Proposition 42
PROHIBITS NEW STATE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES AND CERTAIN RETROACTIVE STATE TAXES. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Prohibits any new state tax (1) imposed on the ownership of personal property (all things people own other than real estate), or (2) that applies retroactively based on taxpayer’s past activities. Nullifies taxes enacted after January 1, 2026 that conflict with this measure. Fiscal Impact: Possibility that tax revenues will not go up as much in the future.
Criteria:
1-Intent of the Proposition and the duration.
2-Are there any financial effects if this Proposition passes? If so- how much?
3- If this passes, what or who will this Proposition specifically affect?
4-Does the Proposition deal with more than 1 issue? (Propositions should deal with one or closely related subjects.)
5- What is the current situation that would remain if this Proposition does not pass?
*****Extraneous language unrelated to the matter which could be considered as deceptive to the voter.(-1 point).
Score: 1.7
Comments: Like Proposition 41, the score was lowered from the maximum of five because the wording should have provided more specific justification as to why the proposition was needed and what situation would remain if the Proposition doesn’t pass. We believe that most voters will not understand what the new rules apply to. Also, the Proposition deals with more than one issue.
