This past week witnessed some fascinating twists and turns in Sacramento, specifically with respect to a measure that the Governor first asked the Legislature to consider, but then essentially walked away from. The Governor initially asked legislative leaders to place a competing public safety measure on the ballot to challenge a stronger version already qualified by California district attorneys  relative to Proposition 47. The measure was amended into SB 1381 and would have been on the November ballot as Proposition 2. This created quite a stir given the lateness of its introduction and the challenge for stakeholders to properly consider its merits. Also, it would have undoubtedly created a great deal of confusion for voters come November. For more, see: Newsom reverses, scraps crime measure – Alternative to a GOP proposal fails to gain enough support from his fellow Democrats.

Late Wednesday, Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., assigned proposition numbers today to the legislative and initiative measures set to appear on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot. Secretary Weber also invited interested Californians to submit arguments to be considered for inclusion in the Official Voter Information Guide. The guide is mailed to every voting household in California and posted on the Secretary of State’s website. We should all start studying!