)
Pennsylvania (1)
Rhode Island (11)
South Carolina (7)
South Dakota (15)
Tennessee (2)
Utah (1)
Virginia (3)
Washington (28)
Wisconsin (2)
Wyoming (3)

Alabama

ALABAMA SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

Referendum Objective: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide that no marriage license shall be issued in Alabama to parties of the same sex and that the state shall not recognize a marriage of parties of the same sex that occurred as a result of the law of any other jurisdiction.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: June 6 2006 (Statewide Amendment); Passed Yes: 697,591 (81%) No: 161,684 (19%)
Full Text: SB109

ALABAMA FOREIGN TRADE INVESTMENT ZONE

Referendum Objective: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, authorizing the governing body of the City of Prichard to establish an Alabama Foreign Trade Investment Zone as a special tax district for the purpose of importing duty free and quota free articles eligible under the United States General System of Preferences and the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act; would specify that the value of land and improvements on the land within the district would be assessed and taxed for ad valorem tax purposes by county tax officials under a single site valuation system; and would provide further for the contractual powers of nonprofit organizations.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Statewide Amendment Number One)
Full Text: Act 2005-105

MINIMUM AD VALOREM TAX FOR SCHOOLS

Referendum Objective: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to require the levy of an additional local ad valorem property tax in those school districts of the State in which local ad valorem property taxes for general public school purposes totaling less than 10.0 mills are otherwise levied, so as to ensure that such taxes totaling at least such amount are levied for such purposes in every school district in the State of Alabama.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Statewide Amendment Number Two)
Full Text: Act 2005-215

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Referendum Objective: Relating to Macon County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide for the election of the Macon County Board of Education from four single-member districts and the county at large, and to provide for staggered six-year terms of office.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Statewide Amendment Number Three)
Full Text: Act 2006-512

Alaska

AN ACT RELATING TO CONTRIBUTION LIMITS, LOBBYISTS, AND DISCLOSURE

Initiative Objective: To amend state laws to set campaign contribution limits; to define who is a lobbyist; and to amend financial disclosure requirements for legislators.
Sponsor: Harry Crawford, Eric Croft, David Guttenberg (Campaign Finance Reform Again)
Status: August 22, 2006 (Measure No. 1); Passed Yes: 112,436 (73.16%) No: 41,259 (26.84%)
Website:
Full Text: 03DISC

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR TAXATION OF CERTAIN COMMERCIAL SHIP VESSELS

Initiative Objective: To levy an excise tax on overnight accomodations on commercial passenger vessels; to impose a tax on gambling activities aboard large commercial vessels; and to impose new standards for the discharge of waste water from large commercial passenger vessels.
Sponsor: Responsible Cruising in Alaska
Status: August 22, 2006 (Measure No. 2); Passed Yes: 81,407 (52.14%) No: 74,711 (47.86%)
Website: http://www.responsiblecruising.org
Full Text: 03CTAX

AN ACT LEVYING A TAX ON CERTAIN LEASES HAVING KNOWN RESOURCES OF NATURAL GAS

Initiative Objective: This measure would levy an annual tax on leases of known gas reserves of three cents for each 1,000 cubic feet of taxable gas under lease. The tax would be repealed once a gas pipeline to the lower 48 states is built. Funds collected would be returned to producers as credits against future severance taxes once the pipeline is built.
Sponsor: Rep. David Guttenburg, Rep. Harry Crawford, and Rep. Eric Croft
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006
Website:
Full Text: 05GAS2 (pdf)

AN ACT RELATING TO A 90-DAY REGULAR SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE

Initiative Objective: To amend Alaska Statutes to impose a 90-day limit an annual regular sessions of the Alaska Legislature.
Sponsor: Rep. Jay Ramras, Sen. Tom Wagoner, and Sen. Gretchen Guess
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006
Website:
Full Text: 05LEGS

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE SHOOTING OF WOLVES AND GRIZZLY BEARS WITH THE USE OF AIRCRAFT

Initiative Objective: A person may not shoot or assist in shooting a free-ranging wolf, wolverine or grizzly bear the same day that the person has been airborne.
Sponsor: Alaskans for Wildlife
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot; Collecting Signatures for 2008
Website: http://www.alaskansforwildlife.org/index.cfm?section=ba...
Full Text: 05HUNT (pdf)

Arizona

BAILABLE OFFENSES

Referendum Objective: This proposition would amend the Arizona Constitution to prohibit bail for any person who is charged with a serious felony offense (as determined by the Legislature) if the person charged entered or remained in the United States illegally and the court finds proof that the person committed the crime is evident or the presumption that the person committed the crime is great.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 100)
Website:
Full Text: HCR 2028

LOCAL PROPERTY TAX LEVIES

Referendum Objective: The Arizona Constitution limits the amount of primary property tax that a county, city, town or community college district may levy. Each taxing entity's limit was established in 1980, and that limit has increased by two per cent each year, plus any new construction. This proposition, known as the "2006 Taxpayer Protection Act", would amend the Arizona Constitution to remove unused taxing capacity and reset each taxing entity's limit to the actual tax levy limit of that county, city, town or community college district in 2005. Beginning in 2007, the new levy limit would increase by two per cent per year, plus any new construction.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 101)
Website:
Full Text: HCR 2056

STANDING IN CIVIL ACTIONS

Referendum Objective: This proposition would prohibit a person who wins a civil lawsuit from receiving punitive damages if the person is an alien who entered the United States in violation of federal immigration law.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 102)
Website:
Full Text: SCR 1001

ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Referendum Objective: This proposition would replace the existing provision of the Constitution of Arizona with a new provision establishing English as the official language of this state. Any person performing an official act of the state or a local government would be required to preserve, protect and enhance the role of English as the official language.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 103)
Website:
Full Text: HCR 2036

MUNICIPAL DEBT

Referendum Objective: This proposition would allow political subdivisions of the state (cities, towns, school districts, and counties) to incur debt up to 20 per cent of the taxable property value (instead of the current 6 percent cap) of the taxable property value within the city or town for public safety, law enforcement, fire and emergency service facilities, as well as streets and transportation facilities.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 104)
Website:
Full Text: HCR 2001

STATE TRUST LANDS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONAL REPEAL AND CONDITIONAL ENACTMENT

Referendum Objective: HCR 2045 proposes amendments to Arizona’s constitution relating to state trust land management.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 105)
Website:
Full Text: HCR 2045

CONSERVING ARIZONA'S FUTURE

Initiative Objective: To amend the Constitution of Arizona is to permit the state of Arizona to manage state trust land in ways that promote well-planned growth, conservation, and sound stewardship, addressing issues that were not of concern at the time of statehood.
Sponsor: Conserving Arizona's Future
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 106)
Website: http://www.conservingarizonasfuture.com
Full Text: Prop. 106 (C-03-2006)

THE PROTECT ARIZONA MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

Initiative Objective: "This proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution preserves “marriage” as only consisting of the union of one man and one woman, and prohibits creating or recognizing any legal status for unmarried persons that is similar to that of marriage."
Sponsor: Protect Marriage Arizona
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 107)
Website: http://www.protectmarriageaz.com
Full Text: Prop. 107 (C-02-2006)

AZ VOTER REWARD ACT

Initiative Objective: This proposed law would establish a voter reward random drawing every two years with a first prize of one million dollars or more for the purpose of increasing voter participation. Voters who cast ballots in primary and general elections would be eligible to win. The money would come from the Arizona Lottery and private donations.
Sponsor: Arizonans for Voting Rewards, Mark Osterloh, Chairman
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 200)
Website:
Full Text: I-01-2006

SMOKE-FREE ARIZONA ACT

Initiative Objective: The proposed act would prohibit smoking in enclosed public places and places of employment with limited exceptions such as private residences, retail tobacco stores, and outdoor patios. Enforcement by the Arizona Department of Health Services would be paid for by a tax on cigarettes of one tenth of one cent per cigarette.
Sponsor: Smoke-Free Arizona Yes on I-05-2006
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 201)
Website: http://www.smokefreearizona.org/grassroots/overview
Full Text: Prop. 201 (I-05-2006)

ARIZONA MINIMUM WAGE COALITION

Inititiative Objective: To amend the Arizona Minimum Wage Act to raise the minimum wage in Arizona to $6.76 an hour beginning in January 2007 and to provide annual cost of living adjustments afterward.
Sponsor: Arizona Minimum Wage Coalition Yes on I-13-2006
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 202)
Website: http://azminimumwage.com
Full Text: Prop. 202 (I-13-2006)

ARIZONA EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH INITIATIVE

Initiative Objective: This initiative would increase funding for early childhood developement and health programs. Local councils would distribute the majority of the funding, with oversight by a statewide board subject to audits and other accountability measures. Dedicated funding would come from an increase on the sales price of tobacco products.
Sponsor: First Things First for Arizona's Children
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 203)
Website: http://www.firstthingsfirstaz.com/about/index.cfm
Full Text: Prop. 203 (I-16-2006)

HUMANE TREATMENT OF FARM ANIMALS ACT

Initiative Objective: To ban veal and sow gestation crates from Arizona farms. Veal crates have been banned in the United Kingdom and are in the process of being phased out across the entire EU. Sow gestation crates have been banned in Florida by similar citizen's ballot initiative in 2002.
Sponsor: Arizonans for Humane Farms, Coalition of organizations which includes Humane Society of the United States, Arizona Humane Society, Animal Defense League of Arizona, Farm Sanctuary and others.
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 204)
Website: http://www.yesforhumanefarms.org
Full Text: Prop. 204 (I-07-2006)

YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE

Initiative Objective: The single purpose of this initiative is to ensure that all registered voters are automatically mailed ballots from the election official before every election. Automatically mailed ballots shall be in proper form for voting, have all necessary instructions and shall be accompanied by a postage paid first class return envelope to the election official. A limited number of county-wide polling places shall remain open on election days for on site voting and for voters to return of automatically mailed ballots.
Sponsor: Your Right to Vote
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 205)
Website: http://www.vbmaz.com
Full Text: Prop. 205 (I-11-2006)

NON-SMOKER PROTECTION ACT

Initiative Objective: This initiative would prohibit smoking in enclosed public places and places of employment, except bars and tobacco shops. Minors would not be permitted in any part of a bar or tobacco shop that permits smoking. Signs must notify patrons and employees where smoking is permitted. If part of a larger business, the bars and tobacco shops must be separated by floor to ceiling partitions and separate ventilation systems.
Sponsor: Non-Smoker Protection Committee, Arizona Licensed Beverage Association, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 206)
Website:
Full Text: Prop. 206 (I-22-2006)

PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION ACT

Initiative Objective: To protect private property by defining public use to mean only the public will own and use the land and declares that the public benefits of economic development, including increased tax revenues and employment, shall not constitute a public use and to require that Arizona citizens receive just compensation if they lose their property or lose the value of their property when government takes or enacts a law that diminishes the value of private property.
Sponsor: AZ Home Owners Protection Effort (AZ-HOPE)
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 207)
Website: http://www.hopeforarizona.com
Full Text: Prop. 207 (I-21-2006)

PUBLIC PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Referendum Objective: This proposition would prohibit adults who are not citizens or legal residents of the United States from taking classes offered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Division of Adult Education (Division) or receiving child care assistance from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and would prohibit in-state student or county resident status to persons who are not citizens or who lack lawful immigration status pursuant to federal law.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 300)
Website:
Full Text: SCR 1031

PROBATION FOR METHAMPHETAMINE OFFENSES

Referendum Objective: This proposition would amend the Drug Medicalization, Prevention and Control Act of 1996 so that a person who is convicted for the first time of personal possession or use of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia involving methamphetamine is not eligible for probation under the personal possession or use laws and is subject to incarceration. The person may be eligible for probation pursuant to the general probation laws for convicted persons.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 301)
Website:
Full Text: SCR 1033

STATE LEGISLATORS' SALARIES

Referendum Objective: The Commission on Salaries for Elective State Officers recommends the salaries of legislators be increased to $36,000.
Sponsor: Commission on Salaries for Elective State Officers
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 302)
Website:
Full Text: Prop. 302 (Salaries)

ARIZONA MINIMUM WAGE AMENDMENT

Initiative Objective: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Arizona amending Article 18 by adding Section 11--Minimum Wage--setting a minimum wage of $5.95 per hour, effective July 1, 2007, to be raised to $6.75 per hour on July 1, 2008 and thereafter to be adjusted for inflation each year; raising the minimum wage of "tipped employees"; providing for civil enforcement of the minimum wage; and authorizing the Legislature to establish remedies for violation of the minimum wage and to adopt such other statutes and regulations for implementation and enforcement.
Sponsor: Five Fifteen Isn't Working
Status: Abandoned in favor of Arizonza Minimum Wage Coalition initiative I-13-2006
Website:

ARIZONA TAX REVOLT

Initiative Objective: To amend the Constitution of Arizona to limit local debt, limit the tax on real property to 1% of valuation, set property valuations to the value assessed in 2003, and limit increases in property valuations to the rate of inflation not to exceed 2%.
Sponsor: Arizona Tax Revolt
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.arizonataxrevolt.org
Full Text: Initiative text at sponsor's website

NO TAXPAYER MONEY FOR LOBBYISTS

Initiative Objective: No covered person shall use time or other resources for lobbying. The law making process shall be limited to the legislative branch of governments and the people. Covered persons shall respond to requests for information but shall not lobby.
Sponsor: No Taxpayer money for Lobbyists Committee in support of I-04-2006
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:

FIRST CLASS EDUCATION FOR ARIZONA

Initiative Objective: To require public school districts in Arizona to spend at least 65% of their annual operating budget on classroom instruction.
Sponsor: First Class Education for Arizona
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.firstclasseducation.org/az.asp

KEEP ARIZONA FREE ACT

Initiative Objective: This initiative would allow businesses to permit smoking if the smoking is confined to areas designated and posted as smoking areas. Businesses that allow smoking would be required to post a conspicuous sign at every entrance informing patrons that smoking is permitted.
Sponsor: Keep Arizona Free, Eric Ulis, Chairman
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.keepazfreeact.com
Full Text: Initiative text at sponsor's home page

VOTER CONFIDENCE IN ELECTIONS ACT

Initiative Objective: To require that all electronic voting systems provide a voter-verified durable paper ballot, to require that the ballot be securely preserved for 24 months, to increase one of the recount triggers and require that a hand count of randomly selected precincts be completed to verify accurate election results. If errors are found, the hand count will be extended as necessary and the hand count becomes the official count of the vote.
Sponsor: Arizona Citizens for Election Reform
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.aceronline.org
Full Text: Initiative text at sponsor's website (pdf)

Arkansas

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PERMIT CHARITABLE BINGO

Referendum Objective: A constitutional amendment providing that bingo and raffles, if conducted by authorized organizations defined as nonprofit religious, educational, veterans, fraternal, service, civic, medical, volunteer rescue, volunteer fire, and volunteer police organizations), shall not be constitutionally prohibited as a lottery, provided the organization has been in existence five years and net receipts are used only for charitable, religious, or philanthropic purposes.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment No. 1)
Website:
Full Text: 2006 Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1 (pdf)

ARKANSAS HIGHER EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY AND FACILITY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2006

Referendum Objective: Authorizing the Arkansas Development Finance Authority to issue State of Arkansas Higher Education General Obligation Bonds (the “bonds”) in a total principal amount not to exceed two hundred fifty million dollars ($250,000,000) in one (1) or more series from time to time for the purpose of financing the cost of developing technology and facility improvement projects for state institutions of higher education and financing the cost of refunding bonds issued under the Arkansas College Savings Bond Act of 1989. However, that the outstanding principal amount of bonds issued under the Arkansas Higher Education Technology and Facility Improvement Act of 2005 and the Arkansas College Savings Bond Act of 1989 shall not have scheduled debt service payments on a combined basis in excess of twenty-four million dollars ($24,000,000) in any one (1) fiscal year.
Sponsor: On Ballot (Referred Question 1)
Website:
Full Text: Referred Question 1 (pdf)

AN AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH A STATE LOTTERY

Referendum Objective: An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to establish a state lottery; to allow Arkansas Resorts & Hotels, Inc. to own and operate seven casino gaming establishments one each in Sebastian, Pulaski, Garland, Miller, Crittenden, Boone, and Jefferson Counties; and to establish The Arkansas Educational Trust Fund and The Arkansas Gaming Commission.
Sponsor: Michael Wasserman, Gainsville, TX and Arkansas AFL-CIO
Status: Abandonded
Website:
Full Text: An Amendment to Establish a State Lottery (pdf)

THE ARKANSAS COMMISSION ON LOTTERIES AND WAGERING AMENDMENT

Referendum Objective: An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution creating the Arkansas Commission on Lotteries and Wagering and Investing it with power to license and regulate charitable bingo, conduct and regulate wagering games, and requiring it to operate and regulate one or more statewide lottery games.
Sponsor: Rep. Charles Ormond (D-Morrilton)
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Arkansas Commission on Lotteries and Wagering Amendment (pdf)

California

CALIFORNIA READING AND LITERACY IMPROVEMENT AND PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BOND ACT

Initiative Objective: To add Chapter 12.5 to Part 11 of the Education Code, relating to financing a public library construction and renovation program by providing the funds necessary therefor through an election for the issuance and sale of bonds of the State of California, and by providing for the handling and disposition of those funds.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: June 6, 2006 (Proposition 81); Failed No: 2,265,949 (53%) Yes: 2,013,929 (47%)
Website:
Full Text: Bond Measure SB 1161 (Chapter 698, 2004). Alpert. (pdf)

PUBLIC PRESCHOOL EDUCATION. TAX INCREASE ON INCOMES OVER $400,000 FOR INDIVIDUALS; $800,000 FOR COUPLES.

Initiative Objective: To amend the California Constitution to estabish right to voluntary public preschool for all four-year old children, funded by 1.7% tax on individual income above $400,000 annually; $800,000 for couples.
Sponsors: Preschool for All Campaign
Status: June 6, 2006 (Proposition 82); Failed No: 2,647,885 (61%) Yes: 1,698,624 (39%)
Websites: PreschoolForAllCA.com, Preschool California Link
Full Text: SA2005RF0088 (pdf)

TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT FUND

Referendum Objective: This measure would amend the California Constitution to authorize a suspension, in whole or in part, of the transfer of motor vehicle fuel tax revenues to the Transportation Investment Fund for a fiscal year under certain restrictions.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 1A) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Full Text: SCA 7 (Resolution Chapter 49, 2006). Torlakson.

HIGHWAY SAFETY, TRAFFIC REDUCTION, AIR QUALITY, PORT SECURITY BOND ACT OF 2006

Referendum Objective: This bill would authorize $19.925 billion of state general obligation bonds for specified purposes, including high-priority transportation corridor improvements, State Route 99 corridor enhancements, trade infrastructure and port security projects, schoolbus retrofit andreplacement purposes, state transportation improvement program augmentation, transit and passenger rail improvements, state-local partnership transportation projects, transit security projects, local bridge seismic retrofit projects, highway-railroad grade separation and crossing improvement projects, state highway safety and rehabilitation projects, and local street and road improvement, congestion relief, and traffic safety.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 1B) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Full Text: Bond Measure SB 1266 (Chapter 25, 2006). Perata.

HOUSING AND EMERGENCY SHELTER TRUST FUND ACT OF 2006

Referendum Objective: This bill would would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $2,850,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. Proceeds from the sale of these bonds would be used to finance various existing housing programs, capital outlay related to infill development, brownfield cleanup that promotes infill development, and housing-related parks.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 1C) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Full Text: Bond Measure SB 1689 (Chapter 27, 2006). Perata.

EDUCATION FACILITIES: KINDERGARTEN-UNIVERSITY PUBLIC EDUCATION FACILITIES BOND ACT OF 2006

Referendum Objective: This bill would authorize $10,416,000,000 of state general obligation bonds to provide aid to school districts, county superintendents of schools, county boards of education, the California Community Colleges, the University of California, the Hastings College of the Law, and the California State University to construct and modernize education facilities.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 1D) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Full Text: Bond Measure AB 127 (Chapter 35, 2006). Núñez.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND FLOOD PREVENTION BOND ACT OF 2006

Referendum Objective: This bill would authorize the issuance and sale of bonds in the amount of $4,090,000,000 for the purposes of financing disaster preparedness and flood prevention projects.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 1E) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Full Text: Bond Measure AB 140 (Chapter 33, 2006). Núñez.

1154 - SEX OFFENDERS, SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS, PUNISHMENT, RESIDENCE RESTRICTIONS AND MONITORING. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Increases penalties for violent and habitual sex offenders and child molesters. Prohibits registered sex offenders from residing within 2,000 feet of any school or park, and requires lifetime Global Positioning System monitoring of felony registered sex offenders. Expands the definition of a sexually violent predator, and changes the current two-year involuntary civil commitment for a sexually violent predator to an indeterminate commitment, subject to annual review by the Director of Mental Health and petition by the sexually violent predator for conditional release or unconditional discharge.
Sponsor: Richard Gann, State Sen. George Runner and Assemblywoman Sharon Runner
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 83) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Website: http://www.jessicaslaw2006.com
Full Text: SA2005RF0092 (pdf)

1185 - WATER QUALITY, SAFETY AND SUPPLY. FLOOD CONTROL. NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION. PARK IMPROVEMENT BONDS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Authorizes $5,388,000,000 in general obligation bonds, payable from the state’s General Fund, to fund projects relating to safe drinking water, water quality and supply, flood control, waterway and natural resource protection, water pollution and contamination control, state and local park improvements, public access to natural resources, and conservation efforts. Provides funding for emergency drinking water, and exempts such expenditures from public contract and procurement requirements to ensure immediate action for public safety.
Sponsor: Stephen J. Kaufman
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 84) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0131 (pdf)

1186 - WAITING PERIOD AND PARENTAL NOTIFICATION BEFORE TERMINATION OF MINOR'S PREGNANCY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Initiative Objective: Amends California Constitution to prohibit abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours afer physician notifies minor's parent or legal guardian, except in medical emergency or with parental waiver. Permits minor to obtain court order waiving notice based on clear and convincing evidence of minor's maturity or best interests. Mandates various reporting requirements, including reports from physicians regarding abortions performed on minors. Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violation. Requires minor's consent to abortion, with certain exceptions. Permits judicial relief if minor's consent coerced.
Sponsor: Paul E. Laubacher
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 85) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Website: http://www.parentsright2know.org
Full Text: SA2005RF0132, Amdt. #1-S (pdf)

1197 - TAX ON CIGARETTES. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Imposes additional 13 cent tax on each cigarette distributed ($2.60 per pack), and indirectly increases tax on other tobacco products. Provides funding to qualified hospitals for emergency services, nursing education and health insurance to eligible children. Revenue also allocated to specified purposes including tobacco use prevention programs, enforcement of tobacco-related laws, and research, prevention and treatment of various conditions including cancers (breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal), heart disease, stroke, asthma and obesity. Exempts recipient hospitals from antitrust laws in certain circumstances. Revenue excluded from appropriation limits and Proposition 98 calculations.
Sponsor: American Lung Association of California, American Cancer Society, California Hospital Association
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 86) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0139, Amdt. #1-NS (pdf)

1196 - ALTERNATIVE ENERGY. RESEARCH, PRODUCTION, INCENTIVES. TAX ON CALIFORNIA OIL. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Establishes $4 billion program to reduce oil and gasoline usage by 25%, with research and production incentives for alternative energy, alternative energy vehicles, energy efficient technologies, and for education and training. Funded by tax of 1.5% to 6%, depending on oil price per barrel, on producers of oil extracted in California. Prohibits producers from passing tax on to consumers. Program administered by California Energy Alternatives Program Authority. Prohibits changing tax while indebtedness remains. Revenues excluded from Proposition 98 calculations and appropriation limits. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: New state revenues annually – depending on the interpretation of the measure’s tax rate provisions – of either about $200 million or about $380 million from the imposition of a severance tax on oil production, to be used to fund a variety of new alternative energy programs.
Sponsor: James C. Harrison and Thomas A. Willis, Californians for Clean Alternative Energy
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 87) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Website: http://www.yesoncleanenergy.com
Full Text: SA2005RF0138, Amdt. #2-S (pdf)

1189 - EDUCATION FUNDING. REAL PROPERTY PARCEL TAX. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Provides additional public school funding for kindergarten through grade 12 by imposing a $50 tax on each real property parcel; exempts certain elderly and disabled homeowners. Funds must be used for class size reduction, textbooks, school safety, Academic Success facility grants, and a data system to evaluate educational program effectiveness. Provides for reimbursement to government entities to offset anticipated decrease in other tax revenue. Prohibits fund use for school administrative overhead. Requires school district audits and penalties for fund misuse. Excludes funds from Proposition 98 calculations.
Sponsor: John D. Adkisson
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 88) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0126 (pdf)

1216 - POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS. PUBLIC FINANCING. CORPORATE TAX INCREASE. CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE LIMITES. INITIATIVE STATUE.

Initiative Objective: Provides that candidates for state elective office meeting certain eligibility requirements, including collection of a specified number of $5.00 contributions from voters, may voluntarily receive public campaign funding from the Fair Political Practices Commission, in amounts varying by elective office and type of election. Increases income tax rate on corporations and financial institutions by 0.2 percent to fund program. Imposes new limits on campaign contributions to state-office candidates and campaign committees, and new restrictions on contributions and expenditures by lobbyists and corporations.
Sponsor: Deborah Burger, President, California Nurses Association
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 89) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Website:
Full Text: SA2006RF0015, Amdt. #2-S (pdf)

1204 - GOVERNMENT ACQUISITION, REGULATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Initiative Objective: Bars state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property to promote other private projects, uses. Limits government’s authority to adopt certain land use, housing, consumer, environmental and workplace laws and regulations, except when necessary to preserve public health or safety. Voids unpublished eminent domain court decisions. Defines “just compensation.” Government must occupy condemned property or lease property for public use. Condemned private property must be offered for resale to prior owner or owner’s heir at current fair market value if government abandons condemnation’s objective. Exempts certain governmental actions.
Sponsor: Anita Anderson and Protect Our Homes Coalition
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 90) - November 7, 2006, General Election
Website: http://www.protectourhomes2006.com
Full Text: SA2005RF0146 (pdf)

1182 - TRANSPORTATION FUNDING. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Prohibits retention of funds earmarked for the Transportation Investment Fund in the General Fund for use unrelated to transportation after 7/1/08. Requires repayment by 6/30/17 of transportation funds retained in the General Fund in years prior to 2007-08. Eliminates General Fund borrowing of specified transportation funds, except for cash-flow purposes (repayment required within 30 days of adoption of budget); current law allows borrowing for three years where Governor declares transfer would cause significant negative fiscal impact on governmental functions and Legislature enacts authorizing statute.
Sponsor: James Earp, Executive Director, California Alliance for Jobs
Status: Certified for 2008 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0123 (pdf)

SAFE, RELIABLE HIGH-SPEED PASSENGER TRAIN ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Initiative Objective: To add Chapter 20 to Division 3 of the Streets and Highways Code, relating to financing a high-speed passenger train system by providing the funds necessary therefor through the issuance and sale of bonds of the State of California and by providing for the handling and disposition of those funds.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: Removed from 2006 Ballot; On 2008 Ballot
Full Text: Bond Measure SB 1856 (Chapter 697, 2002). Costa. (pdf)

1180 - TRANSPORTATION FUNDING. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Prohibits retention of funds earmarked for Transportation Investment Fund in the General Fund for use unrelated to transportation after 7/1/08 unless current requirements are met and prior voter approval is obtained; repayment required within ten years. Requires repayment by 6/30/17 of transportation funds retained in the General Fund in years prior to 2007-08. Eliminates General Fund borrowing of specified transportation funds, except for cash-flow purposes; current law allows borrowing for three years where Governor declares transfer would cause significant negative fiscal impact on governmental functions and Legislature enacts authorizing statute.
Sponsor: James Earp, Executive Director, California Alliance for Jobs
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0121 (pdf)

1181 - TRANSPORTATION FUNDING. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Prohibits retention of funds earmarked for Transportation Investment Fund in the General Fund for use unrelated to transportation after 7/1/08 unless current requirements are met and prior voter approval is obtained; no repayment required. Eliminates General Fund borrowing of specified transportation funds, except for cash-flow purposes (repayment required within 30 days of adoption of budget); current law allows borrowing for three years where Governor declares transfer would cause significant negative fiscal impact on governmental functions and Legislature enacts authorizing statute.
Sponsor: James Earp, Executive Director, California Alliance for Jobs
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0122 (pdf)

1183 - TRANSPORTATION FUNDING. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Prohibits retention of funds earmarked for the Transportation Investment Fund in the General Fund for use unrelated to transportation after 7/1/08. Eliminates General Fund borrowing of specified transportation funds, except for cash-flow purposes (repayment required within 30 days of adoption of budget); current law allows borrowing for three years where Governor declares transfer would cause significant negative fiscal impact on governmental functions and Legislature enacts authorizing statute.
Sponsor: James Earp, Executive Director, California Alliance for Jobs
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0124 (pdf)

1184 - IDENTITY THEFT AND SOLICITATION. CRIMINAL GANG ACTIVITY. FORENSIC COMPUTER ANALYSIS FUND. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Increases criminal penalties for persons convicted of specified identity theft crimes. Adds crimes involving personal identification to enumerated list of criminal gang activities. Expands definition of personal identifying information, and requires prison terms and increased fines for acquisition of such information with intent to defraud. Outlaws electronic solicitation of identifying information through misrepresentation (“phishing”). Expands venue in identity theft prosecutions to include county where victim resided. Creates fund to pay for analysis of electronic evidence in criminal investigations, financed through criminal fines.
Sponsor: Frank Troise, Stop Identity Theft in California
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.stopidentitytheftincalifornia.org
Full Text: SA2005RF0130 (pdf)

1187 - GOVERNMENT ACQUISITION. REGULATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Initiative Objective: Amends California Constitution to bar state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property for private projects, uses. Limits government's authority to adopt certain land use, housing, consumer, environmental and workplace regulations, unless regulations are adopted to preserve public health or safety, or comply with specified land use planning and property rights limits. Defines “just compensation.” Prohibits deference to government in property rights cases. Condemned private property must be offered for resale to prior owner at current fair market value if, within five years, government abandons proposed condemnation's objective.
Sponsor: Jon Coupal, Tom McClintock and Chris Norby c/o Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://limiteminentdomain.org
Full Text: SA2005RF0133 (pdf)

1188 - WAITING PERIOD AND PARENTAL NOTIFICATION BEFORE TERMINATION OF MINOR'S PREGNANCY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Initiative Objective: Amends California Constitution to prohibit abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor's parent or legal guardian (in person or by certified mail), except in medical emergency or with parental waiver. Permits minor to obtain court order waiving notice based on clear and convincing evidence of minor's maturity or best interests. Provides for expedited appeal process. Courts must publicly report number of waivers granted and denied by each judge; reports may be aggregated to preserve confidentiality. Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violations.
Sponsor: Rosemarie Avila
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0136 (pdf)

1190 - EDUCATION FUNDING. REAL PROPERTY PARCEL TAX. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Provides additional public school funding for kindergarten through grade 12 by imposing a $50 tax on each real property parcel. Funds must be used for class size reduction, textbooks, school safety, Academic Success facility grants, and a data system to evaluate educational program effectiveness. Provides for reimbursement to government entities to offset anticipated decrease in other tax revenue. Prohibits fund use for school administrative overhead. Requires school district audits and penalties for fund misuse. Excludes funds from Proposition 98 calculations.
Sponsor: John D. Adkisson
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0127 (pdf)

1191 - EDUCATION FUNDING. REAL PROPERTY PARCEL TAX. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Provides additional public school funding for kindergarten through grade 12 by imposing a $50 tax on each real property parcel; only $5 for certain elderly and disabled homeowners. Funds must be used for class size reduction, textbooks, school safety, Academic Success facility grants, and a data system to evaluate educational program effectiveness. Provides for reimbursement to government entities to offset anticipated decrease in other tax revenue. Prohibits fund use for school administrative overhead. Requires school district audits and penalties for fund misuse. Excludes funds from Proposition 98 calculations.
Sponsor: John D. Adkisson
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0128 (pdf)

1192 - EDUCATION FUNDING. REAL PROPERTY PARCEL TAX. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Provides additional public school funding for kindergarten through grade 12 by imposing a $104 tax on real property parcels over 25,000 square feet; $52 tax for smaller parcels. Exempts certain homeowners. Funds must be used for class size reduction, textbooks, school safety, Academic Success facility grants, a data system to evaluate education effectiveness, and teacher compensation. Provides for reimbursement to government entities for decrease in other tax revenue. Prohibits fund use for school administrative overhead. Requires district audits; penalties for fund misuse. Excludes funds from Proposition 98 calculations.
Sponsor: John D. Adkisson
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0129 (pdf)

1193 - RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNION DUES FOR POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. EMPLOYEE CONSENT REQUIREMENT. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Prohibits public employee labor organizations from using dues or fees for political contributions unless the employee provides prior written consent each year on a specified form. Prohibition does not apply to dues or fees collected for charitable organizations, health care insurance, or other purposes directly benefitting the public employee. Requires labor organizations to maintain and, upon request, submit to the Fair Political Practices Commission records concerning individual employee's and organizations' political contributions; those records are not subject to public disclosure.
Sponsor: Mark Bucher
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0141 (pdf)

1194 - POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES. RESTRICTIONS ON CORPORATIONS AND UNIONS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Prohibits corporations and labor organizations from making contributions or expenditures from general treasury funds for candidate elections or political conventions, but permits them to solicit voluntary employee or stockholder donations and make campaign contributions, expenditures from separate segregated political action committee funds. Candidates and political committees prohibited from receiving contributions prohibited by this measure. Establishes notice requirements and limits on campaign solicitations by corporations and labor organizations; prohibits coercive tactics.
Sponsor: Mark Bucher
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0140 (pdf)

1195 - ALTERNATIVE ENERGY. RESEARCH, PRODUCTION, INCENTIVES. TAX ON CALIFORNIA OIL. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Establishes program to reduce oil and gasoline use, with research and production incentives for alternative energy, alternative fuel vehicles, energy efficient technologies, and for education and training. Funded by tax of 1.5% to 6%, depending on oil price per barrel, on producers of oil extracted in California. Prohibits producers from passing tax on to consumers. Program administered by California Energy Alternatives Program Authority. Specifies spending $4 billion in 10 years. Prohibits changing tax while indebtedness remains. Revenues excluded from Proposition 98 calculations and appropriation limits.
Sponsor: James C. Harrison and Thomas A. Willis
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0137, Amdt. #2-S (pdf)

1198 - GOVERNMENT ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Initiative Objective: Amends California Constitution to bar state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property for “economic development,” defined as conveying or leasing the condemned property to a private person or entity for a commercial enterprise or to increase tax revenue, tax base, employment, housing density or general economic health. Exempts certain land uses. Provides that government condemnation of private property may not occur until government gives notice of the proposed public use for the property, a court affirms the proposed public use, and just compensation is deposited with the court.
Sponsor: Douglas Adams McNea and Karin Annette Hipona, Limit Eminent Domain
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://limiteminentdomain.org
Full Text: SA2005RF0135 (pdf)

1199 - WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. OPTION TO SUE. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTES.

Initiative Objective: Provides option, 90 days after injury, for injured employee to sue employer or insurer for civil damages, rather than continue in workers’ compensation system. Allows injured employees to choose their own medical providers, with treatment paid by employer or employer’s insurer. Findings of selected provider are presumed correct unless rebutted by preponderance of medical opinion. Authorizes employee-selected medical provider to sue employer or insurer if provider’s bills are not paid within 60 days. Repeals provision allowing employers and insurers to contract with pharmacies to provide medicines to employees.
Sponsor: Danielle L. Viohl c/o Margaret Prinzing
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0142 (pdf)

1200 - WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. OPTION TO SUE. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTES.

Initiative Objective: Provides option, 90 days after injury, for certain private sector, non-union injured employees to sue employer or insurer for damages, rather than continue in workers’ compensation system. Allows injured employees to choose their own medical providers, with treatment paid by employer or employer’s insurer. Findings of selected provider are presumed correct, unless rebutted by preponderance of medical opinion. Authorizes employee-selected medical provider to sue employer/insurer if provider’s bills not paid within 60 days. Repeals provision allowing employers/insurers to contract with pharmacies to provide medicines to employees.
Sponsor: Danielle L. Viohl c/o Margaret Prinzing
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0143 (pdf)

1201 - WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. BENEFITS. CHOICE OF MEDICAL PROVIDER. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTES.

Initiative Objective: Amends California Constitution to bar state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property, without the owner’s consent, for economic development, tax revenue, or other private use. Government must occupy condemned property or lease property to certain regulated entities. Defines “just compensation.” Prohibits deference to government in condemnation cases. Condemned private property must be offered for resale to prior owner at current fair market value if, within ten years, government abandons proposed condemnation’s objective. Exempts asset forfeiture following criminal conviction. Applies to condemnation actions pending or commenced after June 2005.
Sponsor: Danielle L. Viohl c/o Margaret Prinzing
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0144 (pdf)

1202 - GOVERNMENT ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Initiative Objective: Amends California Constitution to bar state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property, without the owner’s consent, for economic development, tax revenue, or other private use. Government must occupy condemned property or lease property to certain regulated entities. Defines “just compensation.” Prohibits deference to government in condemnation cases. Condemned private property must be offered for resale to prior owner at current fair market value if, within ten years, government abandons proposed condemnation’s objective. Exempts asset forfeiture following criminal conviction. Applies to condemnation actions pending or commenced after June 2005.
Sponsor: Jon Coupal, Tom McClintock, Chris Norby and Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0134, Amdt., #1-S. (pdf)

1203 - OPEN MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Provides for creation of an internet-based open multiple listing service (“open MLS”) offering free public access to non-confidential information regarding real property for sale or rent. Subscribers with active real estate licenses may access confidential information. Paid subscribers may list their own realty. Requires licensed real estate agents to list property on open MLS unless client requests otherwise. Specifies format and content of open MLS. Provides for bidding process to select open MLS operator, and establishes qualifications, powers and duties of operator. Provides that Department of Real Estate will enforce this measure.
Sponsor: David Barry
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2005RF0145 (pdf)

1210 - POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES BY CORPORATIONS. SHAREHOLDER CONSENT REQUIREMENTS. LIMITS AND PENALTIES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

Initiative Objective: Prohibits corporations, as defined, from making political contributions or expenditures for political activities except with shareholders’ prior informed consent by means of majority vote and reports to shareholders. Limits corporate political contributions and expenditures in any fiscal year to the same proportion as percentage of shareholder votes that approved the expenditures. Imposes criminal penalties for violations by corporate officials and contribution recipients. Defines political activities as support or opposition of candidates, political parties, committees, issue advocacy or voter registration campaigns, ballot measures, or legislative causes.
Sponsor: Lance H. Olson
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SA2006RF0012 (pdf)

Colorado

SCR 1 - PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED VETERANS

Referendum Objective: An amendment to Section 3.5 of Article X of the Constitution of the State of Colorado, concerning the extension of the existing property tax exemption for qualifying seniors to any United States military veteran who is one hundred percent permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Referendum E)
Website:
Full Text: SCR001_enr.pdf (pdf)

SCR 5 - RECALL PETITION DEADLINES SET BY STATUTE

Referendum Objective: An amendment to Section 2 of Article XXI of the Constitution of the State of Colorado, concerning elections to recall state elected officials, and in connection therewith, providing for the deadlines regarding recall petitions and hearings to be set in statute rather than in the constitution and stating that a recall election shall be held as part of a general election if a general election will be held between fifty and ninety days after the time for filing a protest has passed and all protests have been finally decided.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Referendum F)
Website:
Full Text: SCR005_enr.pdf (pdf)

SCR 2 - OBSOLETE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

Referendum Objective: Amendments to Articles XVII, XX, and XXIV of the Constitution of the State of Colorado, concerning the elimination of obsolete provisions of the state constitution.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Referendum G)
Website:
Full Text: SCR002_enr.pdf (pdf)

HB 1020 - ELIMINATION OF BUSINESS TAX DEDUCTION FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Referendum Objective: An act concerning the elimination of a state income tax benefit for a business that pays an unauthorized alien to perform labor services, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting certain wages or remuneration paid to an unauthorized alien for labor services from being claimed as a deductible business expense for state income tax purposes if, at the time the business hired the unauthorized alien, the business knew of the unauthorized status of the alien unless specified exceptions apply and, to the extent such a payment was claimed as a deduction in determining the business' federal income tax liability, requiring an amount equal to the prohibited deduction to be added to the business' federal taxable income for the purpose of determining state income tax liability.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Referendum H)
Website:
Full Text: 1020_enr.pdf (pdf)

HB 1344 - DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS

Referendum Objective: An act concerning authorization of domestic partnerships between same-sex couples, and in connection therewith, creating the "Colorado Domestic Partnership Benefits and Responsibilities Act" to extend benefits, protections and responsibilities to such couples and making an appropriation.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Referendum I)
Website:
Full Text: 1344_enr.pdf (pdf)

HB 1283 - PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXPENDITURES ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

Referendum Objective: An act to require that each school district to spend at least sixty-five percent of its operational expenditures on services that directly affect student achievement.
Sponsor: Legislature, Rep. Mike Merrifield, sponsor
Status: On Ballot (Referendum J)
Website:
Full Text: 1283_enr.pdf (pdf)

HB 1022 - IMMIGRATION LAWSUIT AGAINST FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Referendum Objective: An act concerning directing the State Attorney General to initiate a lawsuit to demand that immigration laws be enforced at the federal level.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Referendum K)
Website:
Full Text: 1022_01.pdf (pdf)

PETITIONS

Initiative Objective: To amend the Colorado constitution concerning initiative and referendum petitions, and, in connection therewith, changing petition rights and procedures; allowing petitions to be submitted at all levels of Colorado government; limiting initiative ballot titles to 75 words; changing single subject requirements and procedures; limiting the annual number of new laws that governments may exclude from possible referendum petitions; and establishing standards for review of filed petitions.
Sponsor: Citizens for Petition Rights
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #38)
Website: http://www.pra2006.com
Full Text: 33.pdf

SCHOOL DISTRICT EXPENDITURES FOR EDUCATION

Initiative Objective: To amend the Colorado Constitution to require that in each state fiscal year a school district spend at least 65% of its operational expenditures on classroom instruction, with limited exceptions.
Sponsor: First Class Education for Colorada, Joe Stengel, Chairman
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #39)
Website: http://www.firstclasseducation.org/colorado/index.asp
Full Text: 46.pdf (pdf)

TERM LIMITS ON COURT OF APPEALS AND SUPREME COURT JUDGES

Initiative Objective: An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning term limits for appellate court judges, and, in connection therewith, reducing the terms of office for justices of the supreme court and judges of the court of appeals to four years, requiring appellate judges serving as of January 1, 2007, to stand for retention at the next general election, if eligible for another term, prohibiting an appellate judge from serving more than three terms, specifying that a provisional term constitutes a full term, and making any appellate judge who has served ten or more years at one court level ineligible for another term at that level.
Sponsor: John K. Andrews, Centennial, CO and Kathleen A. LeCrone, Aurora, CO
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #40)
Website:
Full Text: 90.pdf (pdf)

ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT

Initiative Objective: An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning standards of conduct by persons who are professionally involved with governmental activities, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting a public officer, member of the general assembly, local government official, or government employee from soliciting or accepting certain monetary or in-kind gifts; prohibiting a professional lobbyist from giving anything of value to a public officer, member of the general assembly, local government official, government employee, or such person's immediate family member;...
Sponsor: Colorado Common Cause
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #41)
Website:
Full Text: 118.pdf (pdf)

COLORADO MINIMUM WAGE

Initiative Objective: An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the state minimum wage, and, in connection therewith, increasing Colorado's minimum wage to $6.85 per hour, adjusted annually for inflation, and providing that no more than $3.02 per hour in tip income may be used to offset the minimum wage of employees who regularly receive tips.
Sponsor: Colorado Progressive Coalition
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #42)
Website: http://www.progressivecoalition.org/minimum_wage111.htm
Full Text: 104.pdf (pdf)

MARRIAGE

Initiative Objective: An amendment to the Colorado constitution, concerning marriage, and, in connection therewith, specifying that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Colorado.
Sponsor: Bishop Phillip Porter and Pastor Ruben Mendez, Coloradans for Marriage
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #43)
Website: http://www.marriageforcolorado.com
Full Text: 83.pdf (pdf)

MARIJUANA POSESSION

Initiative Objective: To amend section 18-18-406 (1) of the Colorado revised statutes making legal the possession of one ounce or less of marihuana for any person twenty-one years of age or older.
Sponsor: Mason Tvert, Denver, CO and Evan Ackerfeld, Denver, CO (SAFER)
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #44)
Website: http://www.safercolorado.org
Full Text: 72.pdf (pdf)

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS

Initiative Objective: An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the establishment of domestic partnerships, and, in connection therewith, declaring that domestic partnerships do not affect the institution of marriage between one man and one woman, stating that notwithstanding any other provision of law a domestic partnership is established as a unique and valid relationship between eligible adults of the same sex and is not similar to marriage, and directing the general assembly to enact implementing legislation consistent with the responsibilities, benefits, and protections and licensing provisions for domestic partnerships set forth in House Bill 06-1344 as passed by the Colorado general assembly.
Sponsor: Coloradans for Fairness and Equality
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #45)
Website: http://www.fairnessandequality.org
Full Text: 139.pdf (pdf)

ISSUE COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTIONS

Initiative Objective: To amend the Colorado Constitution to prohibit individuals and entities that make contributions in excess of five hundred dollars to issue committees that advocate a tax or debt increase from receiving employment, an award of a contract, or any transfer of taxpayer assets or funds from that governmental entity.
Sponsor: Jon Caldara, Golden, CO and David Chandler, Arvada, CO
Status: Deadline Passed, Signatures not submitted
Website:

EXPIRATION OF VOTER-APPROVED TABOR ISSUES

Initiative Objective: To limit the number of years a tax change or debt increase approved by the voters shall remain in effect, providing that ballot issues passed on or after December 31, 2006 must sunset, expire and end within ten years of passage of the ballot issue and allowing the ballot issue to be renewed for upto ten year by a subsequent vote of the people.
Sponsor: Dennis Polhill, Golden, CO and Jon Caldara, Golden, CO
Status: Deadline Passed, Signatures not submitted
Website:

RESTRICTIONS ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Initiative Objective: To amend the Colorado Constitution to restrict the provision of non-emergency services by the State and local governments to United States citizens and aliens lawfully present in the United States, except as mandated by federal law; and providing for the implementation and enforcement of this restriction.
Sponsor: Defend Colorado Now, Richard Lamm, Co-chair
Status: Ruled not a Single Subject by Colorado Supreme Court
Website: http://www.defendcoloradonow.org
Full Text: Amendment language at sponsor's website

RESIDENT HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE FEE INCREASES

Initiative Objective: To amend the Colorado constitution concerning a requirement for voter approval of any fee increase for a license issued by the division of wildlife to a Colorado resident, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the general assembly from increasing such fees absent a recommendation to do so by the wildlife commission and specifying notification procedures regarding the proposed increase.
Sponsor: Michael Graves, Bailey, CO and Scott Isgar, Colorado Springs, CO
Status: Withdrawn by Proponents
Website:

ELECTION OF STATE WILDLIFE OFFICIALS

Initiative Objective: To amend the Colorado constitution concerning the election of state wildlife management officials, and, in connection therewith, dividing Colorado into nine districts; requiring the election of the voting members of the Colorado wildlife commission from such districts beginning in 2010; requiring the election of the director of the division of wildlife beginning in 2008; imposing qualification requirements and term limits of two terms on such officials; and specifying notification procedures regarding the candidates' qualifications.
Sponsor: Michael Graves, Bailey, CO and Scott Isgar, Colorado Springs, CO
Status: Withdrawn by Proponents
Website:

CONDEMNATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY

Initiative Objective: To amend the Colorado Constitution to prohibit private property from being taken by a party condemning the property unless the party establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the taking is for a public use; defining public use for purposes of the amendment to only mean either the possession and occupation of the condemned property by a public entity or a public utility or the acquisition and disposition of property to remedy conditions which endanger life or property and which are detrimental to the public health or public safety; specifying that the public or private benefits of economic development shall not constitute a public use; and prohibiting private property from being taken by a private party except as a private way of necessity or for use by a public utility.
Sponsor: The Colorado Citizens for Property Rights, Marsha Looper, Executive Director
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.theccpr.com

LABOR RIGHTS

Initiative Objective: To amend the Colorado Constitution to provide that the people of this state have the right to freely belong to labor unions, to participate in labor elections, and to authorize a labor union to engage in collective bargaining on their behalf; and to provide civil and administrative penalties for employers who violate these rights.
Sponsor: Jeremiah Attridge, Denver, CO and Luke Spiker, Thornton, CO
Status: Withdrawn
Website:

LIMITATIONS ON HOUSING GROWTH

Initiative Objective: To grant the electors of local governments the right to limit housing growth within their boundaries by initiative and referendum, allowing county voters to limit housing growth uniformly within a county, limiting privately owned residential housing in the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, and Larimer for the years 2007 through 2010 to one percent annual growth, requiring at least thirty percent of the housing growth in such counties be affordable housing and affordable senior housing, implementing a moratorium until January 1, 2007, on the issuance of residential building permits in such counties following voter approval of the measure, and defining terms used in the measure.
Sponsor: Daniel Hayes, Arvada, CO and Eric Levine, Fort Collins, CO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:

ABORTION OF A VIABLE FETUS

Initiative Objective: To amend the Colorado Revised Statutes to prohibit late-term abortion, the abortion of a fetus capable of living indefinitely outside the womb, unless the health of the mother is endangered.
Sponsor: Michael Lawrence, Denver, CO and Timothy Dore, Englewood, CO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:

OIL AND GAS SEVERANCE TAXES

Initiative Objective: An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning a limit on the amount of oil and gas severance taxes annually retained by the state, and, in connection therewith, in order to offset home energy costs, requiring revenues collected in excess of the limit to be paid to each Colorado taxpayer who is a head of household based on the number of exemptions claimed for federal tax purposes.
Sponsor: Jon Caldara, Denver, CO and Beth Skinner, Broomfield, CO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:

REBATE OF MONEY ABOVE REFERENDUM C ESTIMATES

Initiative Objective: An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning modification of the limit on state fiscal year spending approved at the November 2005 election, and, in connection therewith, requiring any state revenues above the amount estimated in the 2005 ballot information booklet to be refunded to each Colorado taxpayer who is a head of household based on the number of exemptions claimed for federal tax purposes, in order to offset home energy costs.
Sponsor: Jon Caldara, Golden, CO and Beth Skinner, Broomfield, CO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:

EDUCATION OF ENGLISH-LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Initiative Objective: An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the use of the English language in public education, and, in connection therewith, requiring school districts to ascertain the number of students unable to perform ordinary classroom work in English and make the information publicly available; requiring children to be taught by using the English language in their classrooms and requiring children who are learning English to be educated through an accelerated English acquisition process that is intended to last one year or less;...
Sponsor: Bill Garcia, Greely, CO and Maria Rocha-Secrest, Greely, CO (English for Colorado)
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:

PROHIBITION OF LEGAL STATUS SIMILAR TO MARRIAGE

Initiative Objective: An amendment to the Colorado constitution prohibiting the creation or recognition by the state or its political subdivisions of a legal status similar to that of marriage, as described in the "Uniform Marriage Act" in the 2005 version of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Lundberg (R - Berthoud) and Wilfred G. Perkins, Chairman, Colorado for Family Values
Status: Abandoned
Website:

Florida

STATE PLANNING AND BUDGET PROCESS

Referendum Objective: Proposing amendments to the State Constitution to limit the amount of nonrecurring general revenue which may be appropriated for recurring purposes in any fiscal year to 3 percent of the total general revenue funds estimated to be available, unless otherwise approved by a three-fifths vote of the Legislature; to establish a Joint Legislative Budget Commission, which shall issue long-range financial outlooks; to provide for limited adjustments in the state budget without the concurrence of the full Legislature, as provided by general law; to reduce the number of times trust funds are automatically terminated; to require the preparation and biennial revision of a long-range state planning document; and to establish a Government Efficiency Task Force and specify its duties.
Sponsor: The Florida Legislature
Status: On Ballot (No. 1)
Website: http://election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/initdetail....
Full Text: 10-61.pdf (pdf)

TERM LIMITS

Referendum Objective: To amend the State Consitution to increase, from 8 to 12, the number of consecutive years a state legislator may serve and to remove provisions for term limits for members of Congress.
Sponsor: The Florida Legislature
Status: Withdrawn by Legislature
Website: http://election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/initdetail....
Full Text: 10-62.pdf

REQUIRING BROADER PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS OR REVISIONS

Referendum Objective: Proposes an amendment to Section 5 of Article XI of the State Constitution to require that any proposed amendment to or revision of the State Constitution, whether proposed by the Legislature, by initiative, or by any other method, must be approved by at least 60 percent of the voters of the state voting on the measure, rather than by a simple majority. This proposed amendment would not change the current requirement that a proposed constitutional amendment imposing a new state tax or fee be approved by at least 2/3 percent of the voters of the state voting in the election in which such an amendment is considered.
Sponsor: The Florida Legislature
Status: On Ballot (No. 3)
Website: http://election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/initdetail....
Full Text: 10-63.pdf

PROTECT PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY YOUTH, FROM ADDICTION, DISEASE, AND OTHER HEALTH HAZARDS OF USING TOBACCO

Initiative Objective: To protect people, especially youth, from addiction, disease, and other health hazards of using tobacco, the Legislature shall use some Tobacco Settlement money annually for a comprehensive statewide tobacco education and prevention program using Centers for Disease Control best practices. Specifies some program components, emphasizing youth, requiring one-third of total annual funding for advertising. Annual funding is 15% of 2005 Tobacco Settlement payments to Florida, adjusted annually for inflation. Provides definitions. Effective immediately.
Sponsor: Floridians for Youth Tobacco Education, Inc.
Status: On Ballot (No. 4)
Website: http://www.keepkidssmokefree.org
Full Text: 41791-1.pdf (pdf)

INDEPENDENT NONPARTISAN COMMISSION TO APPORTION LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

Initiative Objective: Creates fifteen member commission replacing legislature to apportion single-member legislative and congressional districts in the year following each decennial census. Establishes non-partisan method of appointment to commission. Disqualifies certain persons for membership to avoid partiality. Limits commission members from seeking office under plan for four years after service on commission. Requires ten votes for commission action. Requires Florida Supreme Court to apportion districts if commission fails to file a valid plan.
Sponsor: Committee for Fair Elections
Status: Removed from Ballot - Ruled unconstitutional by Florida Supreme Court
Website: http://www.committeeforfairelections.com
Full Text: 41643-1.pdf (pdf)

INCREASED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

Referendum Objective: Proposing amendment of the State Constitution to increase the maximum additional homestead exemption for low-income seniors from $25,000 to $50,000 and to schedule the amendment to take effect January 1, 2007, if adopted.
Sponsor: The Florida Legislature
Status: On Ballot (No. 6)
Website: http://election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/initdetail....
Full Text: 10-64.pdf

PERMANENTLY DISABLED VETERANS' DISCOUNT ON HOMESTEAD AD VALOREM TAX

Referendum Objective: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to provide a discount from the amount of ad valorem tax on the homestead of a partially or totally permanently disabled veteran who is age 65 or older who was a Florida resident at the time of entering military service, whose disability was combat-related, and who was honorably discharged; to specify the percentage of the discount as equal to the percentage of the veteran's permanent service-connected disability; to specify qualification requirements for the discount; to authorize the Legislature to waive the annual application requirement in subsequent years by general law; and to specify that the provision takes effect December 7, 2006, is self-executing, and does not require implementing legislation.
Sponsor: The Florida Legislature
Status: On Ballot (No. 7)
Website: http://election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/initdetail....
Full Text: 10-65.pdf

EMINENT DOMAIN

Referendum Objective: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to prohibit the transfer of private property taken by eminent domain to a natural person or private entity; providing that the Legislature may by general law passed by a three-fifths vote of the membership of each house of the Legislature permit exceptions allowing the transfer of such private property; and providing that this prohibition on the transfer of private property taken by eminent domain is applicable if the petition of taking that initiated the condemnation proceeding was filed on or after January 2, 2007.
Sponsor: The Florida Legislature
Status: On Ballot (No. 8)
Website: http://election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/initdetail....
Full Text: 10-66.pdf

FLORIDA MARRIAGE PROTECTION AMENDMENT

Initiative Objective: To amend the Florida Constitution to protect marriage as the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife and provides that no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.
Sponsor: Florida4Marriage.org
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot; Collecting Signatures for 2008
Website: http://florida4marriage.org
Full Text: 41550-1.pdf (pdf)

Georgia

TO RESTRICT THE USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN

Referendum Objective: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to require that the condemnation of property for redevelopment purposes must be approved by vote of the elected governing authority of the county or city in which the property is located; to restrict the use of eminent domain for redevelopment purposes to the elimination of harm; to provide that the use of eminent domain by counties and municipalities shall be subject to limitation by general law; to prohibit the use of eminent domain by certain nonelected local authorities; to provide for submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment 1)
Website:
Full Text: HR 1306

TO PROTECT THE TRADITIONS OF FISHING AND HUNTING

Referendum Objective: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to provide that the tradition of fishing and hunting and the taking of fish and wildlife shall be preserved for the people and shall be managed by law and regulation for the public good; to provide for submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment 2)
Website:
Full Text: SR 67

DEDICATE REVENUE FROM SPECIAL MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES

Referendum Objective: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide for special motor vehicle license plates and dedicate the revenue from such plates for stated purposes, including dedications for the ultimate use of agencies, funds, or nonprofit corporations where it is found that there will be a benefit to the state; to provide for related matters; to provide for submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment 3)
Website:
Full Text: HR 1564

TO EXPAND THE AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION FOR FARM EQUIPMENT

Referendum Objective: An Act to amend Code Section 48-5-41.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to agricultural products and equipment exempt from ad valorem tax, so as to expand the ad valorem exemption for farm equipment to include certain equipment held under a lease purchase agreement; to provide for a referendum, applicability, and effective dates; to provide for automatic repeal under certain circumstances; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Referendum Question A)
Website:
Full Text: HB 203

TO EXPAND THE AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION FOR VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS

Referendum Objective: An Act to amend Code Section 48-5-41 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to property exempt from ad valorem tax, so as to expand the ad valorem exemption for veterans organizations to include certain additional nonprofit veterans organizations which refurbish and operate historic military aircraft for educational purposes; to provide for a referendum, applicability, and effective dates; to provide for automatic repeal under certain circumstances; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Referendum Question B)
Website:
Full Text: HB 173

TO EXPAND THE AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION FOR PROPERTY OF CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS

Referendum Objective: To provide for an ad valorem tax exemption for certain charitable institutions; to provide qualifications; to provide procedures for obtaining such exemption; to provide for the taxes to which such homestead exemption is applicable; to provide for referenda, applicability, and effective dates; to provide for automatic repeal under certain circumstances; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Referendum Question C)
Website:
Full Text: HB 848

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION TO CERTAIN RESIDENTS WHO ARE SENIOR CITIZENS

Referendum Objective: To provide a homestead exemption to certain residents who are senior citizens with respect to state ad valorem taxes; to provide qualifications; to provide procedures for obtaining such exemption; to provide for the taxes to which such homestead exemption is applicable; to provide for referenda, applicability, and effective dates; to provide for automatic repeal under certain circumstances; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Referendum Question D)
Website:
Full Text: HB 848

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR THE SURVIVING SPOUSE OF A PEACE OFFICER OR FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Referendum Objective: Provides that the unremarried surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter who was killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to a total exemption of the homestead from all ad valorem taxes.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Referendum Question E)
Website:
Full Text: HB 81

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR A SURVIVING SPOUSE

Referendum Objective: To provide that a surviving spouse shall be entitled to a continuation of the base year value under a base year assessed value homestead exemption.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Referendum Question F)
Website:
Full Text: HB 81

Hawaii

BOARD OF REGENTS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII

Referendum Objective: The proposed constitutional amendment would change the selection process of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii. The Board of Regents is the governing board of the University of Hawaii system, which includes the respective University of Hawaii campuses (Manoa, Hilo, and West Oahu) as well as all of the community colleges. The proposed constitutional amendment would modify this selection process by requiring the Governor to nominate and appoint members from a pool of qualified candidates who have been screened and proposed by a Candidate Advisory Council for the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, as provided by law.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Question No. 1)
Website:
Full Text: SB 1256

SALARY COMMISSION

Referendum Objective: This proposed constitutional amendment would establish a salary commission responsible for reviewing and recommending changes to salaries for justices and judges, members of the state legislature, the governor and lieutenant governor, the administrative director of the State, department heads or executive officers of the executive departments, and the deputies or assistants to department heads of the executive departments, excluding the University of Hawaii and the department of education.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Question No. 2)
Website:
Full Text: HB 1917 (pdf)

REPEAL MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE FOR JUDGES

Referendum Objective: Article VI, section 3, of the Hawaii Constitution presently requires appellate court justices and trial court judges to retire upon attaining the age of seventy years. The proposed constitutional amendment would repeal this requirement. If the voters approve the proposed amendment, neither currently sitting justices and judges nor those appointed after the amendment takes effect would be required to retire at age seventy.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Question No. 3)
Website:
Full Text: SB 995 (pdf)

SEXUAL ASSAULT CRIMES AGAINST MINORS

Referendum Objective: The proposed amendment would add a section to the Hawaii Constitution specifying that, in continuous sexual assault crimes against minors less than fourteen years of age, the Legislature may define what behavior constitutes a "continuing course of conduct" and what constitutes the jury unanimity required for conviction in these cases.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Question No. 4)
Website:
Full Text: SB 2246 (pdf)

SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS FOR AGRICULTURE

Referendum Objective: The proposed amendment would authorize the State to issue special purpose revenue bonds to assist agricultural enterprises serving important agricultural lands. Special purpose revenue bonds are tax exempt and would allow agricultural enterprises to enjoy tax savings not available through other means of financing. Special purpose revenue bonds do not involve any state appropriation or expenditure and are not secured by the full faith and credit of the State.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Question No. 5)
Website:
Full Text: SB 2479 (pdf)

Idaho

MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

Referendum Objective: To amend the Idaho Constitution to protect marriage as only being between a man and a woman, to prohibit recognition by the State of Idaho, or any of its political subdivisions, of civil unions, domestic partnerships, or any other relationship that attempts to approximate marriage, no matter how denominated, to prohibit the State of Idaho, or any of its political subdivisions, from granting any or all of the legal benefits of marriage to civil unions, domestic partnerships, or any other relationship that attempts to approximate marriage.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot
Website:
Full Text: House Joint Resolution 2

MILLENNIUM PERMANENT ENDOWMENT FUND

Referendum Objective: To amend the Idaho Constitution to create in the state treasury an Idaho Permanent Millenium Endowment Fund consisting of 80% of tobacco settlement money received by the state of Idaho on or after January 1, 2007.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Senate Joint Resolution 107

INITIATIVE INCREASING K-12 EDUCATION FUNDING FOR LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Initiative Objective: To increase K-12 education funding for local public schools by adding one percent to the state sales tax or requiring the legislature to develop an alternative revenue stream.
Sponsor: Idaho Education Association
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 1)
Website: http://www.idahoea.org
Full Text: 06init05

INITIATIVE LIMITING EMINENT DOMAIN WHEN USED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Initiative Objective: To provide limitations on eminent domain for private parties, and for urban renewal or economic devlopment purposes; and provide judicial review of proceedings involving the excercise of eminent domain;...
Sponsor: Laird Maxwell, This House is MY Home
Status: On Ballot (Proposition 2)
Website: http://www.thishouseismyhome.com
Full Text: 06init08

AN INITIATIVE REPEALING IDAHO'S RIGHT TO WORK LAW

Initiative Objective: To repeal Idaho's Right to Work Law, Idaho Code Sections 44-2001 through 44-2012.
Sponsor: Dave Whaley c/o Idaho State AFL-CIO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website: http://www.rightiswrong.org
Full Text: 06init01

INITIATIVE ABOLISHING IDAHO JUDICIAL COUNCIL, LIMITING JUDICIAL IMMUNITY

Initiative Objective: To abolish the Idaho Judicial Council, to limit judicial immunity in most cases, to create a 15 member to review complaints of judicial misconduct and granting the commission the power and authority to impose sanctions.
Sponsor: IJAA 2006
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website: http://www.ijaa.net
Full Text: 06init02

AN INITIATIVE LIMITING PROPERTY TAXES

Initiative Objective:To limit property taxes to one percent of the January 2005 value or the transaction price of the property.
Sponsor: Idaho Property Tax Reform
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website: http://www.idahopropertytaxreform.com
Full Text: 06init04

AN INITIATIVE AMENDING THE IDAHO OPEN MEETING LAW

Initiative Objective: To amend the scope of the Idaho Open Meeting Law by altering the definition of governing body to include additional entities; and to increase the fine for violations of the Open Meeting Law.
Sponsor: L. Roger Falen, Genesee, ID
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website:
Full Text: 06init06

AN INITIATIVE RELATING TO WOLF REGULATION IN IDAHO

Initiative Objective: To direct the discontinuance by state agencies of all wolf recovery efforts, the removal by Idaho fish and game department of all wolves reintroduced into Idaho from Canada to the extent allowed by law, and the classification and management of wolves as unprotected predatory wildlife.
Sponsor: Idaho Anti-Wolf Coalition
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website: http://www.usa4id.com/ciwc/index.html
Full Text: 06init07

Illinois

THE PROTECT ILLINOIS MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

Initiative Objective: To advise the Illinois General Assembly to amend the Illinois Constitution preserving “marriage” as only consisting of the union of one man and one woman, and prohibiting creating or recognizing any legal status for unmarried persons that is similar to that of marriage.
Sponsor: Protect Marriage Illinois
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Insufficient valid signatures
Website: http://www.protectmarriageillinois.com

ILLINOIS HEALTHCARE REFERENDUM

Initiative Objective: To advise Illinois public policy whether to provide all state residents with full prescription benefits and the right to choose one's own doctors under a publicly financed comprehensive health insurance system.
Sponsor: Illinois Healthcare Referendum, Democracy for Illinois
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.illinoishealthcarenow.org

Kansas

Louisiana

WETLANDS CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION FUND

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to change the name from the Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Fund to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund; to provide that the eligible federal revenues received by the state generated from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas activity shall be credited to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund and used only for purposes of coastal wetlands conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly impacted by coastal wetland losses.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 1); Passed Yes: 525,683 (83%) No: 117,289 (18%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 69 (pdf)

COASTAL PROTECTION AND RESTORATION

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to require twenty percent of the proceeds of tobacco securitization to be deposited in the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund, with a portion to be used for barrier island stabilization and preservation, and repeals the Louisiana Coastal Restoration Fund.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 2); Passed Yes: 505,653 (79%) No: 132,385 (21%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 854 (pdf)

FLOOD PROTECTION

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish regional flood protection authorities and provide for its governing authority, powers, duties, and functions, for the governing authority of levee districts within the territorial jurisdiction of the regional authority, and authorizing ad valorem taxes subject to voter approval.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 3); Passed Yes: 513,139 (81%) No: 122,152 (19%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 43 (pdf)

TAKING OF PROPERTY FOR HURRICANE PROTECTION

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to provide that compensation paid for the taking of, or loss or damage to, property rights affected by the construction, enlargement, improvement, or modification of hurricane protection projects, including mitigation related thereto, shall be limited to the compensation required by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution; to provide an exception for the taking of buildings or structures destroyed or damaged by an event for which a presidential declaration of major disaster or emergency was issued, if the taking occurs within three years of such event; and to authorize the legislature by law to provide procedures and definitions for these requirements.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 4); Passed Yes: 380,559 (61%) No: 245,581 (39%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 853 (pdf)

EXPROPRIATION

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to prohibit the expropriation of property by the state or a political subdivision of the state for predominant use by or transfer to a private person or entity under certain circumstances; to define "public purposes" relative to the expropriation of property; to provide exceptions for the operation of public ports and airports and for the expropriation of property for industrial development purposes; and to provide for items included in just compensation to be paid to the owner of the expropriated property.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 5); Passed Yes: 333,581 (55%) No: 275,327 (45%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 851 (pdf)

PROPERTY/EXPROPRIATION

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to prohibit, except in limited instances, the transfer or lease of property expropriated by the state or its political subdivisions to any person without first offering the property to the original owner; to provide that unused expropriated property be declared surplus property to be first offered to the original owner prior to sale to the general public by competitive bid.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 6); Passed Yes: 302,149 (50%) No: 298,717 (50%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 859 (pdf)

MEDICAID TRUST FUND INVESTMENTS

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to authorize the investment in equities of up to thirty-five percent of the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 7); Passed Yes: 386,604 (63%) No: 225,466 (37%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 857 (pdf)

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to authorize the continuation of the homestead exemption and the special assessment level where the homestead has been destroyed or is uninhabitable due to a declared disaster or emergency.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 8); Passed Yes: 482,921 (79%) No: 130,139 (21%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 70 (pdf)

UNFUNDED MANDATES

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to provide that no law, unless enacted by two-thirds of the elected members of each house of the legislature, requiring increased expenditures for any purpose shall be applicable to any city, parish, or other local public school board until approved by school board resolution or until, and as long as, the legislature appropriates funds to the school board for the purpose and only to the extent and amount of such funds or until a law provides for a local source of revenue to the school board for the purpose and the school board is authorized to levy and collect such revenue and only to the extent and amount of such revenue; and to provide for exceptions to such prohibition on increasing the financial burden of city, parish, and other local public school boards.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 9); Passed Yes: 305,188 (51%) No: 298,529 (49%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 855 (pdf)

STATE-FUNDED PERMANANENTLY ENDOWED FUND INVESTMENTS

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to authorize the investment in stocks of up to thirty-five percent of the state-funded permanently endowed funds of public or private colleges and universities.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 10); Passed Yes: 352,724 (59%) No: 245,719 (41%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 856 (pdf)

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR REVOCABLE TRUSTS

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to extend the homestead exemption to property owned by a revocable trust, in addition to the existing application to property owned by an irrevocable trust.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 11); Passed Yes: 402,733 (66%) No: 205,627 (34%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 852 (pdf)

VACANCIES IN THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND OTHER STATEWIDE ELECTED OFFICES

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to provide for the filling of vacancies in the lieutenant governor's office and other statewide elective offices; to provide that if more than one year remains in the term, the person nominated by the governor and confirmed by the legislature to serve as lieutenant governor or the first assistant in other statewide elected offices, shall fill the vacancy only until the office can be filled at the next regular statewide or congressional election or until the governor is required to call a special election.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 12); Passed Yes: 412,654 (69%) No: 189,199 (31%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 858 (pdf)

QUALIFICATION OF JUDGES

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to provide that a person shall have been admitted to the practice of law for ten years preceding election to the supreme court or a court of appeals and for eight years preceding election to a district court, family court, parish court, or court having solely juvenile jurisdiction; and to decrease the requirement that a person be domiciled in the respective district, circuit, or parish from two years to one year preceding election. Effective January 1, 2008, and applicable to any person who is elected to the office of judge on and after January 1, 2008.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: September 30, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 13); Passed Yes: 423,811 (70%) No: 178,638 (30%)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 860 (pdf)

TAX/AD VALOREM

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to extend the special assessment level to homesteads owned and occupied by any person with a service-connected disability rating of fifty percent or more and by certain members of the armed forces of the United States or members of the Louisiana National Guard killed or missing in action or who were prisoners of war, and to any person designated as permanently totally disabled, subject to other conditions and requirements provided under the present constitution, and to require annual certification of eligibility by persons under sixty-five years of age who have qualified and received the special assessment level.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 1)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 511 (pdf)

SEVERANCE TAX

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to increase the maximum amount of the severance tax imposed and collected by the state on natural resources, other than sulphur, lignite, and timber, which is remitted to the parish governing authority where the severance occurs from seven hundred fifty thousand dollars to eight hundred fifty thousand dollars effective July 1, 2007, and provides that this maximum amount be increased to reflect the increase in the Consumer Price Index beginning July 1, 2008.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 2)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 864 (pdf)

TAX EXEMPTIONS

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to exempt from ad valorem property tax medical equipment leased for a term exceeding five years to a nonprofit corporation or association which owns or operates a small, rural hospital and if the equipment is used solely for health care purposes at the hospital; to provide that "small, rural hospital" shall mean a hospital which meets all of the following criteria: (1) It has less than fifty Medicare-licensed acute care beds. (2) It is located in a municipality with a population of less than ten thousand which has been classified as an area with a shortage of health manpower by the United States Health Service.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 3)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 510 (pdf)

AD VALOREM-EXEMPTION FOR MOTOR VEHICLES

Referendum Objective: Exempts motor vehicles from municipal ad valorem taxes and removes language that authorizes a municipal governing authority or a district thereof to impose ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 4)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 512 (pdf)

AD VALOREM EXEMPTION FOR CONSIGNED ART

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to exempt consigned art from ad valorem property tax; that is, all artworks such as sculptures, glass works, paintings, drawings, signed and numbered posters, photographs, mixed media, collages, or any other item which would be considered as the material result of a creative endeavor.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 5)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 509 (pdf)

JUDGES

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to enact laws establishing new judgeships of district courts as new divisions having limited or specialized jurisdiction within the territorial jurisdiction of the district court and subject matter jurisdiction over family or juvenile matters as provided by law.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 6)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 862 (pdf)

ASSESSORS ORLEANS PARISH

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to provide for a single tax assessor in Orleans Parish to be elected at the same time as the municipal officers of New Orleans.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 7)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 863 (pdf)

SCHOOLS/FINANCE EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment to grant the Central community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish the same authority granted parishes for purposes of Article VIII, Section 13 of the Constitution of Louisiana, including purposes related to the minium foundation program, funding for certain school books and instructional materials, and the raising of certain local revenues for the support of elementary and secondary schools.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Constitutional Amendment No. 8)
Website:
Full Text: Act No. 861 (pdf)

Maine

AN ACT TO CREATE A TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS

Initiative Objective: To limit increases in state and local government spending to the rate of inflation plus population growth and to require voter approval for all tax and fee increases.
Sponsor: Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)
Status: On Ballot (Question 1)
Website: http://taxpayerbillofrights.com
Full Text: http://www.state.me.us/sos/cec/elec/pets02/legbillr.htm

AMENDMENT REGARDING PROCEDURES FOR THE PEOPLE'S VETO AND DIRECT INITIATIVE

Referendum Objective: To amend the Constitution of Maine to state that a citizens' initiative or people's veto petition must be submitted to local or state officials by the constitutional deadline in order to be certified and, in the case of a citizens' initiative, must be filed with the Secretary of State within 18 months.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 2)
Website:
Full Text: http://janus.state.me.us/legis/ros/lom/lom122nd/ConRes/...

AN ACT TO PRESERVE MAINE'S DRINKING WATER SUPPLY

Initiative Objective: For the State to tax companies that extract, bottle and sell Maine water, to create a fund for business loans and conservation projects, and to regulate the amount of water removed.
Sponsor: Maine's Water Dividend Trust
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - (7,100 signatures rejected)
Website: http://waterdividendtrust.com
Full Text: http://www.state.me.us/sos/cec/elec/pets02/legwater.htm

MAINE TRIBAL GAMING ACT AN ACT TO ALLOW SLOT MACHINES AT COMMERCIAL RACING TRACKS

Initiative Objective: To allow a casino to be run by the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation if part of the revenue is used for state education and municipal revenue sharing.
Sponsor: The Passamaquoddy Tribe
Status: Failed to make 2006 Ballot - (12,985 signatures rejected); Collecting Signatures for 2007 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: http://www.state.me.us/sos/cec/elec/pets02/legtribal.ht...

Maryland

DISPOSITION OF PARK LANDS

Referendum Objective: Constitutional amendment providing that the Board of Public Works may not approve the sale, transfer, exchange, grant, or other permanent disposition of State--designated outdoor recreation, open space, conservation, preservation, forest, or park land without the express approval of the General Assembly or of a committee designated by the General Assembly in a specified manner; and submitting this amendment to the qualified voters of the State of Maryland for their adoption or rejection.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Question 1)
Website:
Full Text: SB 102 (pdf)

CIRCUIT COURT IN BANC DECISIONS

Referendum Objective: This constitutional amendment establishes the right of a party who did not request in banc review by the circuit court to appeal an adverse decision by the in banc court to the State's intermediate appellate court, the Court of Special Appeals. The amendment provides that a party in a circuit court trial conducted by less than three circuit court judges is eligible for in banc review. The amendment establishes that three judges of a circuit court constitute a circuit court in banc. The amendment repeals the authority of the circuit courts to regulate the rules governing in banc circuit court appeals, and establishes that the Maryland Rules are to provide the procedure for such appeals. The amendment also eliminates obsolete language pertaining to writs of error from this provision of the Constitution.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Question 2)
Website:
Full Text: HB 84 (pdf)

CIVIL JURY TRIALS

Referendum Objective: This constitutional amendment authorizes the enactment of legislation that limits the right to trial by jury in civil proceedings to those proceedings in which the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Question 3)
Website:
Full Text: HB 413 (pdf)

ELECTION LAW REVISIONS

Referendum Objective: Requires power and duties assigned to the State Board of Elections to be exercised in accordance with an affirmative vote by a supermajority of the members of the State Board; requires local boards of elections to establish new precincts to serve certain higher educational institutions; requires local boards to adopt regulations concerning voter registration and to allow public notice and comment concerning proposed changes in precinct boundaries; requires local boards of elections to make public reports concerning deletion of individuals from the voter registry and concerning the number of voter registration applications received; authorizes the State Elections administrator to take specified actions to ensure compliance with State elections laws by local election boards and personnel, requires that certain provisions of this legislation apply only to certain jurisdictions and will remain effective until June 30, 2008; requires all polling places to be equipped with computers containing a record of all registered voters in the county.
Sponsor: General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Question 4)
Website:
Full Text: HB 1368 (pdf)

Massachusetts

SALE OF WINE BY FOOD STORES

Initiative Objective: To allow local licensing authorities to issue licenses for food stores to sell wine.
Sponsor: Massachusetts Food Association
Status: On Ballot (Question 1)
Website: http://www.wineatfoodstores.com
Summary: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepip/pipa.htm
Full Text: petition05-06.rtf

NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

Initiative Objective: To allow candidates for public office to be nominated by more than one political party or political designation.
Sponsor: Massachusetts Ballot Freedom Campaign
Status: On Ballot (Question 2)
Website: http://www.massballotfreedom.com
Summary: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepip/pipf.htm
Full Text: petition05-13.rtf

FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

Initiative Objective: To allow licensed and other authorized providers of child care in private homes under the state’s subsidized child care system to bargain collectively with the relevant state agencies about all terms and conditions of the provision of child care services under the state’s child care assistance program and its regulations.
Proponent: Jim Redmond, Political Director, SEIU Local 888
Status: On Ballot (Question 3)
Website:
Summary: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepip/piph.htm
Full Text: petition05-16.rtf

MASSACHUSETTS QUALITY AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE ACT

Initiative Objective: To set up a program to help small businesses and moderate-income households buy health insurance.
Sponsor: MassACT!
Status: Withdrawn - Second round of signatures was collected but will not be submitted.
Website: http://www.massact.org
Summary: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepip/pipd.htm
Full Text: petition05-11.rtf

PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT QUALITY HOME CARE WORKFORCE COUNCIL

Initiative Objective: To allow personal care attendants (PCAs) who provide in-home care to persons with disabilities or seniors under the state’s MassHealth (Medicaid) program to engage in a form of collective bargaining with the state; create a new PCA Workforce Council.
Proponent: Frank Borges, 1199 SEIU
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Summary: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepip/pipg.htm
Full Text: petition05-15.rtf

INITIATIVE FOR AN ACT TO PROTECT DOGS

Initiative Objective: To stiffen penalties for abusing service and police dogs and to phase out greyhound racing by 2008
Sponsor: Committee to Protect Dogs, Massachusetts
Status: Removed from Ballot by Massachusetts Supreme Court
Website: http://www.protectdogs.org
Summary: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepip/pipj.htm
Full Text: petition05-05.rtf

Michigan

CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LEGACY FUND

Referendum Objective: To establish the Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund, the Game and Fish Protection Trust Fund and the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund within the State Constitution.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposal 06-01)
Website:
Full Text: House Joint Resolution Z of 2004 (pdf)

MICHIGAN CIVIL RIGHTS INIATIVE

Initiative Objective: To ban affirmative action in government hiring and college admissions in Michigan.
Sponsor: Michigan Civil Rights Initiative Committee
Status: On Ballot (Proposal 06-02)
Website: http://www.michigancivilrights.org/mission.htm

RESTORATION OF MOURNING DOVE HUNTING BAN

Initiative Objective: To restore the 100 year-old ban on dove hunting in Michigan that was recently repealed by the governor and state legislators.
Sponsor: The Committee to Restore the Dove Hunting Ban
Status: On Ballot (Proposal 06-03)
Website: http://www.stopshootingdoves.org

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION E

Referendum Objective: Would amend the State Constitution to restrict the power of state or local government to take private property by eminent domain for certain private purposes.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Proposal 06-04)
Website:
Full Text: Senate Joint Resolution E of 2005 (pdf)

EDUCATIONAL FUNDING GUARANTEE

Initiative Objective: To amend the State School Aid Act to ensure that the legislature establish and appropriate minimum funding levels for Michigan’s public elementary and secondary schools, intermediate school districts, community colleges, public universities and independent nonprofit colleges or universities. The proposal would provide for minimum funding increases for education by an amount not less than the General Price level.
Sponsor: Citizens for Education
Status: On Ballot (Proposal 06-05)
Website: http://www.michigank16.org

REPEAL SBT

Initiative Objective: Legislative initiative to repeal the Single Business Tax Act; provide for the collection of taxes due under current law on business activity through December 31, 2007; and encourage the legislature to adopt a tax that is "less burdensome and less costly to employers, and more conducive to job creation and investment."
Sponsor: Repeal SBT, Pontiac, MI
Status: Enacted by Legislature; Measure will not appear on ballot.
Website: http://www.repealthesbt.com

INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE ***SUSPENDED AS OF MARCH 2006***

Initiative Objective: To raise the minimum wage in Michigan from $5.15 to $6.85 per hour.
Sponsors: Michigan Needs A Raise
Status: Suspended after the Legislature passed, and Governor Granholm signed, a law raising the minimum wage to $6.95 per hour as of October 1, 2006.
Website: http://www.mineedsaraise.com

STOP OVERSPENDING

Initiative Objective: Proposed amendment to the State Constitution to "prohibit state lawmakers from earning state funded pensions and state retirement program benefits on account of their legislative service; mandate that only with voter approval can state government raise spending and revenue growth limits based on two measures: 1) the existing percentage of personal income revenue growth limit and 2) the new population and inflation adjusted spending growth limit; provide for mandatory taxpayer refunds of at least 50% of surplus whenever revenue collected exceeds spending limits imposed by this measure, in coordination with the Budget Stabilization Fund;...
Sponsor: The Michigan Stop Overspending Committee
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.sosmichigan.com

MICHIGAN CITIZENS FOR LIFE

Initiative Objective: Proposed amendment to the State Constitution to add following language: "The right to due process, whereby no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, guaranteed in Article I, Section 17, and the right to equal protection of the law, guaranteed in Article I, Section 2, vest at conception. A ‘person,’ for purposes of the Constitution and laws of the State of Michigan, exists from the moment of conception."
Sponsor: Citizens for Life
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.michigancitizensforlife.net
Full Text: Petition language at sponsor's website

UNICAMERAL MICHIGAN

Initiative Objective: Proposed amendment to the State Constitution to abolish the Michigan State Senate.
Sponser: Unicameral Michigan
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.fire-the-senate.com

CASEY 50/50 JURY

Initiative Objective: To allow plaintiffs and defendants to request that 50 percent of the jury "be identical in racial appearance resembling the individual plaintiff’s/defendant’s racial appearance."
Sponsor: People of Diversity United for Equality (PODUE)
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

Initiative Objective: Proposed amendment to the State Constitution to legalize and regulate marijuana within the State of Michigan.
Sponsor: Bruce Ritchie, Win the War
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:

Minnesota

TRANSPORTATION AMENDMENT

Referendum Objective: To amend the Minnesota Constitution to dedicate revenues from motor vehicle sales taxes to transportation purposes.
Sponsor: Legislature, Minnesotans for Better Roads and Transit
Status: On Ballot
Website: http://www.voteyesmn.org

Mississippi

Missouri

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 1

Referendum Objective: A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to: reauthorize for ten years the one-tenth percent sales/use tax for (1) soil and water conservation; and (2) state parks and historic sites; and resubmit this issue to a vote every ten years or at an earlier special election. A "no" vote will not reauthorize this sales/use tax. If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: August 8, 2006 (Constitutiona Amendment 1); Passed Yes 485,103 (70.8%) No 200,179 (29.2%)
Website:
Full Text: SJR 1

STEM CELL RESEARCH

Initiative Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to allow and set limitations on stem cell research, therapies, and cures.
Sponsor: Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment 2)
Website: http://www.missouricures.com
Full Text: 2006-08

TOBACCO TAX

Initiative Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to create a Healthy Future Trust Fund which will be used to reduce and prevent tobacco use, treat chronic disease nd increase funding for health care access and treatment for eligible low-income uninsured Missourians and Medicaid recipients, and to cover administrative costs.
Sponsor: Committe for a Healthy Future, Missouri Alliance for a Healthy Future
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment 3)
Website:
Full Text: 2006-25

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 6

Referendum Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to include a tax exemption for real and personal property that is used or held exclusively for nonprofit purposes or activities of veterans' organizations.
Sponsor: Legislature
Website:
Status: On Ballot
Full Text: SJR 26 (pdf)

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 7

Referendum Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to require that legislators, statewide elected officials, and judges forfeit state pensions upon felony conviction, removal from office following impeachment or for misconduct, and to require that compensation for such persons be set by a citizens' commission subject to voter referendum.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot
Website:
Full Text: HJR 55

RAISING MINIMUM WAGE

Initiative Objective: To amend Missouri Statutes to increase the state minimum wage rate to $6.50 per hour, or to the level of the federal minimum wage if that is higher, and thereafter adjust the state minimum wage annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Sponsor: Give Missourians a Raise
Status: On Ballot (Proposition B)
Website:
Full Text: 2006-38

MEDICAID REFORM

Initiative Objective: To amend Missouri statutes to: reinstate state Medicaid healthcare programs and services for eligible low income Missouri families, children, elderly, and disabled; modify the income eligibility limit for Missourians who receive permanent and total disability benefits or aid to the blind benefits;...
Sponsor: Grass Roots Organizing
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.gromo.org
Full Text: 2006-18

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I - EMINENT DOMAIN

Initiative Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to prohibit a public entity from taking private property through eminent domain for the purpose of conveying the property to another private landowner, unless the property is condemned or is needed for transportation, telecommunications or utility or transmission systems; and prohibit a public entity from limiting a private landowner's right to use, sell or posses private property without just compensation.
Sponsor: Missourians in Change
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: 2006-34

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO FINANCE AND SPENDING

Initiative Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to only allow an increase in the total amount of legislative appropriations (excluding federal funds and certain other funds) to be expended in a fiscal year based on a change in inflation and population, unless a legislatively predetermined higher level is approved by a two-thirds vote of the legislature and the change is passed in a statewide election; and to require any revenues in excess of appropriations to fully fund two additional legislatively controlled special funds before any such excess revenues will be refunded to individual taxpayers.
Sponsor: Missourians in Change
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: 2006-41

TECHNOLOGY PARKS

Initiative Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to impose for one year a 1/10 percent state sales/use tax to fund the promotion and development of one or more "Technology Parks" in southwest Missouri.
Sponsor: Steven L. Reed, Springfield, MO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: 2006-01

FILING FOR OFFICE UNDER MULTIPLE POLITICAL PARTIES

Initiative Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to allow a candidate for elective office to receive the nomination of multiple political parties, provided that a candidate may receive no more than one vote per ballot for each office sought and that for the purpose of determining a political party's eligibility to be automatically listed on future ballots, each vote for a party's candidates shall be tallied separately.
Sponsor: Jerald A. Hochsztein, St. Louis, MO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: 2006-06

FILING FOR OFFICE UNDER MULTIPLE POLITICAL PARTIES WITH EXCEPTIONS

Inititative Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to allow a candidate for elective office to receive the nomination of multiple political parties, provided that: a candidate may receive no more than one vote per ballot for each office sought; for the purpose of determining a party's eligibility to be automatically listed on future ballots, each vote for a party's candidates shall be tallied separately;...
Sponsor: Jerald A. Hochsztein, St. Louis, MO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: 2006-07

FUNDING EDUCATION

Initiative Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to fund elementary and secondary education and two years of college by: Allowing the use of public money for religious purposes and institutions; Changing the dedicated minimum amount of the state revenue from 25% to 33%; Funding school vouchers at 100% for public and 75% for non-public students and allowing tax credits for school donations;...
Sponsor: Herman L. Kriegshauser, Chesterfield, MO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: 2006-17

PUBLIC AID FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES

Initiative Objective: To amend the Missouri Constitution to allow the use of public funds to aid any church, denomination or religious sect.
Sponsor: Herman L. Kriegshauser, Chesterfield, MO
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: 2006-19

Montana

CHANGE THE NAME OF THE STATE AUDITOR TO INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

Referendum Objective: The 2005 Legislature submitted this proposal for a vote. It would amend Montana's Constitution to change the name of the office of state auditor to the insurance commissioner.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment No. 43)
Full Text: C-43

RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE

Inititiative Objective: This measure raises the state minimum wage to the greater of either $6.15 an hour or the federal minimum wage. This measure also adds an annual cost-of-living adjustment to the state minimum wage. Under existing law, the state minimum wage is equal to the federal minimum wage, which is $5.15 an hour with no cost of-living adjustment. This measure does not change the $4.00 an hour minimum wage for a business whose annual gross sales are $110,000 or less. This measure would take effect January 1, 2007.
Sponsor: Steve Bullock, Raise Montana
Status: On Ballot (Initiative No. 151)
Website: http://www.raisemontana.org
Full Text: I-151

PROHIBITION OF LOBBYING BY FORMER GOVERNMENT INSIDERS

Initiative Objective: This measure prohibits former state legislators, appointed officials, department directors, elected officials and their personal staff, from becoming licensed lobbyists within 24 months after departure from state government.
Sponsor: Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Rev. George Harper and Jonathan Motl (Montanans for Clean Government)
Status: On Ballot (Initiative No. 153)
Website: http://www.montanacleangovernment.com
Full Text: I-153

STATE SPENDING LIMIT

Initiative Objective: This measure restricts increases in state government spending by adding a spending limit to the Montana Constitution. Total increases in appropriations by the legislature would be limited to the combined change in population and inflation, unless the spending limit for any previous biennium would be higher. The legislature could not exceed this limit without voter approval.
Sponsor: Trevis Butcher, Stop Overspending Montana
Status: Removed from Ballot by court order. Initiative invalidated by the State Supreme Court October 26th.
Website: http://www.sosmontana.com
Full Text: CI-97

ALLOW RECALL OF JUDICIAL OFFICIALS

Initiative Objective: This measure amends the Montana Constitution to provide for recall by petition of state court justices or judges for any reason.
Sponsor: Trevis Butcher, Citizen's Right to Recall
Status: Removed from Ballot by court order. Initiative invalidated by the State Supreme Court October 26th.
Website: http://www.crtrmontana.com
Full Text: CI-98

PROTECT PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS

Initiative Objective: Current law allows state and local governments to take or damage private property for public use, on payment of just compensation. First, this initiative requires governments to waive any new regulation that reduces property values, unless they compensate owners for the reduced value. This requirement does not apply to public health and safety. Second, this initiative prohibits governments from taking private property if they intend to transfer an interest in the taken property to another private party. This prohibition does not apply to private utility, water, transportation, and mining projects currently defined as public uses.
Sponsor: Trevis Butcher, Protect Our Homes
Status: Removed from Ballot by court order. Initiative invalidated by the State Supreme Court October 26th.
Website: http://www.pohmontana.com
Full Text: I-154

Nebraska

SALARY FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE

Referendum Objective: To increase the annual salary for members of the Legislature to $21,000 in 2007 and increase the salary annually thereafter in accordance with the change in a consumer price index designated by law, not to exceed 4%.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: May 9, 2006 (Proposed Amendment No. 1); Failed No: 201,769 (55%) Yes: 163,508 (45%)
Full Text: Proposed Amendment No. 1 (pdf)

PAPILLION KENO INITIATIVE

Initiative Objective: To authorize video keno machines under the existing Nebraska County and City Lottery Act.
Sponsor: Nebraskans for Video Keno
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Initiative Measure 421)
Website: http://videokeno.org
Full Text: papillion keno initiative (pdf)

SCHOOL-CONSOLIDATION REFERENDUM

Initiative Objective: To repeal state school-consolidation law LB 126, passed by the 2005 Legislature, which requires the reorganization of certain school districts.
Sponsor: Nebraskans for Local Schools
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Referendum Measure 422)
Website: http://www.nebraskansforlocalschools.org
Full Text: Petition at sponsor's website

STOP OVERSPENDING AMENDMENT

Initiative Objective: To amend Article III, Section 22 of the Constitution of Nebraska to limit state spending in a fiscal year to the amount appropriated in the previous fiscal year plus the rate of inflation and the percentage change in state population only to be exceeded with voter approval.
Sponsor: Stop OverSpending Nebraska, Americans for Limited Government
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Initiative Measure 423)
Website: http://www.sosnebraska.com
Full Text: americans for limited government amendment (pdf)

REVENUE BONDS TO DEVELOP AND LEASE PROPERTY FOR USE BY NONPROFIT ENTERPRISES

Referendum Objective: A constitutional amendment to authorize the use of revenue bonds to develop and lease property for use by nonprofit enterprises as determined by law.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Proposed Amendment 1)
Full Text: LR 2 CA (pdf)

PUBLIC ENDOWMENT FUND INVESTMENTS

Referendum Objective: A constitutional amendment to authorize the investment of the public endowment funds of cities, villages, school districts, public power districts, and other political subdivisions in such manner and in such investments as the governing body of such political subdivision may determine, subject to limitations by the Legislature.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Proposed Amendment 2)
Website:
Full Text: LB 75 (pdf)

COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS ASSISTANCE FUND

Referendum Objective: A constitutional amendment to increase the amount of state lottery proceeds to be distributed to the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Proposed Amendment 3)
Website:
Full Text: LR 259CA (pdf)

SUPERVISION OF INDIVUALS ON PROBATION OR PAROLE

Referendum Objective: A constitutional amendment to permit supervision of individuals sentenced to probation, released on parole, or enrolled in court programs or services by the judicial and executive departments as provided by the Legislature.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Proposed Amendment 4)
Website:
Full Text: LR 274CA (pdf)

FUNDS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Referendum Objective: A constitutional amendment to permit use of funds dedicated to the common schools for early childhood educational purposes.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Proposed Amendment 5)
Website:
Full Text: LB 1006 (pdf)

REHABILITATING, ACQUIRING, OR REDEVELOPING PROPERTY THROUGH USE OF PUBLIC DEBT OR SPECIAL PROPERTY TAX TREATMENT

Referendum Objective: A constitutional amendment to remove a requirement that property be substandard and blighted for purposes of rehabilitating, acquiring, or redeveloping such property through use of public debt or special property tax treatment, to add development as a purpose for use of the constitutional provision authorizing public debt and special property tax treatment, to permit counties and cities and villages outside their corporate boundaries to use such constitutional provision, and to authorize the Legislature to extend the term of such special tax treatment from fifteen to thirty years.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot - November 7, 2006 (Proposed Amendment 6)
Website:
Full Text: LR 272CA (pdf)

CASINO GAMBLING

Initiative Objective: To amend the Nebraska Constitution to permit up to three state authorized, regulated, and licensed casinos, with no more than one in any of our three existing congressional districts.
Sponsor: Committee for Better Schools and More Jobs in Nebraska, Inc., Political Insight, Jackson, MS, and Boyd Gaming, Las Vegas, NV
Status: Denied Ballot Status by Secretary of State
Website:
Full Text: committee for better schools and more jobs in nebraska, inc. amendment (pdf)

TAX RECEIPTS FROM STATE-AUTHORIZED CASINO GAMBLING

Initiative Objective: For an act relating to exclusive uses of tax receipts from state-authorized casino gambling; specifically to provide financial support for K-12 education in Nebraska, the Nebraska Gaming Control Board, the Compulsive Gamplers Assistance Fund, and the State Racing Commission; and to define terms.
Sponsor: Committee for Better Schools and More Jobs in Nebraska, Inc., Political Insight, Jackson, MS, and Boyd Gaming, Las Vegas, NV
Status: Denied Ballot Status by Secretary of State
Website:
Full Text: committee for better schools and more jobs in nebraska, inc. initiative one of two (pdf)

NEBRASKA GAMING CONTROL BOARD

Initiative Objective: To create the Nebraska Gaming Control Board, consisting of seven members, to license and regulate state authorized casino gamblin in this State.
Sponsor: Committee for Better Schools and More Jobs in Nebraska, Inc., Political Insight, Jackson, MS, and Boyd Gaming, Las Vegas, NV
Status: Denied Ballot Status by Secretary of State
Website:
Full Text: committee for better schools and more jobs in nebraska, inc. initiative two of two (pdf)

SCHOOL-CONSOLIDATION AMENDMENT

Initiative Objective: For a Constitutional Amendment to provide for a vote of the people before a school district can be dissolved, or affiliated with, or merged into another school district.
Sponsor: Nebraskans for Local Schools
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.nebraskansforlocalschools.org
Full Text: sponsor sharon craichy. amendment (pdf)

REESTABLISH CERTAIN NEBRASKA SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Initiative Objective: To reestablish certain Nebraska school districts, their boundaries and authority as they existed on November 30, 2005.
Sponsor: Nebraskans for Local Schools
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.nebraskansforlocalschools.org
Full Text: sponsor sharon craichy. initiative (pdf)

NEBRASKA HUMANE CARE AMENDMENT

Initiative Objective: To amend the Constitution of Nebraska to protect any person from being denied food or water by any institution with a legal duty of care (such as a hospital, orphanage, prison, sanitarium or nursing home) if the withholding of food and water sustenance could reasonably result in death or grave physical harm and the person can metabolize.
Sponsor: Nebraskans for Humane Care Committee
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot (insufficient signatures)
Website: http://www.nehumanecare.com
Full Text: sponsor thomas mann. amendment (pdf)

Nevada

EDUCATION FIRST

Initiative Objective: To amend the Constitution by requiring the Legislature to fund the operation of the public schools for kindergarten through grade 12 before any other part of the state budget for the next biennium is funded.
Sponsor: Education First
Status: On Ballot (Question 1)
Website: http://www.educationfirstnevada.com
Full Text: http://sos.state.nv.us/nvelection/2004_bq/bq1.htm

NEVADA PROPERTY OWNERS' BILL OF RIGHTS

Initiative Objective: To amend Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution to establish that are fundamental constitutional rights, that the transfer of land from one private party to another private party is not a public use, that government actions causing economic loss to property require the payment of just compensation, and that only currently elected judges may issue eminent domain decisions.
Sponsor: People's Initiative to Stop the Taking of Our Land
Status: On Ballot (Question 2)
Website: http://www.propertybillofrights.com/index.html
Full Text: NvPropOwnBOR.pdf (pdf)

TAX AND SPENDING CONTROL FOR NEVADA

Initiative Objective: This proposed amendment would add a new article to the Navada Constitution preventing state and local tax increases and new multi-year indebtedness except when referred to voters, limiting spending increases by the state, and by cities and counties chartered by the state, to inflation plus percentage change in population, barring the state from imposing "unfunded mandates" on cities and counties, and allowing suit for enforcement.
Sponsor: State Sen. Bob Beers (R - Las Vegas)
Status: On Ballot (Question 3)
Website: http://www.tasc4nevada.com
Full Text: TASC.pdf (pdf)

RESPONSIBLY PROTECT NEVADANS FROM SECOND-HAND SMOKE ACT

Initiative Objective: To prohibit the smoking of tobacco in any form within indoor dining areas of restaurants, all school property...
Sponsor: The Smoke Free Coalition
Status: On Ballot (Question 4)
Website:
Full Text: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/bills/IP/IP2.pdf (pdf)

NEVADA CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT

Initiative Objective: To propose a new statute to restrict the smoking of tobacco in any form in certain areas.
Sponsor: Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition
Status: On Ballot (Question 5)
Website: http://www.tobaccofreenv.org
Full Text: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/bills/IP/IP1.pdf (pdf)

RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE FOR WORKING NEVADANS ACT

Initiative Objective: To amend the Nevada Constitution require employers to pay Nevada employees $5.15 per hour worked if the employer provides health benefits, or $6.15 per hour worked if the employer does not provide health benefits.
Sponsor: Raise the Minimum Wage for Working Nevadans
Status: On Ballot (Question 6)
Full Text: http://sos.state.nv.us/nvelection/2004_bq/bq6.htm

REGULATION OF MARIJUANA AMENDMENT

Initiative Objective: To amend the Constitution to establish a comprehensive system of regulation for Marijuana while permitting adults aged 21 and older to use Marijuana in private and purchase it from a regulated market.
Sponsor: Committee to Regulate and Control Marijuana
Status: On Ballot (Question 7)
Website: http://www.regulatemarijuana.org
Full Text: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/bills/IP/IP3.pdf (pdf)

SALES AND USE TAX

Referendum Objective: To make various changes to provisions governing taxation.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 8)
Website: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/Reports/history.cfm?ID=2411
Full Text: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/bills/AB/AB554_EN.pdf (pdf)

BOARD OF REGENTS

Referendum Objective: To amend the Nevada Constitution to provide for election of certain members and gubernatorial appointment of certain members of Board of Regents, and to specify number and terms of members.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 9)
Website: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/Reports/history.cfm?ID=1336
Full Text: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/bills/AJR/AJR11_72_EN.pdf (pdf)

LEGISLATORS CALL TO SPECIAL SESSION

Referendum Objective: To amend the Nevada Constitution to revise provisions regarding special sessions of Legislature.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 10)
Website: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/Reports/history.cfm?ID=1337
Full Text: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/bills/AJR/AJR13_72_EN.pdf (pdf)

LEGISLATORS PAID EVERY DAY OF SESSION

Referendum Objective: To amend the Nevada Constitution to provide for payment of compensation to members of Legislature for each day of service during regular and special sessions.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 11)
Website: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/Reports/history.cfm?ID=1352
Full Text: http://leg.state.nv.us/73rd/bills/SJR/SJR11_72_EN.pdf (pdf)

ANGLE PROPERTY TAX RESTRAINT INITIATIVE

Initiative Objective: To amend the Nevada Constitution to limit property taxes to 1 percent of the base value of the property and set the initial base value to the taxable value for tax year 2003-04. Base value may annually increase by the rate of inflation or 2 percent, whichever is less.
Sponsor: We The People and Assemblywoman Sharron Angle (R - Reno)
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.sharronangle.com/prop13.htm
Full Text: Angle_Property.pdf (pdf)

DAILY PHYSICAL EDUCATION KINDERGARTEN THROUGH TWELFTH GRADE IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Initiative Objective: To amend the Nevada Constitution to require every public school pupil in Kindergarten through Grade 12 to be provide with dialy physical eduation class by a highly qualified, licensed and credentialed physical education teacher throughout the school year.
Sponsor: Nevada Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.nahperd.org
Full Text: DailyPEKthruT.pdf (pdf)

PROHIBITION OF UNFUNDED MANDATES

Initiative Objective: To amend the constitution to prohibit the State of Nevada from enacting laws or authorizing the adoption of regulations that would require the counties and cities int hte State to provide new services, expand existing services or conduct new or additional functions without appropriating or designating state funding to support new said services, expansion of existing services, and new or additional governmental functions.
Sponsor: Nevada Association of Counties and State Sen. Bob Beers (R - Las Vegas)
Status: Withdrawn
Website: http://www.nvnaco.org/NACo/unfunmand
Full Text: ProhibitionOfUnfundedMandates.pdf (pdf)

TRUTH IN SCIENCE

Initiative Objective: To add a new section to the Nevada Constitution to require that students be taught what parts of evolution are supported by scientific evidence and parts of evolution are unproven theories.
Sponsor: Steve Brown, Las Vegas, NV
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Abandoned
Website:
Full Text: TruthInScience.pdf (pdf)

New Hampshire

CACR 30 - EMININENT DOMAIN

Referendum Objective: To amend the New Hampshire Constitution to prohibit taking of private property by eminent domain if the taking is for the purpose of private development or other private use of the property.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 1)
Website:
Full Text: CACR 30

CACR 41 - SMALL TOWNS; REPRESENTATION BY DISTRICTS

Referendum Objective: To amend the New Hampshire to apportion one or more representative seats to any town or ward with sufficient population according to the last federal census; and to provide that, in forming district boundaries, town or ward boundaries shall be preserved and contiguous.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 2)
Website:
Full Text: CACR 41

New Jersey

DEDICATES ANNUAL REVENUE FOR PROPERTY TAX REFORM

Referendum Objective: This constitutional amendment provides that an amount equal to the annual revenue derived from a tax rate of 0.5% imposed under the New Jersey Sales and Use Tax Act shall be annually dedicated in a special account in the Property Tax Relief Fund and annually appropriated for property tax reform.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Public Question 1)
Website:
Full Text: 2006-public-question-1-eng.pdf (pdf)

EXPAND USES OF DEDICATED TAX REVENUES TO FUND IMPROVEMENTS AND FACILITIES ON PRESERVED OPEN SPACE LANDS

Referendum Objective: Since 1996, 4% of the annual revenue from the Corporation Business Tax has been constitutionally dedicated to fund environmental programs. Approval of this constitutional amendment would (1) expand the authorized uses of those revenues to fund improvements and facilities for recreation and conservation purposes on preserved open space lands, and to pay debt that may be incurred from the issuance of bonds for those purposes, and (2) change the allocation of funds for the existing authorized uses. The Constitution currently allocates 33% for hazardous discharge cleanup performed by the State, 17% for grants for air pollution control programs until 2016, a minimum of one-sixth (or 16.66%) or a minimum of $5 million for water quality projects, and a minimum of one-third for funding loans or grants for underground storage tank programs and loans or grants for hazardous discharge remediation programs, and for an underground storage tank inspection program. This constitutional amendment would authorize 15% of the dedicated funds to be used to finance improvements and facilities for recreation and conservation purposes on preserved open space lands and an additional 17% for that purpose in 2016 by reducing the allocation of monies for water quality programs, State funded hazardous discharge cleanup, and the underground storage tank program, but would require an appropriation to the underground storage tank program if less than $20 million is available in any year for that program.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Public Question 2)
Website:
Full Text: 2006-public-question-2-eng.pdf (pdf)

DEDICATION OF MOTOR FUELS TAX TO STATE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Referendum Objective: This amendment to the State Constitution dedicates 10.5 cents per gallon of the existing motor fuels tax for the cost of funding the State transportation system. The current constitutional dedication is 9 cents per gallon of the motor fuels tax. The existing motor fuels tax is 10.5 cents per gallon for gasoline and 13.5 cents per gallon for diesel fuel. This amendment does not change the motor fuels tax rates.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Public Question 3)
Website:
Full Text: 2006-public-question-3-eng.pdf (pdf)

New Mexico

PROTECTION OF RIGHT TO OWN PROPERTY

Referendum Objective: Repeal constitutional provision prohibiting ownership of land by persons not eligible for citizenship.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment No. 1)
Website:
Full Text: SJR 10, 2005 (pdf)

BUILDING LEASE AGREEMENTS FOR STATE

Referendum Objective: Exempt financial obligations incurred under certain lease-purchase agreements from the cap on indebtedness for the state and for school districts.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment No. 2)
Website:
Full Text: HRJ 9, 2005 (pdf)

WATER TRUST FUND

Referendum Objective: Create the water trust fund to support projects that will preserve and protect the state's water supply.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment No. 3)
Website:
Full Text: HJR 6, 2006 (pdf)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Referendum Objective: Permit state funds to be used for paying for the cost of land acquisition and the cost of construction or renovation of affordable housing.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment No. 4)
Website:
Full Text: HJR 8, 2006 (pdf)

North Dakota

STATE MILITIA

Referendum Objective: To amend Section 16 of Article XI of the North Dakota Constitution to redefine reserve and active militia and to remove obsolete language in regard to age and gender in the reserve militia and to remove the residency requirement for the active militia that is the North Dakota National Guard.
Sponsor: State Assembly
Status: June 13, 2006 (Constitutional Measure No. 1); Passed Yes: 72,534 (73.37%) No: 26,332 (26.63%)
Full Text: SR 4012 (pdf)

BUSINESS CORPORATIONS

Referendum Objective: To remove outdated or unnecessary provisions in the North Dakota Constitution relating to business corporations and to authorize the legislative assembly to provide by law for the regulation of corporations.
Sponsor: State Assembly
Status: June 13, 2006 (Constitutional Measure No. 2); Passed Yes: 70,569 (73.09%) No: 25,985 (26.91%)
Full Text: HR 3055 (pdf)

COMMON SCHOOLS TRUST FUNDS MANAGEMENT

Referendum Objective: This constitutional measure would amend sections 1 and 2 of Article IX of the North Dakota Constitution. This measure would require that the common schools and other permanent trust funds be managed to preserve purchasing power and to provide stable distributions to beneficiaries. It would change trust fund distributions based on interest and income earned to that based on the fund’s average value; require all revenue produced by a trust fund to be deposited into the fund; and provide for paying administrative costs from the respective trusts.
Sponsor: State Assembly
Status: On Ballot, November 7, 2006 (Constitution Measure No. 1)
Full Text: HR 3037 (pdf)

TAKING OF PRIVATE PROPERTY

Initiative Objective: This initiated constitutional measure would amend section 16 of Article I of the North Dakota Constitution. This measure would provide that the taking of private property for public use or purpose does not include public economic development benefits and that private property could not be taken for private benefit unless necessary for conducting a common carrier or utility business.
Sponsor: Citizens to Restrict Eminent Domain
Status: On Ballot, November 7, 2006 (Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 2)
Website: http://www.c-red.org
Full Text: initiated constitutional measure 2 (pdf)

CHILD CUSTODY AND SUPPORT

Initiative Objective: This initiated statutory measure would add a new section to chapter 14-09 of the North Dakota Century Code. This measure would provide that, for child custody and support in the event of a divorce, separation, or custody proceeding, each parent would be entitled to joint legal and physical custody unless first declared unfit based on clear and convincing evidence; that parents must develop a joint parenting plan, with a court becoming involved only if parents do not agree on a plan; that child support payments be based on the parenting plan and could not be greater than the actual cost of providing for the basic needs of each child.
Sponsor: North Dakota Shared Parenting Initiative, Mitchell Sanderson, Chairman
Status: On Ballot, November 7, 2006 (Initiated Statutory Measure No. 3)
Website: http://www.ndspi.org/index.php
Full Text: initiated statutory measure 3 (pdf)

FAMILY LAW

Initiative Objective: This initiated measure would add a new section to Chapeter 14-02.4 of the North Dakota Century Code on divorce-related matters and would provide that public officials who unlawfully discriminate have no immunity from prosecution or civil suit; that parties in domestic relations cases be accorded a jury trial; that parents have joint and equal child custody in most cases; that parents in a divorce case must agree on a joint parenting plan; that parental rights in domestic violence cases could only be limited if the parent poses an actual threat to the child; that child support payments would not be required in joint custody situations; that child support payments in non-joint custody situations would not be for more than the child's basic needs; that spousal support would not be required; that criteria be established for the division of property; that pre-nuptual agreements be required sixty days prior to marriage; and that an elected office of family advocate be established.
Sponsor: Keith Nicholsen, Emerado, ND, sponsoring committee chairman and Roland Riemers, Emerado, ND
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website:
Full Text: Petition 4-11-2006 (pdf)

ALCOHOL TAX

Initiative Objective: This initiated measure would amend North Dakota Century Code sections 5-03-07 and 5-03-08 and add a new section to chapter 50-06 increasing the tax on the wholesale price of beer, requiring the additional tax to be depositied in a fund designed as the responsible choices fun, and establishing a responsible choices commission to provide public education related to the consumption and abuse of alcoholic beverages.
Sponsor: Kristy Frahm, New Rockford, ND, sponsoring committee chair
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website:
Full Text: Alcohol Tax Petition (pdf)

Ohio

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Initiative Objective: To submit certain measures from Amended Substitute Senate Bill No. 7 to reform Ohio's Workers' Compensation Law to the voters for approval or rejection.
Sponsor: Committee to Protect Injured Workers, Widows, and Orphans
Status: Removed from Ballot (Votes for State Issue 1 will not be counted.)
Website:
Full Text: Referred sections of Amended Substitute Senate Bill 7

MINIMUM WAGE

Initiative Objective: To amend the Constitution of the State of Ohio to provide that every employer shall pay their employees a wage rate of not less than six dollars and eighty-five cents per hour beginning January 1, 2007 and that the minimum wage shall be increased each year according to the consumer price index or its successor index.
Sponsor: Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage
Status: On Ballot (State Issue 2)
Website: http://raisethewage.org
Full Text: The Ohio Fair Minimum Wage Amendment

GAMBLING AND COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS - LEARN & EARN

Initiative Objective: This amendment to the Constitution would: Permit up to 31,500 slot machines at seven horse racing tracks and at two Cleveland non-track locations; permit expanded gaming in the four Cuyahoga County locations if approved by the county's voters; Distribute the revenues as follows: 55% to the slot and casino owners and operators, 30% to the Board of Regents for college scholarships and grants to eligible students and administration of the program, the remaining revenues to be divided among local governments, race tracks for purse money, gambling addiction services.
Sponsor: Ohio Learn and Earn Committee
Status: On Ballot (State Issue 3)
Website: http://www.ohiolearnandearn.com
Full Text: Text of Amendment

RESTRICT SMOKING PLACES - SMOKE LESS

Initiative Objective: This proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit smoking in enclosed areas except tobacco stores, private residences or nonpublic facilities, separate smoking areas in restaurants, most bars, bingo and bowling facilities, separated areas of hotels and nursing homes, and race tracks. The amendment would invalidate retroactively any ordinance or local law in effect, and would prohibit the future adoption of any ordinance or local law to the extent such ordinance or law prohibited smoking or tobacco products in anyplace exempted by the amendment.
Sponsor: Smoke Less Ohio, Ohio Licensed Beverage Association, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., and others
Status: On Ballot (State Issue 4)
Website: http://www.smokelessohio.com
Full Text: Text of Amendment

PROHIBIT SMOKING IN PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT AND MOST PUBLIC PLACES - SMOKE FREE

Initiative Objective: The proposed law would: Prohibit smoking in public places and places of employment; Exempt from the smoking restrictions certain locations, including private residences (except during the hours that the residence operates as a place of business involving non-residents of the private residence), designated smoking rooms in hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities; designated smoking areas for nursing home residents; retail tobacco stores, outdoor patios, private clubs, and family-owned and operated places of business;...
Sponsor: Smoke Free Ohio, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and others
Status: On Ballot (State Issue 5)
Website: http://smokefreeohio.org/oh
Full Text: Text of Proposed Law

TAX EXPENDITURE LIMITATION AMENDMENT

Initiative Objectives: To amend the Ohio Constitution to limit state and local spending growth and add a Taxpayers Bill of Rights.
Sponsor: Citizens for Tax Reform
Status: Withdrawn
Website:

Oklahoma

COMPENSATION TO LEGISLATORS

Referendum Objective: To amend the Oklahoma Constitution to require legislators to return their pay while incarcerated or after conviction for a crime.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot
Full Text: 724.pdf (pdf)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Referendum Objective: To amend the Oklahoma Constitution to permit incentive payments from the Constituional Reserve to at-risk manufacturing establishments.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot
Full Text: 725.pdf (pdf)

MODIFYING DAYS ON WHICH SALES OF ACOHOLIC BEVERAGES BY PACKAGE STORES ARE PROHIBITED

Referendum Objective: This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It amends Article 28. This Article deals with sales of alcoholic beverages. Section 6 of Article 28 bans the sale of alcoholic beverages by package stores on certain days. Package store sales of these beverages are prohibited on election days while the polls are open. This measure would remove the ban on sales on election days. If this measure passes, package stores could sell alcoholic beverages on election days.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot
Full Text: 733.pdf (pdf)

MODIFYING PROVISIONS RELATING TO FREEPORT EXEMPTION

Referendum Objective: This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It amends Section 6A of Article 10. This section provides and exemption from property tax. The exemption applies to goods that are shipped into the state, but which do not remain in the state for more than ninety days. This is sometimes known as the freeport exemption. This measure would allow laws to be enacted. The laws could provide for an application process to claim this exemption. The laws could require the application to be filed by a certain date. The laws could require certain information to be included with the application The application would be filed with the county assessor.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot
Full Text: 734.pdf (pdf)

TAXPAYERS BILL OF RIGHTS

Initiative Objective: To amend the Oklahoma Constitution to limit state spending growth from year to year.
Sponsor: Oklahomans in Action
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Ruled insufficient by Supreme Court.
Website: http://www.stopoverspendingoklahoma.com
Full Text: 726.pdf (pdf)

EMINENT DOMAIN OR CONDEMNATION POWERS

Initiative Objective: To prohibit the government from condemning the home or private property of one property owner for transfer to another private citizen, corporation, or business entity.
Sponsor: Oklahomans in Action
Status: Ruled Invalid - Ordered stricken from ballot
Website: http://www.protectourhomesoklahoma.com
Full Text: 729.pdf (pdf)

FORTUNE TELLING

Initiative Objective: To repeal Oklahoma Statutes that prohibit fortune telling for a fee or donation.
Sponsor: Nancy Rogers, Oklahoma City, OK
Status: Abandoned
Full Text: 730.pdf (pdf)

FIRST CLASS EDUCATION FOR OKLAHOMA

Initiative Objective: This measure amends Oklahoma School Code by adding a new section: Oklahoma Statute Title 70 Section 18-126 to require that sixty-five percent (65%) of operational expenditures of a school district be spent on classroom instruction.
Sponsor: First Class Education for Oklahoma
Status: Pending in Supreme Court - Protest filed
Website: http://www.firstclasseducation.org/ok.asp
Full Text: 731.pdf (pdf)

INCREASING MINIMUM WAGE

Initiative Objective: This measure would increase the minimum wage in this state by one dollar on January 1, 2007, and one additional dollar on January 1, 2008. Thereafter, the minimum hourly wage rate shall be adjusted for inflation effective on July 1, 2008 and on July 1 of each year thereafter.
Sponsor: Raise Oklahoma
Status: Abandoned
Website: http://www.raiseoklahoma.org
Full Text: 732.pdf (pdf)

Oregon

GOVERNMENT CAN'T STEAL MY PROPERTY AND GIVE IT TO A DEVELOPER ACT

Initiative Objective: To prohibit public body from condemning private real property if intends to convey to private party.
Sponsor: Ross Day and David J. Hunnicutt (Oregonians in Action)
Status: On Ballot (Measure #39)
Website: http://www.oia.org
Full Text: Initiative 57 (pdf)

DISTRICTING OF JUDGES

Initiative Objective: To amend Constitution to require Oregon Supreme Court judges and Court of Appeals judges to be elected by district.
Sponsor: FreedomWorks, Abner J. Bobo, Oregon City, OR, Carol A. Bobo, Oregon City, OR, and Russ Walker, Keizer, OR
Status: On Ballot (Measure #40)
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 24 (pdf)

GUARANTEES SAME DEDUCTIONS AS ON FEDERAL RETURN

Initiative Objective: To allow income tax deduction equal to federal exemptions deduction to substitute for state exemption credit.
Sponsor: Abner J. Bobo, Oregon City, OR, Carol A. Bobo, Oregon City, OR, and Russ Walker, Keizer, OR
Status: On Ballot (Measure #41)
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 14 (pdf)

BAN ON DISCRIMINATION IN INSURANCE

Initiative Objective: To prohibit insurance companies from using credit score or "credit worthiness" in calculating rates or premiums.
Sponsor: Bill Sizemore, Beavercreek, OR and Grace I. Sizemore, Portland, OR
Status: On Ballot (Measure #42)
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 23 (pdf)

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION FOR MINORS SEEKING ABORTION WITH JUDICIAL BYPASS

Initiative Objective: To require 48-hour notice to unemancipated minor's parent before providing abortion; to authorize lawsuits, physician discipline
Sponsor: Oregon Right to Life
Status: On Ballot (Measure #43)
Website: http://www.ortl.org
Full Text: Initiative 51 (pdf)

EXPAND SCOPE OF OREGON PRESCRIPTION DRUG BULK PURCHASING PROGRAM

Initiative Objective: To allow any Oregon resident without prescription drug coverage to participate in Oregon Prescription Drug Program.
Sponsor: Bill Morrisette, Springfield, OR and Gerald Cohen, Lake Oswego, OR
Status: On Ballot (Measure #44)
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 122 (pdf)

REINSTATE LEGISLATIVE TERM LIMITS

Initiative Objective: To amend Constitution to limit state legislators: six years as representative, eight years as senator, fourteen years in legislature.
Sponsor: Theodore F. Berthelote, Bend, OR and U.S. Term Limits
Status: On Ballot (Measure #45)
Website: http://www.oregontermlimits.org
Full Text: Initiative 39 (pdf)

OREGON POLITICAL CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

Initiative Objective: To amend Constitution to allow laws regulating election contributions, expenditures adopted by initiative or 3/4 of both Legislative Houses.
Sponsor: FairElections Oregon
Status: On Ballot (Measure #46)
Website: http://www.fairelections.net
Full Text: Initiative 8 (pdf)

THE OREGON POLITICAL CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM ACT

Initiative Objective: To revises campaign finance laws: to limit or prohibit contributions and expenditures; to add disclosure, new reporting requirements.
Sponsor: FairElections Oregon
Status: On Ballot (Measure #47)
Website: http://www.fairelections.net
Full Text: Initiative 37 (pdf)

CONSTITUTIONAL STATE SPENDING LIMIT

Initiative Objective: To amend Constitution to limit biennial percentage increase in state spending to percentage increase in state population, plus inflation.
Sponsor: Don McIntire, Gresham, OR, Jason Williams, Portland, OR, and Greg Howe, Portland OR (Taxpayer Association of Oregon)
Status: On Ballot (Measure #48)
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 6 (pdf)

MEDICAL LIABILITY REFORM

Initiative Objective: To limit compensation of attorney(s) for individual plaintiff in all personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Sponsor: James L. Wilson, Salem, OR and Monica C. Wehby, Portland, OR
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 3 (pdf)

A NONPARTISAN LEGISLATURE

Initiative Objective: To make state legislative offices nonpartisan: state legislative office candidates nominated without regard to party affiliation.
Sponsor: Charlie Ringo, Beaverton, OR and James D. Torrey, Eugene, OR
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 4 (pdf)

HOPE FOR OREGON FAMILIES

Initiative Objective: To amend Constitution to require access to health care as a fundamental right. Legislature must adopt plan expanding health care.
Sponsor: HOPE for Oregon Families Initiative
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.hopeoregon.org
Full Text: Initiative 40 (pdf)

OREGON FOREST RESTORATION INITIATIVE

Initiative Objective: To require sustainable timber harvest practices (defined); to prohibit using chemical pesticides, herbicides on state, private forestland.
Sponsor: Sustainable Forestry Network
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website: http://www.efn.org/~forestry
Full Text: Initiative 53 (pdf)

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2006

Initiative Objective: To amend Constitution: Legislature must reduce future spending to offset budget shortfalls expected from "significant revenue-reducing legislation."
Sponsor: Our Oregon
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website: http://www.ouroregon.org
Full Text: Initiative 74 (pdf)

OREGON OPEN PRIMARY

Initiative Objective: To establish open primaries; Electors vote regardless of party affiliation; To candidates proceed to general election.
Sponsor: Phil Keisling, Portland, OR, Norma Paulus, Portland, OR, and Richard Alexander, West Linn, OR
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 86 (pdf)

OREGON'S CHILD PROTECTION ACT OF 2006 - JESSICA'S LAW FOR OREGON

Initiative Objective: To require 300-month minimum sentences for certain sex crimes and kidnapping committed against child victims.
Sponsor: Jessica's Law for Oregon
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website: http://www.protectingoregonschildren.org
Full Text: Initiative 90 (pdf)

THE OREGON CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

Initiative Objective: Requires Specified Corporations To File Statement Containing Tax-Related Information; Filed Statement Is Public Record.
Sponsor: Larry Wolf, Portland, OR, Gail Rasmussen, Portland, OR, and Chris Coughlin, Portland, OR
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 102 (pdf)

THE NURSING HOME RESIDENT SAFETY ACT OF 2006

Initiative Objective: Establishes Staffing Requirements For Nursing Homes; Specifies Minimum Allowable Per-Shift Staff-To-Resident Ratios.
Sponsor: Oregonians for Nursing Home Safety
Status: Abandoned
Website: http://www.oregoniansfornursinghomesafety.com
Full Text: Initiative 105 (pdf)

HEALTHY OREGON PLAN

Initiative Objective: To require 2007 Legislature to establish organizational and financial framework to achieve basic universal health coverage.
Sponsor: Healthy Oregon Plan
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website: http://www.healthyoregon.net
Full Text: Initiative 111 (pdf)

FIRST CLASS EDUCATION FOR OREGON ACT

Initiative Objective: To require that at least 65% of school district's "operational expenditures" shall be "classroom instruction expenditures" (definitions provided).
Sponsor: Keith Parker, Beaverton, OR and Bruce Starr, Hillboro, OR
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 131 (pdf)

THE FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACT OF 2006

Initiative Objective: Provides Health Insurance To All Uninsured Children Under 19; Increases Tobacco Taxes; Funds Other Programs.
Sponsor: Billy Dalto, Salem, OR, Mitch Greenlick, Portland, OR, and Sen. Bill Westlund, Bend OR
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 143 (pdf)

CREATION OF VETERANS FUND

Initiative Objective: To amend Constitution to require 2% of state lottery proceeds to finance a benefit fund for veterans.
Sponsor: John Lindsey, Lebanon, OR
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Deadline passed, signatures not submitted
Website:
Full Text: Initiative 157 (pdf)

Pennsylvania

PERSIAN GULF CONFLICT VETERANS’ COMPENSATION FUND REFERENDUM

Referendum Objective: To authorize the Commonwealth to borrow $20 million to create a fund for the payment of compensation to veterans of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Persian Gulf Conflict and were Pennsylvania residents at the time of such service. The Persian Gulf Conflict was fought in 1990 and 1991 following the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq.
Sponsor: Pennsylvania General Assembly
Status: On Ballot
Website:
Plain English Text: Persioan Gulf Compensation Question (pdf)

Rhode Island

RESORT CASINO IN WEST WARWICK

Referendum Objective: Approval of the amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution set forth below will authorize a resort casino in the Town of West Warwick, to be privately owned and privately operated in association with the Narragansett Indian Tribe, with tax proceeds from the casino being dedicated to property-tax relief.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 1)
Website:
Full Text: H 8132 (pdf)

ELECTIONS - RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS

Referendum Objective: Approval of the amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution set forth below will provide that no person who is incarcerated in a correctional facility upon a felony conviction shall be permitted to vote until such person is discharged from the facility, at which point that person's right to vote shall be restored.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 2)
Website:

BUDGET RESERVE ACCOUNT

Referendum Objective: Approval of the amendment to Section 16 of Article IX of the Rhode Island Constitution set forth below will increase the funding and restore the viability of the budget reserve account, also known as "the rainy day fund", by limiting the amount of estimated revenues that can be appropriated, increasing the cap on the reserve account, and limiting the use of capital funds to capital projects.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 3)
Website:

HIGHER EDUCATION BONDS $72,790,000

Referendum Objective: Approval of this question will allow for the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $65,000,000 for the construction of a new college of pharmacy building at the University of Rhode Island and $7,790,000 for renovations to the former Department of Children, Youth and Families facilities at Rhode Island College.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 4)
Website:

TRANSPORTATION BONDS $88,500,000

Referendum Objective: Approval of this question will allow for the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $80,000,000 to match federal funds, provide direct funding for improvements to the state's highways, roads and bridges; $7,000,000 to provide funding for commuter rail, and $1,500,000 to purchase and/or rehabilitate buses for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's bus fleet.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 5)
Website:

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO BONDS $11,000,000

Referendum Objective: Approval of this question will allow for the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $11,000,000 for improvements to the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 6)
Website:

FORT ADAMS STATE PARK RECREATION AND RESTORATION BONDS $4,000,000

Referendum Objective: Approval of this question will allow for the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000 for improvements to the Fort Adams State Park in Newport.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 7)
Website:

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BONDS $3,000,000

Referendum Objective: Approval of this question will allow for the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 for the Local Recreation Development Program.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 8)
Website:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING BONDS $50,000,000

Referendum Objective: Approval of this question will allow for the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 for affordable housing.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 9)
Website:

ADVISORY QUESTION ON RESTRICTING STATE SPENDING AND TAXES

Referendum Objective: To submit to voters the following non-binding advisory question: "Should the Rhode Island Constitution be amended to limit the growth of state spending to no more than the inflation rate plus 1.5% and limit annual increases in local property taxes to no more than 4%?"
Sponsor: Governor Donald Carcieri
Status: Removed from Ballot by Rhode Island Supreme Court
Website:

ADVISORY QUESTION ON THE INITIATIVE PROCESS

Referendum Objective: To submit to voters the following non-binding advisory question: "Should the voters have the right to vote to enact laws and to amend the Constitution directly through a process called voter initiative?
Sponsor: Governor Donald Carcieri
Status: Removed from Ballot by Rhode Island Supreme Court
Website:

South Carolina

MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

Referendum Objective: To amend the state constitution to read "Marriage in the State of South Carolina, and its political subdivisions, is exclusively defined as a union between one man and one woman; all other attempted or putative unions, including those recognized by other jurisdictions, are void abinitio."
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Amendment 1)
Website:
Full Text: H 3133

SESSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Referendum Objective: This amendment permits either house by majority vote to recede for not more than thirty days at a time or by a two-thirds vote to recede for more than thirty days at a time, permits each house to meet during the legislative session as it considers appropriate, and permits organizational sessions of the Senate in the years senators are elected after the election before the next regular session the following January. The House is presently permitted to organize this way but the Senate is not.
Sponsor: Legislature
Stateus: On Ballot (Amendment 2a)
Website:
Full Text: S 427

ADJOURNMENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Referendum Objective: This amendment deletes a requirement that prohibits either house from adjourning for more than three days without the consent of the other house. This deletion is necessary to permit the meeting and receding provisions outlined in paragraph one. (from Amendment 2 a)
Sponsor: Legislature
Stateus: On Ballot (Amendment 2b)
Website:
Full Text: S 427

STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS INVESTMENTS

Referendum Objective: Currently, South Carolina’s Retirement Systems may invest only in publicly traded stocks and stocks of companies located in the United States. This amendment would allow prudent investing in all stocks as a means of seeking higher profits.
Sponsor: Legislature
Stateus: On Ballot (Amendment 3a)
Website:
Full Text: S 617

ABOLISH STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS INVESTMENT PANEL

Referendum Objective: This amendment would eliminate the State Retirement Systems Investment Panel, an advisory body, and its accompanying expenses.
Sponsor: Legislature
Stateus: On Ballot (Amendment 3b)
Website:
Full Text: S 617

VALUATION FOR PROPERTY TAX

Referendum Objective: This amendment will limit increases in the value of a parcel of real property for purposes of imposing the property tax to no more than fifteen percent every five years after the current value of the property has been adjusted: (1) to reflect improvements made to the parcel; (2) to reflect a decline in the value of the parcel; and (3) to reflect the value of the parcel when ownership of the property changes as the General Assembly by law defines such changes.
Sponsor: Legislature
Stateus: On Ballot (Amendment 4)
Website:
Full Text: H 4450

EMINENT DOMAIN

Referendum Objective: To amend the State Constitution to provide that except as otherwise provided in the Constitution, private property shall not be condemned by eminent domain for any purpose or benefit, including, but not limited to, the purpose or benefit of economic development, unless the condemnation is for public use; and to further provide that for the limited purpose of the remedy of blight, the General Assembly may provide by law that private property, if it meets certain conditions, may be condemned by eminent domain without the consent of the owner and put to a public use or private use if just compensation is first made for the property;...
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Amendment 5)
Website:
Full Text: S 1031

South Dakota

RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE

Referendum Objective: To amend Article XXI of the Constitution of South Dakota by adding a new section that reads "Only marriage between a man an a woman shall be valid or recognized in South Dakota. The uniting of two or more persons in civil union, domestic partnership, or other quasi-marital relationship shall not be recognized in South Dakota."
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment C)
Full Text: HJR 1001 (pdf)

PROCEDURE FOR EACH CLASS OF PROPERTY

Initiative Objective: To amend the South Dakota Constitution to empower the Legislature to establish a procedure for each class of property detailing the methods that shall be used to value property for tax purposes.
Sponsor: Stabilize Tax on Property
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment D)
Website: http://www.stop2006.org
Full Text: petition (pdf)

JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY INITIATIVE LAW (J.A.I.L.)

Initiative Objective: To amend the South Dakota Constitution to deny judges in South Dakota immunity from lawsuits and to establish a Special Grand Jury to determine the validity of lawsuits against judges.
Sponsor: South Dakota Judicial Accountability
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment E)
Website: http://www.amendmente.com
Full Text: J.A.I.L. petition (pdf)

REVISES CERTAIN CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS REGARDING THE LEGISLATURE

Referendum Objective: To amend Article III of the South Dakota Constitution changing provisions setting legislative pay and limits of legislative sessions.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment F)
Full Text: HJR 1003 (pdf)

AN INITIATIVE TO INCREASE THE TAX ON CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Initiative Objective: To increase the tax on cigarettes and tobacco products, to dedicate the revenue for tobacco prevention and cessation programs, property tax reduction, education enhancement, and health care, and to make an annual appropriation therefore.
Sponsor: South Dakota Healthy Living, South Dakota Tobacco-Free Kids Network
Status: On Ballot (Initiated Measure 2)
Website:
Full Text: Cigarette Tax petition (pdf)

INITIATIVE MEASURE TO CHANGE THE SCHOOL SCHOOL START DATE

Initiative Objective: To amend state law so that no regular school term may begin before the last day of August.
Sponsor: Save Our South Dakota Summers
Status: On Ballot (Initiated Measure 3)
Website:
Full Text: petition (pdf)

AN ACT TO PROVIDE SAFE ACCESS TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR CERTAIN QUALIFIED PERSONS

Initiative Objective: To provide safe access to medical marijuana for certain qualified persons.
Sponsor: South Dakotans for Safe Access
Status: On Ballot (Initiated Measure 4)
Website: http://www.sodaksafeaccess.org
Full Text: Medical Marijuana petition (pdf)

INITIATED MEASURE TO PLACE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF STATE-OWNED AIRCRAFT

Initiative Objective: To require that any aircraft owned or leased by the state may be used only in conduct of state business.
Sponsor: Reynold Nesiba, Sioux Falls, SD
Status: On Ballot (Initiated Measure 5)
Website:
Full Text: petition (pdf)

INITIATED MEASURE TO REPEAL VIDEO LOTTERY

Initiative Objective: To change state laws to remove provisions allowing and regulating video lottery machines.
Sponsor: Daniel Brendtro, Lennox, SD
Status: On Ballot (Initiated Measure 7)
Website:
Full Text: Video Lottery petition (pdf)

INITIATED MEASURE TO REPEAL THE FOUR PERCENT GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ON WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Initiative Objective: To repeal the 4% gross receipts tax imposed by South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 10-33A upon wireless telecommunications services.
Sponsor: Cellco Partnership DBA Verizon Wireless
Status: On Ballot (Initiated Measure 8)
Website:
Full Text: Wireless Tax petition (pdf)

REFERRED LAW: REINSTATE THE PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN ACTS CAUSING THE TERMINATION OF AN UNBORN HUMAN LIFE

Referendum Objective: To submit state law reinstating the prohibition of abortion to voters for approval or rejection.
Sponsor: South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families
Status: On Ballot (Referred Law 6)
Website: http://www.sdhealthyfamilies.org
Full Text: HB 1215 (pdf)

AN INITIATIVE TO REVISE CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATED TO COUNTY ZONING AND CONDITIONAL USE REQUESTS

Initiative Objective: To make all conditional use requests and zoning variances legislative acts, requiring approval by county commissioners and subject to referendum.
Sponsor:
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot - Insufficient signatures after verification
Website:
Full Text: petition (pdf)

REFERRED LAW: REINSTATE THE PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN ACTS CAUSING THE TERMINATION OF AN UNBORN HUMAN LIFE

Referendum Objective: To submit state law reinstating the prohibition of abortion to voters for approval or rejection.
Sponsor: Basic Abortion Rights Network (BARN), Waukesha, WI
Status: Petition Drive Abandoned
Website:
Full Text: HB 1215 (pdf)

INITIATIVE MEASURE TO IMPOSE A CONSUMPTION FEE ON THE RETAIL SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Initiative Objective: To impose a consumption fee on the retail sale of alcoholic beverages in the amount of one percent of the gross sales price of the alcoholic beverage.
Sponsor: Pennington County Commission
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Alcohol Tax petition (pdf)

INITIATED MEASURE TO DEFINE CERTAIN CONTESTS WHICH WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED GAMBLING

Initiative Objective: To change state law so that the terms gambling, betting, and wagering do not apply to contests or competitions in which the entrants' skill determines the final outcome.
Sponsor: Todd Erks, Tea, SD
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Gambling Terms petition (pdf)

REFERRED LAW: AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANDATORY WITHDRAWAL OF BLOOD OR OTHER BODILY SUBSTANCES SUBSEQUENT TO ARREST FOR DRIVING WHILE UNDER INFLUENCE

Referendum Objective: To submit state law requiring mandatory blood samples on arrest for driving under the influence to the voters for approval or rejection.
Sponsor: Kent Hazelrigg, Rapid City, SD
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: SB 1 (pdf)

Tennessee

MARRIAGE PROTECTION AMENDMENT

Referendum Objective: To amend the Constitution of Tennessee to provide that the historical institution and legal contract of marriage between one man and one woman shall be the only legally recognized marital contract in the state, that any policy or law or jucicial interpration that defines marriage in any other form shall be void and unenforceable in this state, and that licenses to marry issued by other states shall be void and unenforceable in this state if such marriage is prohibited in this state.
Sponsor: Tennessee State Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #1)
Website:
Full Text: SJR0031.pdf (pdf)

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Referendum Objective: To amend the Constitution of Tennessee allow, but not require, the legislature to implement a program of property tax relief for persons sixty-five (65) years of age or older.
Sponsor: Tenessee State Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Amendment #2)
Website:
Full Text: SJR0001.pdf (pdf)

Utah

TAXATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

Referendum Objective: This resolution proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to: authorize the Legislature to provide a property tax exemption for tangible personal property that would generate an inconsequential amount of revenue.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment One)
Full Text: H.J.R. 1

Virginia

RELATING TO MARRIAGE

Referendum Objective: Proposed amendment to Article I of the Constitution of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15-A, relating to marriage that reads as follows: "Section 15-A. Marriage. That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage."
Sponsor: Virginia General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Ballot Question No. 1)
Website:
Full Text: Ballot Question Number 1 (pdf)

POWERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY; LIMITATIONS

Referendum Objective: Proposed amendment to Section 14 of Article IV of the Constitution of Virginia by deleting the provision that prohibits the incorporation of churches, a provision that was ruled to be unconstitutional and therefore now is obsolete.
Sponsor: Virginia General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Ballot Question No. 2)
Website:
Full Text: Ballot Question Number 2 (pdf)

EXEMPT PROPERTY

Referendum Objective: Proposed amendment to Section 6 of Article X of the Constitution of Virginia to authorize legislation to permit localities to provide a partial exemption from real property taxes for real estate with new structures and improvements in conservation, redevelopment, or rehabilitation areas.
Sponsor: Virginia General Assembly
Status: On Ballot (Ballot Question No. 3)
Website:
Full Text: Ballot Question Number 3

Washington

ESTATE TAX

Initiative Objective: This measure would repeal Washington’s state laws imposing tax, currently dedicated for the education legacy trust fund, on transfers of estates of persons dying on or after the effective date of this measure.
Sponsor: Dennis Falk, Committee to Abolish Washington State Estate Tax
Status: On Ballot
Website: http://www.noestatetax.org
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 920 (pdf)

GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY

Initiative Objective: This measure would require compensation when government regulation damages the use or value of private property, would forbid regulations that prohibit existing legal uses of private property, and would provide exceptions or payments.
Sponsor: Daniel Wood, Washington Farm Bureau
Status: On Ballot
Website: http://www.wsfb.com
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 933 (pdf)

ENERGY RESOURCE USE BY CERTAIN WASHINGTON UTILITIES

Initiative Objective: This measure would require certain electric utilities with 25,000 or more customers to meet certain targets for energy conservation and use of renewable energy resources, as defined, including energy credits, or pay penalties.
Sponsor: Washingtonians for Energy Security
Status: On Ballot
Website: http://www.energysecuritynow.org
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 937 (pdf)

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

Referendum Objective: The proposed constitutional amendment would authorize the legislature to increase the maximum personal property tax exemption for taxable personal property owned by each “head of a family” from $3,000 to $15,000.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot
Website:
Full Text: HJR 4223 (pdf)

LIMITING MOTOR VEHICLE CHARGES

Initiative Objective: This measure would cap motor vehicle registration charges at $30 per year, repeal taxes and fees exceeding the $30 limit, calculate vehicle taxes and fees based on purchase price, and retire certain bonds.
Sponsor: Tim Eyman, Spokane, WA, M.J. Fagin, Spokane, WA, and Leo Fagin, Spokane, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.permanent-offense.org
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 917 (pdf)

CONCERNS TRANSPORTATION

Initiative Objective: This measure would open carpool lanes during off-peak hours, dedicate state motor vehicle sales and use taxes to fund road expansion projects, and require the state issue $10 billion in bonds for this.
Sponsor: Tim Eyman, Spokane, WA, M.J. Fagin, Spokane, WA, and Leo Fagin, Spokane, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 918 (pdf)

A PROCESS TO PROVIDE CITIZENS' OPINIONS TO GOVERNMENTS

Initiative Objective: This measure would establish a network of citizen councilors, coordinated by the state auditor’s office, where volunteers would meet in small groups and share their opinions on topics of public interest for tabulation.
Sponsor: Richard J. Spady, Bellvue, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 919 (pdf)

PUNISHMENT FOR CERTAIN CRIMES

Initiative Objective: This measure would classify certain crimes as violent sex offenses and would impose life imprisonment without possibility of release on adults who are convicted of such offenses, or of sexually violent predator escape.
Sponsor: Tracy Oetting, Citizens for a One Strike Law
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.citizensforaonestrikelaw.org
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 921 (pdf)

PROHIBITING "DANGEROUS" INITIATIVES AND REFERENDUMS

Initiative Objective: This measure would prohibit "dangerous" ballot measures, require sponsors to research the effects of their measures, prohibit certain donations and payments, authorize criminal penalties, and authorize a 1-2% sales tax increase if necessary.
Sponsor: Gretchen Sand, Kennewick, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 922 (pdf)

CREATION OF A UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Initiative Objective: This measure would establish a department of universal health care to operate a health care system open to all legal residents and funded by the state and by patient co payments based on income.
Sponsor: Kris Criag, Citizens for Universal Health Care
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.citizensforhealthcare.com/i923.php
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 923 (pdf)

GIVING NOTICE OF INSOLVENCY PROCEEDINGS

Initiative Objective: This measure would amend receivership laws to require notice to all employees if their business employer files an insolvency proceeding such as a receivership, assignment for the benefit of creditors, bankruptcy or liquidation.
Sponsor: Dale DeWalt, Woodinville, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 925 (pdf)

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS

Initiative Objective: This measure would prohibit collective bargaining agreements for certain public employees from requiring the employee to pay any fees, dues or other obligations to a bargaining representative as a condition of employment.
Sponsor: John M. Smith, Naselle, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 926 (pdf)

VEHICLE LICENCE PLATES

Initiative Objective: This measure would require a car, truck, or other vehicle to have only one license plate, mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Existing statutes would be amended to reflect this change.
Sponsor: Amber Garrett, No Front Plates in Washington
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.nofrontplate.org
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 929 (pdf)

CREATION OR CONSOLIDATION OF COUNTIES

Initiative Objective: This measure would establish procedures for forming or consolidating counties, including a petition, approval by either the legislature or local voters, division of county assets and liabilities, and electing initial county officers.
Sponsor: Steven Pyeatt, Yes on County Choice
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.countychoice.org
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 932 (pdf)

QUALIFICATION FOR STATE ELECTIVE OFFICE

Initiative Objective: This measure would require every candidate for state elective office to pass the tenth grade Washington assessment of student learning (WASL) test, and to file an affidavit so certifying before filing for office.
Sponsor: Donald D. Hansler, Spanaway, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 934 (pdf)

PROVIDING BONUS COMPENSATION TO TEACHERS BASED ON PARENT RATINGS

Initiative Objective: This measure would provide yearly bonus payments for public school teachers based on parent/guardian ratings, calculated as a percentage of average teacher salary, and funded by a sales tax increase of 0.15 percent.
Sponsor: Donald D. Hansler, Spanaway, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 935 (pdf)

CRIMINAL SENTENCES FOR CERTAIN SEX OFFENDERS

Initiative Objective: This measure would establish minimum sentences for certain sex offenses against children, developmentally disabled persons, mentally disordered persons, frail elderly persons or vulnerable adults, and restrict eligibility for treatment-based alternative sex offender sentencing.
Sponsor: James M. Hines, Preserve Childhood Innocence
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website: http://www.preservechildhoodinnocence.com
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 936 (pdf)

SEX OFFENDER MONITORING

Initiative Objective: This measure would require constant electronic monitoring for any sex offender who is convicted of failure to register, is classified as risk level III, or registers as "transient" or with "no known address."
Sponsor: Anne Hogenson, Puyallup, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 938 (pdf)

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION

Initiative Objective: This measure would establish mandatory minimum sentences for failure to register after conviction of a felony sex offense: up to twelve months in prison (first conviction) and at least seventeen months (subsequent convictions).
Sponsor: Anne Hogenson, Puyallup, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 939 (pdf)

NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE

Initiative Objective: This measure would permit minor political parties or independent groups to nominate a candidate even if another party nominates the candidate. A candidate could still receive only one vote per ballot.
Sponsor: Timothy J. Janssen, Wenatchee, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 941 (pdf)

RAINWATER

Initiative Objective: This measure would provide that collection of rainwater for storage and reuse on the same property where collected shall not be restricted, regulated, or require water rights. Certain local safety regulations would apply.
Sponsor: Tamara Seasholtz, Portland, OR
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 942 (pdf)

CONCERNS TAXES, REVENUES AND FEES FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Initiative Objective: This measure would require state and local governments to receive two-thirds approval by the legislative body, or majority approval by the legislative body and voter approval to increase taxes, fees or other revenue.
Sponsor: Tim Eyman, Spokane, WA, M.J. Fagin, Spokane, WA, and Leo Fagin, Spokane, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 944 (pdf)

IMMIGRATION STATUS FOR APPLICANTS FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS

Initiative Objective: This measure would require state and local government employees to verify the identity and immigration status of applicants for non-federally mandated public benefits and report immigration violations, making failure to report a misdemeanor.
Sponsor: Bob Baker, Protect Washington Now
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 946 (pdf)

CONCERNS THE INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM PROCESS

Initiative Objective: This measure would direct a two-thirds legislative vote on emergency clauses or bills affecting the initiative and referendum process; provide judicial review of emergency clauses; define and provide penalties for interference with petition-signing.
Sponsor: Tim Eyman, Spokane, WA, M.J. Fagin, Spokane, WA, and Leo Fagin, Spokane, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 947 (pdf)

CONCERNS PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AND PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT

Initiative Objective: This measure would prohibit government from using race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin as factors in employment, contracting and education, including school admissions and assignments, and limit collecting information regarding these factors.
Sponsor: Tim Eyman, Spokane, WA, M.J. Fagin, Spokane, WA, and Leo Fagin, Spokane, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 951 (pdf)

CONCERNS USE OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL REVENUES FOR "GREEN POWER" PROJECTS

Initiative Objective: This measure would direct the lottery commission to operate up to 10,000 video lottery terminals and create a board to distribute revenues for "green power" tax incentives, home improvement loans, and educational grants.
Sponsor: Jon Haugen, Vancouver, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 952 (pdf)

CONCERNS AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

Initiative Objective: This measure would amend the laws against discrimination by removing all references extending coverage of the law to discrimination based on "sexual orientation" or "sexual preference" in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Sponsor: Tim Eyman, Spokane, WA, M.J. Fagin, Spokane, WA, and Leo Fagin, Spokane, WA
Status: Withdrawn by Sponsor
Website:
Full Text: Initiative Measure No. 949 (pdf)

REFERENDUM MEASURE: DISCRIMINATION LAW REVISION

Referendum Objective: To refer portions of ESHB 2661 passed by the Legislature that would add "sexual orientation" to state's law against discrimination to the voters for approval or rejection.
Sponsor: Tim Eyman, Spokane, WA, M.J. Fagin, Spokane, WA, and Leo Fagin, Spokane, WA
Status: Failed to Make 2006 Ballot
Website:
Full Text: Referendum Measure No. 65 (pdf)

Wisconsin

MARRIAGE

Referendum Objective: To add Section 13 of Article XIII of the constitution to provide that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state and that a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or reconized in this state.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Question 1)
Full Text: AJR 67 (pdf)

DEATH PENALTY IN WISCONSIN

Referendum Objective: To submit the following question to voters for advisory puposes only: Question 1: Death penalty in Wisconsin. "Should the death penalty be enacted in the State of Wisconsin for cases involving a person who is convicted of multiple first-degree intentional homicides, if the homicides are vicious and the convictions are supported by DNA evidence?"
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot
Full Text: SJR 5 (pdf)

Wyoming

PERMANENT WYOMING MINERAL TRUST FUND

Referendum Objective: The adoption of this amendment would clarify that all monies deposited in the Permanent Wyoming Mineral Trust Fund are inviolate permanent funds of the state.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment A)
Full Text: House Enrolled Joint Resolution 1, 2006 Budget Session (pdf)

REGARDING RECAPTURE OF EXCESS REVENUES FOR THE SUPPORT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Referendum Objective: The Wyoming Supreme Court has held that school funding must be equalized among all school districts in the state. The adoption of this amendment would repeal the current limitation on the amount of property tax revenues that may be redistributed by the state through the School Foundation Program Account from school districts with greater property tax revenues to other school districts in the state.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment B)
Full Text: Senate Enrolled Joint Resolution 1, 2006 Budget Session (pdf)

TRUST FUNDS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Referendum Objective: This amendment authorizes the creation of permanent funds for two purposes: First, higher education scholarships, which include the current Hathaway scholarship program; and second, improving the quality of higher education. The principal in the funds, regardless of the source of the funds, cannot be expended. The earnings must be used for the purposes specified and the legislature is authorized to regulate how the earnings are used. Earnings from funds in the current Hathaway student scholarship account are intended to be used for college scholarships. The amendment would also allow the funds to be invested as the legislature authorizes, including in stocks.
Sponsor: Legislature
Status: On Ballot (Constitutional Amendment C)
Full Text: Senate Enrolled Joint Resolution 2, 2006 Budget Session (pdf)