Ballot Items for 2006
Source: Stateline.org
Alaska
90-day limit on legislative session (05LEGS)
This measure would reduce the maximum length of a regular legislative session from 121 days to 90 days. Text of Ballot Item
Natural gas tax and production credit (05GAS2)
This measure would levy new state tax on certain oil and gas leases overlying large deposits of natural gas. When a major gas pipeline system is built and gas is transported, resource tax will be repealed and leaseholders will become eligible for tax credits for some of these taxes previously paid, which could be used to reduce future production taxes. Text of Ballot Item
Alabama
Macon County Board of Education election (Statewide Amendment Number 3)
This measure would provide for the election of Macon County Board of Education. Text of Ballot Item
School district property taxes (Statewide Amendment Number 2)
This measure would require an additional “ad valorem,” a Latin phrase meaning “according to value,” property tax in certain school districts to ensure every school district in the state is levied a base amount. Text of Ballot Item
Special tax district (Statewide Amendment Number 1)
This measure would authorize the city of Prichard to set up a foreign trade investment zone as a special tax district to import duty-free and quota-free items. Text of Ballot Item
Arkansas
Allow bingo and raffles by charitable organizations (Referred Amendment 1)
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 for five years and the net receipts are used only for charitable, religious, or philanthropic purposes. Text of Ballot Item
Higher education bond (Referred Question 1)
This measure would authorize the state’s finance authority to issue higher education bonds not to exceed a principal of $250 million in order to finance the cost of developing technology and facility improvement projects for the state’s higher education institutions. Text of Ballot Item
Arizona
Bail limitations (Proposition 100)
This measure 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 that person entered or remained in the United States illegally and if proof is evident or the presumption is great pertaining to the charges. Text of Ballot Item
Early childhood development and health initiative (Proposition 203)
This measure would increase funding for early childhood development and health programs. Local councils who know their communities' needs 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. Text of Ballot Item
English as official language (Proposition 103)
This measure would establish English as the official language of Arizona and require official actions to be conducted in English. Text of Ballot Item
Illegal immigration (Proposition 102)
This measure would prohibit a person who wins a civil lawsuit from receiving punitive damages if that person is an alien who entered the United States in violation of federal immigration law. Text of Ballot Item
Land conservation (Proposition 106)
This measure would conserve and protect approximately 690,000 acres of some of the most important natural areas in Arizona. State trust land will be permanently set aside for conservation purposes protecting more of Arizona's land and water for future generations. The measure will protect and guarantee an essential classroom funding stream through improved planning and management of state trust lands, require local communities to cooperate in the planning and development of trust lands, and provide local authorities the power to limit and control development. Text of Ballot Item
Minimum wage (Proposition 202)
This measure would increase state minimum wage rate to $6.75 an hour starting in 2007 (federal minimum is $5.15), and adjust annually for inflation. Text of Ballot Item
Municipal debt (Proposition 104)
This measure would allow political subdivisions of the state (cities, towns, school districts, and counties) to incur debt up to 20 percent of the taxable property value (instead of the current six 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. Text of Ballot Item
Private property rights (Proposition 207)
This measure would protect private property by defining public use to mean only the public will own and use the land. The measure indicates that the public benefits of economic development, including increased tax revenues and employment, do not constitute a public use. The act ensures 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. Text of Ballot Item
Probation for methamphetamine offenses (Proposition 301)
This measure would prevent a person convicted of drug charges involving methamphetamine from being eligible for probation under the Drug Medicalization, Prevention, and Control Act of 1996. Text of Ballot Item
Property tax relief (Proposition 101)
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 2 percent each year, plus any new construction. This measure, 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 2 percent per year, plus any new construction. Text of Ballot Item
Public program eligibility (Proposition 300)
This measure would prohibit adults who are not citizens or legal residents of the United States from taking classes offered by the Arizona Department of Education Division of Adult Education or receiving child care assistance from the Arizona Department of Economic Security. The prohibition of services for specified programs must be enforced without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity or national origin. Additionally, this measure 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. Text of Ballot Item
Same-sex marriage (Proposition 107)
This measure would declare marriage as only consisting of the union of one man and one woman, and prohibit the state and its political subdivisions from creating or recognizing any legal status for unmarried persons that is similar to that of marriage. Text of Ballot Item
Smoking ban (Proposition 201)
This measure would prohibit smoking in enclosed public places and places of employment. Enforcement by the Arizona Department of Health Services will be paid for by a tax on cigarettes of one-tenth of 1 cent per cigarette. Limited exceptions are provided such as private residences, retail tobacco stores and outdoor patios. No smoking signs will be posted in all areas where smoking is prohibited. Text of Ballot Item
State legislators' salaries (Proposition 302)
This measure would increase legislator salaries to $36,000. Text of Ballot Item
State trust lands (Proposition 105)
This measure proposes amendments to the Arizona Constitution relating to state trust land management. Text of Ballot Item
Vote by mail (Proposition 205)
This measure would establish mail-in voting as the standard of practice in Arizona elections. Text of Ballot Item
Voter reward act (Proposition 200)
This measure 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. Text of Ballot Item
California
Abortion notification for minors (Proposition 85)
This measure would amend the California Constitution to prohibit abortion for an unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor's parent or legal guardian, except in medical emergency or with parental waiver. This would permit a minor to obtain a court order waiving notice based on clear and convincing evidence of minor's maturity or best interests. Text of Ballot Item
Alternative energy tax (Proposition 87)
This measure would create a $4 billion program to study ways to reduce oil and gasoline consumption, including developing incentives for alternative energy vehicles and new energy efficient technologies. The aim of the program is to cut petroleum usage by 25 percent. Text of Ballot Item
Campaign funding (Proposition 89)
This measure would provide that candidates for state elective office, who meet certain eligibility requirements including collection of a specified number of $5 contributions from voters, may receive public campaign funding from the Fair Political Practices Commission. Text of Ballot Item
Disaster preparedness bonds (Proposition 1E)
This measure would authorize issuance and sale of $4.1 billion for financing disaster preparedness and flood prevention projects. Text of Ballot Item
Eminent domain (Proposition 90)
This measure concerns whether language should be added to the California Constitution that would bar state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property to promote other private projects or uses. Text of Ballot Item
Highway bonds (Proposition 1B)
This measure would authorize borrowing $19.925 billion through the sale of bonds for an array of state and local transportation projects. Text of Ballot Item
Housing and emergency shelter (Proposition 1C)
This measure would authorize borrowing $2.85 billion through the sale of bonds to finance housing programs, capital outlay related to infill development, brownfield cleanup that promotes infill development, and housing-related parks. Text of Ballot Item
Penalties for sex offenders (Proposition 83)
This measure would increase penalties for violent and habitual sex offenders and child molesters, prohibit registered sex offenders from residing within 2,000 feet of any school or park, and require lifetime Global Positioning System monitoring of felony-registered sex offenders. It would also change the current two-year involuntary civil commitment for a sexually violent predator to an indeterminate commitment. Text of Ballot Item
Property tax (Proposition 88)
This would provide 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. This measure would prohibit fund use for school administrative overhead. Text of Ballot Item
School bonds (Proposition 1D)
This measure would authorize borrowing $10.4 billion through the sale of bonds to provide aid to school districts, community colleges, and universities to construct and modernize education facilities. Text of Ballot Item
Tax on cigarettes (Proposition 86)
This measure would impose an additional 13 cent tax on each cigarette distributed ($2.60 per pack), and indirectly increase tax on other tobacco products to provide funding to hospitals for emergency services, nursing education, and health insurance for children. The revenue would also be allocated to tobacco use prevention programs, enforcement of tobacco-related laws, and research, prevention and treatment of cancer. Text of Ballot Item
Transportation fund (Proposition 1A)
State fuel taxes are currently deposited in the General Fund and transferred to the Transportation Investment Fund for allocation for transportation purposes. This measure would authorize suspension, in whole or in part, of the transfer of the fuel tax for a fiscal year under certain circumstances. The criteria for suspension include if the governor declares a severe state fiscal hardship, if a statute containing no other unrelated provision is enacted by a 2/3 vote of each House of the Legislature suspending the transfer, and if a statute is enacted to repay, with interest, the TIF within 3 years for the amount of any revenues not transferred as a result of the suspension. Text of Ballot Item
Water project bonds (Proposition 84)
This proposition would authorize $5.4 billion 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. It would provide funding for emergency drinking water, and exempt such expenditures from public contract and procurement requirements to ensure immediate action for public safety. Text of Ballot Item
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Colorado
65 percent solution (Amendment 39)
This measure would amend the Colorado Constitution to require a school district to spend at least 65 percent of its operational expenditures on classroom instruction. Text of Ballot Item
Citizen initiatives (Amendment 38)
This measure would expand ability of citizens to challenge or to propose changes to state laws. Text of Ballot Item
Domestic partnerships (Referendum I)
This measure would recognize "domestic partnerships" that would give same-sex couples many of the benefits, protections and responsibilities that only married couples currently enjoy. Text of Ballot Item
Government ethics (Amendment 41)
This measure would prohibit state officials, members of the General Assembly, local government officials, or government employees from soliciting or accepting gifts. Lobbyists would be prohibited from giving anything of value to a public official or to their immediate family member. The measure would also prohibit a statewide elected officeholder or member of the General Assembly from personally representing another person or entity for compensation before any other such officeholder or member for a period of two years following departure from office. The measure would also create an independent ethics commission to hear ethics complaints. Text of Ballot Item
Immigration lawsuit against federal government (Referendum K)
This measure would direct the attorney general to initiate a lawsuit to demand the enforcement of immigration laws by the federal government. Text of Ballot Item
Judicial term limits (Amendment 40)
This measure would impose term limits on state supreme court and appellate judges. Text of Ballot Item
Marijuana possession (Amendment 44)
This measure would make the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana legal for any person 21 or older. Text of Ballot Item
Minimum wage (Amendment 42)
This measure would increase the state minimum wage rate to $6.85 per hour (federal minimum is $5.15), with the provision that it would adjust annually for inflation. Text of Ballot Item
Obsolete constitutional provisions (Referendum G)
This measure would eliminate obsolete provisions in the Colorado Constitution. Text of Ballot Item
Recall deadlines (Referendum F)
This measure would amend the Colorado Constitution so that deadlines regarding recall petitions and hearings are in statute rather than in the constitution. The recall elections would occur during general elections when possible. Text of Ballot Item
Same-sex marriage (Amendment 43)
There are two separate questions related to same-sex marriage on the Colorado ballot. This measure would add language to the Colorado Constitution specifying that only the union of one man and one woman would be recognized as a marriage in Colorado. The other asks if the voter favors "domestic partnerships" that would give same-sex couples many of the "responsibilities, benefits, and protections" that only married couples now enjoy. Text of Ballot Item
School district expenditures for instruction (Referendum J)
This measure would require that each school district spend at least 65 percent of its operational expenditures on services that directly affect student achievement. Text of Ballot Item
Tax deduction for illegal immigrants (Referendum H)
This measure would eliminate state income tax benefits for a business that pays an unauthorized alien to perform labor services, and prohibit wages paid to an unauthorized alien from being claimed as a deductible business expense for state income tax purposes. Text of Ballot Item
Tax exemption for disabled veterans (Referendum E)
This measure would amend the Colorado Constitution to extend existing property tax exemptions to qualifying seniors to any United States military veteran who is permanently disabled due to a service related disability. Text of Ballot Item
Florida
Disabled veterans' property tax relief (Constitutional Amendment 7)
This measure would give property tax relief, effective December 7, 2006, to a disabled veteran age 65 or older whose disability is combat-related. Only those veterans who were Florida residents when they entered the military and were honorably discharged are eligible for this relief. Text of Ballot Item
Eminent domain (Constitutional Amendment 8)
This measure would alter the Florida Constitution to prohibit the transfer of private property taken under the power of eminent domain to a person or private entity. Text of Ballot Item
Increased homestead exemption (Constitutional Amendment 6)
This measure would increase the maximum additional homestead exemption for low-income seniors from $25,000 to $50,000, effective January 1, 2007. Text of Ballot Item
State constitutional amendments (Constitutional Amendment 3)
This measure would tighten requirements for amending the Florida Constitution. Text of Ballot Item
State planning and budget process (Constitutional Amendment 1)
This measure would amend the Florida Constitution to change the budget and planning process. Text of Ballot Item
Tobacco education campaign (Constitutional Amendment 4)
This measure would require the Legislature to use some tobacco settlement money each year for a comprehensive statewide tobacco education and prevention program. Text of Ballot Item
Georgia
Charity property tax exemption (Referendum Question C)
This measure expands the “ad valorem,” a Latin phrase meaning “according to value,” property tax exemption that charities receive to also apply to real estate and buildings that are generating income, so long as that income is used for the charity’s operation. Text of Ballot Item
Eminent domain (Constitutional Amendment 1)
This measure would alter the Georgia Constitution to make it more difficult for state or local government to seize property for redevelopment purposes under the power of eminent domain. Text of Ballot Item
Farm equipment tax exemption (Referendum Question A)
This measure would expand the current “ad valorem,” a Latin phrase meaning “according to value,” tax exemption for farm equipment to include equipment held under a lease-purchase agreement. Text of Ballot Item
Fishing and hunting (Constitutional Amendment 2)
This measure would amend the state constitution to ensure that the tradition of fishing and hunting be preserved for the people and managed for the public good. Text of Ballot Item
Homestead exemption base year value (Referendum Question F)
This measure would provide for a surviving spouse to continue to receive an existing base year assessed value homestead exemption when the property owner dies. Text of Ballot Item
License plate revenues (Constitutional Amendment 3)
This measure would make special license plates available for optional purchase and allow revenue to be generated from them for programs relating to the subject of the plate. Text of Ballot Item
Senior citizens homestead exemption (Referendum Question D)
This measure would extend a state “ad valorem,” a Latin phrase meaning “according to value,” tax exemption on the homesteads of those 65 and older to include the primary residence and no more than ten contiguous acres of land. Text of Ballot Item
Surviving spouse homestead exemption (Referendum Question E)
This measure would allow a total exemption of all “ad valorem,” a Latin phrase meaning “according to value,” taxes on the homestead of the surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty. Text of Ballot Item
Veterans’ tax exemption (Referendum Question B)
This measure would expand the current “ad valorem,” a Latin phrase meaning “according to value,” tax exemption for veterans organizations to include those organizations that refurbish and operate historic military aircraft for education purposes. Text of Ballot Item
Hawaii
Judges’ retirement age (constitutional amendment 3)
This measure would repeal the mandatory retirement age of 70 for all state court justices and judges. Text of Ballot Item
Salary commission (constitutional amendment 2)
This measure would provide for a salary commission to recommend salaries for state public officials, such as judges, legislators, the governor, lieutenant governor, and other department heads and employees, with the exception of the superintendent of education and president of the University of Hawaii. Text of Ballot Item
Sexual assault (constitutional amendment 4)
This measure would amend the constitution as it pertains to cases of continuous sexual assault crimes against minors 14 and younger. This measure would allow the legislature to define what constitutes a continuing course of conduct and what constitutes the jury unanimity required for a conviction. Text of Ballot Item
Special purpose bonds (constitutional amendment 5)
This measure would allow the state to issue special purpose revenue bonds and to use the proceeds to help agricultural enterprises. Text of Ballot Item
University of Hawaii Board of Regents (constitutional amendment 1)
This measure would require the governor to select candidates for the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents from a pool of candidates proposed by the board’s candidate advisory council. Text of Ballot Item
Idaho
Eminent domain (Proposition 2)
This measure would change Idaho law to make it more difficult for state or local government to seize private property under the power of eminent domain. Text of Ballot Item
Permanent endowment fund (SJR 107)
If this measure is adopted, 80 percent of the tobacco settlement money Idaho receives each year will be deposited into a newly created permanent endowment fund and 20 percent will be deposited into the existing Idaho Millennium Fund. Text of Ballot Item
Property tax (advisory vote)
The measure asks voters whether the state should maintain the property tax relief adopted in August 2006, reducing property taxes by approximately $260 million and protecting funding for public schools by keeping the sales tax at 6 percent. Text of Ballot Item
Sales tax increase (Proposition 1)
This measure would increase kindergarten through 12th-grade education funding for local public schools by increasing the state sales tax by 1 percent. Text of Ballot Item
Same-sex marriage (HJR 2)
This measure would alter the Idaho Constitution so that the only marriage the state would recognize would be between a man and a woman. The language would prohibit recognition of civil unions, domestic partnerships, or any other relationship that attempts to approximate marriage. Text of Ballot Item
Louisiana
Artwork taxes (Ballot Number 5)
This measure would exempt artwork from property taxes. Text of Ballot Item
Disabled vets (Ballot Number 1)
This measure would increase the homestead exemption for veterans of the armed forces or the Louisiana National Guard who were killed, captured, or permanently disabled. Text of Ballot Item
East Baton Rouge schools (Ballot Number 8)
This measure would treat the central community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish as a parish for the purpose of education funding under the Louisiana Constitution. Text of Ballot Item
New judges (Ballot Number 6)
This measure would allow the legislature to create new judgeships to handle family or juvenile matters. Text of Ballot Item
Rural hospital equipment taxes (Ballot Number 3)
This measure would provide an exemption in property taxes for rural hospitals that lease medical equipment for more than five years. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Coastal protection (Ballot Number 2)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would provide funds for post-Katrina restoration and protection projects by amending the constitution to require that 20 percent of any new proceeds from the state’s tobacco settlement to go into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Eminent domain (Ballot Number 5)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would prohibit state seizure of private property for private use. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Flood protection (Ballot Number 3)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to establish regional flood protection authorities with the power to levy taxes subject to voter approval. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Homestead exemptions for revocable trusts (Ballot Number 11)
This measure, on the Sept. 30 ballot, would extend the homestead exemption to property owned by a revocable trust. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Hurricane recovery and coastal protection (Ballot Number 1)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would provide funds for post-Katrina restoration and protection projects by amending the constitution to ensure that any increase in federal royalty payments from offshore oil drilling would flow to coastal restoration and levee projects. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Judge qualifications (Ballot Number 13)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would amend the constitution to require candidates for the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals to have practiced law in the state for ten years prior to their election. Candidates for a district court, family court, parish court, or a juvenile court appointment would need to have practiced law in the state for eight years. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Lieutenant governor vacancies (Ballot Number 12)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would establish procedures for filling vacancies in the lieutenant governor's office and other statewide elective offices. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Medicaid trust fund (Ballot Number 7)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would amend the constitution to authorize investment in the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Property tax assessment (Ballot Number 8)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would amend the constitution to authorize the continuation of special assessment for property damaged or destroyed in a declared emergency or disaster. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: School board funding (Ballot Number 9)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would amend the constitution to prohibit any law, unless enacted by a two-thirds majority of the legislature, from being applicable to local educational bodies without providing or authorizing funding to local school boards. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: State use of private land for hurricane protection (Ballot Number 4)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would establish rules for compensation when the state takes control of private property for the purposes of hurricane protection projects. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: State-funded permanently endowed funds (Ballot Number 10)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would authorize the investment in stocks of up to 35 percent of the state-funded permanently endowed funds of public or private colleges and universities. Text of Ballot Item
Sept. 30: Transfer of state property (Ballot Number 6)
This measure, on the September 30 ballot, would prohibit state or local government agencies that take private property through eminent domain from later transferring the property to a private individual without first offering the property to the original owner. Text of Ballot Item
Severance taxes (Ballot Number 2)
This measure would increase the maximum amount parishes can receive for severance taxes on natural resources. Text of Ballot Item
Tax assessor election (Ballot Number 7)
This measure would create a single tax assessor in Orleans Parish, who would be elected at the same time as the other municipal officers of New Orleans. Text of Ballot Item
Vehicle taxes (Ballot Number 4)
This measure would exempt vehicles from the property municipalities can tax. Text of Ballot Item
Massachusetts
Family child-care providers (Question 3)
This measure would allow licensed and other authorized providers of child care in private homes under the state's subsidized child care system to bargain collectively with relevant state agencies about terms and conditions of child care services. Text of Ballot Item
Nomination of candidates for public office (Question 2)
This would allow candidates for public office to be nominated by more than one political party and to have their votes from each nomination added together to determine the winner of the election. Text of Ballot Item
Wine sales (Question 1)
This measure would allow grocery stores to sell wine. Text of Ballot Item
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Maryland
Circuit court in banc decisions (Question 2)
This measure would amend the Maryland Constitution to allow appeals to the mid-level appellate court, the Court of Special Appeals, when a circuit court in banc review -- consisting of three judges -- decides against a case. Currently, such appeals are governed by the circuit court system. Text of Ballot Item
Civil jury trials (Question 3)
This measure would amend the Maryland Constitution to authorize legislation raising the limits on the right to trial by jury in civil proceedings to cases involving damages exceeding $10,000; currently the limit is $5,000. Text of Ballot Item
Disposition of park lands (Question 1)
This measure would amend the Maryland Constitution to prohibit the Board of Public Works, which consists of the governor, the treasurer and the comptroller, from selling any park land without the approval of the General Assembly. It was put on the ballot by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly after Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s administration attempted to sell unappraised state land to a politically connected individual. Text of Ballot Item
Election law revisions (Question 4)
This voter-initiated referendum would allow the repeal of certain provisions of an election law enacted by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly over Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s veto. In August, the state Supreme Court threw out a part of the new law that would have permitted polls in certain precincts to be open for five days before primary and general elections. Voters will say yea or nay to a block of remaining provisions, including establishing polling places closer to college or university campuses; studying Election Day voter registration; equipping all polling places with a computerized list of registered voters; and giving the State Board of Elections greater authority over local boards of elections in certain voter-registration and absentee-balloting programs. Text of Ballot Item
Maine
Initiative and referendum process (Question 2)
This measure would amend the Maine Constitution to change the initiative and referendum process. Text of Ballot Item
Spending cap (Question 1)
This measure would limit increases in state and local government spending to the rate of inflation plus population growth and require voter approval for all tax and fee increases. Text of Ballot Item
Michigan
Affirmative action (Proposal B)
This measure would bar the University of Michigan and other state universities, the state, and all other state entities from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Text of Ballot Item
Dove hunting referendum (Proposal C)
This measure would restore the 100 year-old ban on dove hunting in Michigan that was recently repealed by the governor and state legislators. Text of Ballot Item
Educational funding (Proposal E)
This measure would require 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. Text of Ballot Item
Eminent domain (Proposal D)
This measure would restrict power of state or local government to take private property by eminent domain for certain private purposes. It also stipulates that if a person's principal residence is taken for public use, the amount of just compensation shall not be less than 125 percent of the property's fair market value; and states that public use does not include transferring private property to another private entity for economic development or generating additional tax revenue. Text of Ballot Item
Establish conservation and recreation funds (Proposal A)
This measure would establish the Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund, the Game and Fish Protection Trust Fund, and the Non-game Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund within the State Constitution. Text of Ballot Item
Minnesota
Motor vehicle tax ( )
This measure would impose a sales tax on new and used vehicles for five years. The revenue would support public transportation and highway construction. Text of Ballot Item
Missouri
Elected officials' pensions (Constitutional Amendment 7)
This measure would require that legislators, statewide elected officials, and judges forfeit state pensions upon felony conviction, removal from office following impeachment, or for misconduct. Text of Ballot Item
Minimum wage (Proposition B)
This measure would increase state minimum wage rate to $6.50 per hour (federal minimum is $5.15), and thereafter adjust the state minimum wage annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Text of Ballot Item
Property tax exemption (Constitutional Amendment 6)
This measure would allow a tax exemption for real and personal property that is used or held exclusively for nonprofit purposes or activities of veterans' organizations. Text of Ballot Item
Stem cell research (Constitutional Amendment 2)
This measure would protect the rights of scientists to conduct stem cell research and patients to receive resulting treatments. Text of Ballot Item
Tobacco tax (Constitutional Amendment 3)
This measure would impose an 80 cent-per-pack tax on cigarettes that would fund programs to reduce and prevent tobacco use. Text of Ballot Item
Montana
Government lobbying (I153)
This measure would prohibit former state legislators, appointed officials, department directors, elected officials and their personal staff from becoming licensed lobbyists within 24 months after leaving the state government. Text of Ballot Item
Insurance commissioner (C43)
This measure would change the name of the office of state auditor to insurance commissioner. Text of Ballot Item
Minimum wage (I151)
This measure would raise the minimum wage in Montana to $6.15 an hour and attach an annual cost of living adjustment to that rate. Text of Ballot Item
North Dakota
Child custody (constitutional measure No. 3 )
This measure pertains to 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. Text of Ballot Item
Common schools trust fund (Constitutional Measure No. 1)
This measure would revise the North Dakota Constitution provisions governing management and distribution of common schools trust fund and the trust funds of other educational and charitable institutions. Text of Ballot Item
Eminent domain (constitutional measure No. 2 )
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. Text of Ballot Item
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Nebraska
Authorize use of revenue bonds for use by nonprofits (proposed amendment No. 1)
This measure would authorize the use of revenue bonds to develop property for use by non-profit enterprises. It would authorize any county, city, or village to acquire, own, develop and lease real and personal property for use by charitable non-profit enterprises and to issue revenue bonds for the purpose of defraying the cost of acquiring, developing or financing such property by construction, purchase or otherwise. Text of Ballot Item
Bonds for development (proposed amendment No. 6 )
This measure would allow cities and villages to use public debt for development purposes. Text of Ballot Item
Early childhood education (proposed amendment No. 5 )
This measure would dedicate $40 million for early childhood education, provided that $20 million is raised from the private sector. Text of Ballot Item
Gambling ( )
This measure would authorize video keno machines under the Nebraska County and City Lottery Act. Text of Ballot Item
Gambling addiction funds (proposed amendment No. 3)
This measure would increase the amount of lottery proceeds dedicated toward fighting gambling addiction from $500,000 to $1 million. Text of Ballot Item
Probation and parole programs (proposed amendment No. 4)
This measure would authorize the legislature to give the executive and the judicial departments the responsibility for running probation and parole programs. Text of Ballot Item
Public investments (proposed amendment No. 2 )
This measure would loosen restrictions on investing public endowment funds. Text of Ballot Item
School district consolidation ( )
This measure would require a vote before a school district can be dissolved, or affiliated with, or merged into another school district. Text of Ballot Item
Spending cap ( )
This measure would add language to Nebraska Constitution that would limit state spending in a fiscal year to the amount appropriated the previous fiscal year plus the rate of inflation and percentage change in population growth unless voters approved a further increase. Text of Ballot Item
New Hampshire
Eminent domain (Question 1)
This measure would add language to the New Hampshire Constitution that would ban the state from seizing private property under the power of eminent domain if the property is to be transferred to another private entity for private development. Text of Ballot Item
Small-town representation (Question 2)
This measure would amend the New Hampshire Constitution 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. Text of Ballot Item
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New Jersey
Fuel tax (Public Question 3)
This measure would dedicate 10.5 cents per gallon of existing fuel tax to the cost of funding the state transportation system. The current dedication is 9 cents per gallon. The state fuel tax is 10.5 cents per gallon for gasoline and 13.5 cents per gallon for diesel. Text of Ballot Item
Open space (Public Question 2)
Since 1996, 4 percent of the annual revenue from the Corporation Business Tax has been dedicated to environmental programs. This measure would expand authorized uses of those revenues to fund improvements and facilities for recreation and conservation purposes on preserved open space lands, pay debt incurred from issuance of bonds for those purposes, and change allocation of funds for existing authorized uses. Text of Ballot Item
Property tax relief (Public Question 1)
This measure would dedicate the proceeds from a 0.5 percent sales tax to the state’s property tax relief fund. Text of Ballot Item
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New Mexico
Affordable housing (amendment No. 4)
This measure would allow for state funds to buy land and pay for the cost of building or restoring affordable housing. Text of Ballot Item
Land ownership (amendment No. 1 )
This measure would repeal a constitutional prohibition that prevents people ineligible for citizenship from owning land. Text of Ballot Item
Public leases and debt arrangements (amendment No. 2)
This measure would enable the state to enter into certain types of lease agreements without voter approval. The amendment would reclassify the leases as a different kind of debt. Text of Ballot Item
Water trust fund (amendment No. 3 )
This measure would create a new “water trust fund” from which the state would pay to preserve and protect the state water supply. Text of Ballot Item
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Nevada
Board of Regents (AJR 11)
This measure would amend the Nevada Constitution to provide for election of certain members and gubernatorial appointment of certain members of Board of Regents, and specify number and terms of members. Text of Ballot Item
Educational funding (Ballot Question 1)
This measure would require the Legislature to appropriate sufficient funds to operate Nevada's public schools before approving any other spending. It originally passed in November 2004, but constitutional amendments in Nevada must be approved in two consecutive elections before going into effect. Text of Ballot Item
Eminent domain (Initiative 5)
This measure would restrict exercise of the power of eminent domain. Among other things, only currently elected judges could issue eminent domain decisions if the measure is approved. Text of Ballot Item
Legislative pay (SJR 11)
This measure would amend Nevada Constitution to provide for payment of compensation to members of Legislature for each day of service during regular and special sessions. Text of Ballot Item
Minimum wage (Ballot Question 6)
This measure would require employers to pay Nevada employees $5.15 per hour (identical to the federal minimum) if the employer provides health benefits or $6.15 per hour if the employer does not provide health coverage. It originally passed in November 2004, but constitutional amendments in Nevada must be approved in two consecutive elections before going into effect. Text of Ballot Item
Regulation of marijuana (Initiative 3)
This measure would decriminalize medical use of marijuana. Text of Ballot Item
Sales and use tax (AB 554)
This measure would make various technical changes to provisions of tax laws. Text of Ballot Item
Smoking ban (Initiative 2)
This measure would prohibit smoking in the following places: indoor dining areas within restaurants, child care facilities, all elementary, secondary and high school property, hospitals and medical offices, any motion picture house, theatre, or concert hall, video arcades, government buildings, grocery stores and bakeries, retail establishments, drug stores and convenience stores and any museums, libraries, gallery or other places of public display or collection. Text of Ballot Item
Smoking ban (Initiative 1)
This measure would prohibit smoking in most public places, excluding stand-alone bars and gaming areas of casinos. Text of Ballot Item
Special legislative sessions (AJR 13)
This measure would revise provisions of the Nevada Constitution regarding special sessions of the Legislature. Text of Ballot Item
Ohio
Gambling ( )
This measure would authorize slot machine gambling at seven Ohio race tracks and two off-track Cleveland locations.
Minimum wage ( )
To amend the constitution such that the Ohio minimum wage would increase to $6.85 an hour on January 1, 2007. The amendment would also provide for an annual increase to the minimum wage each January 1 based on changes in the consumer price index. Text of Ballot Item
Oklahoma
Election day ban on alcohol sales (State Question 733)
This measure would repeal the Election Day ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages. Text of Ballot Item
Forfeiture of legislative pay (State Question 724)
This measure would require legislators convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison to return any state pay received while serving time in jail or prison prior to conviction or no contest plea. Text of Ballot Item
Property tax exemption (State Question 734)
This measure would allow a property tax exemption for goods shipped into the state that do not remain in the state for more than 90 days. This is sometimes known as the freeport exemption. Text of Ballot Item
Rainy day fund (State Question 725)
This measure would allow money to be spent from the Rainy Day Fund to retain employment for Oklahoma residents by helping at-risk manufacturers make investments in Oklahoma. Text of Ballot Item
Oregon
Campaign finance (Measure 46)
This measure would allow laws regulating election contributions and expenditures. Laws could be adopted by initiative or by three-quarters of both Legislative Houses. Text of Ballot Item
Campaign finance (Measure 47)
This measure would revise campaign finance laws to limit or prohibit contributions and expenditures. It would also add new disclosure and reporting requirements. Text of Ballot Item
Eminent domain (Measure 39)
This measure would bar any state or local body from condemning private real property if intends to convey to private party. Text of Ballot Item
Income tax deduction (Measure 41)
This measure would allow income tax deduction equal to federal exemptions deduction to substitute for state exemption credit. Text of Ballot Item
Insurance premiums (Measure 42)
This measure would prohibit insurance companies from using credit score or "credit worthiness" in calculating rates or premiums. Text of Ballot Item
Judicial elections (Measure 40)
This measure would require Oregon Supreme Court judges and Court of Appeals judges to be elected by district. Text of Ballot Item
Legislative term limits (Measure 45)
This measure would limit state legislators to six years as representative, eight years as senator, and fourteen years in the Legislature. Text of Ballot Item
Parental notification for minors seeking abortion (Measure 43)
This measure would require 48-hour notice to parents before a minor can receive an abortion Text of Ballot Item
Prescription drug purchasing (Measure 44)
This measure would allow any Oregon resident without prescription drug coverage to participate in the Oregon Prescription Drug Program. Text of Ballot Item
Spending cap (Measure 48)
This measure would limit the biennial percentage increase in state spending to the percentage increase in state population, plus the rate of inflation. Text of Ballot Item
Pennsylvania
Veterans’ compensation fund (act No. 29)
The referendum asks voters to decide whether the state should borrow $20 million to establish a fund to compensate state residents who served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, were taken prisoner in the war, and who remain survivors of those killed in the war. Text of Ballot Item
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Rhode Island
Bond issues (questions 4-9)
There are six separate bond issues on the Rhode Island ballot. The first (Question 4 on the ballot) authorizes borrowing $72.8 million through the sale of bonds to fund construction of new facilities at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. The second (Question 5) authorizes borrowing $88.5 million through the sale of bonds to fund public transportation facilities. The third (Question 6) authorizes borrowing $11 million through the sale of bonds to upgrade facilities at the Providence Zoo. The fourth (Question 7) authorizes borrowing $4 million through the sale of bonds to renovate Fort Adams State Park in Newport. The fifth (Question 8) authorizes borrowing $3 million through the sale of bonds to fund the Local Recreation Development Program. The sixth (Question 9) authorizes borrowing $50 million through the sale of bonds to finance construction of affordable housing. Text of Ballot Item
Budget (question three)
This measure would increase funding of state’s reserve account, also known as the “rainy day fund.” Text of Ballot Item
Restoration of voting rights (question two)
This measure would restore convicted felon’s right to vote once he or she is released from prison. Text of Ballot Item
Tribal casino (H 8132)
This measure would amend the Rhode Island Constitution to permit a privately owned and privately operated resort casino, selected by competitive process, and regulated and taxed by the state. Text of Ballot Item
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South Carolina
Eminent domain (Statewide Constitutional Amendment 2)
This measure would add language to the South Carolina Constitution prohibiting exercise of the power of eminent domain for any use that is not a public use, including economic development. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to enact laws allowing eminent domain to be used to remedy blight if just compensation is paid. Text of Ballot Item
General Assembly procedures (Statewide Constitutional Amendment 3)
This measure provides for altering the South Carolina Constitution to allow either House of the General Assembly to recede for no more than 30 days at a time with a majority vote, or to recede for more than 30 days at a time with a two-thirds vote. Text of Ballot Item
Property taxes (Statewide Constitutional Amendment 5)
This measure provides for altering the South Carolina Constitution to limit increases in the value of a parcel of property for the purpose of property taxes. Property taxes would be capped at 15 percent every five years after the property has been adjusted. Text of Ballot Item
Same-sex marriage (Statewide Constitutional Amendment 1)
This measure would add language to the South Carolina Constitution stating that marriage between one man and one woman "is the only lawful domestic union that is valid or recognized in this state." The proposed amendment would also make it clear "that the state or its political subdivisions may not create any other domestic union and may not recognize a domestic union created by any other jurisdiction." Text of Ballot Item
State retirement investing (Statewide Constitutional Amendment 4)
This measure provides for altering the constitution to allow South Carolina’s retirement systems to invest in all stocks, not just publicly traded stocks and stocks of companies based in the United States. Text of Ballot Item
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South Dakota
Abortion ban repeal (Referred Law 6)
This measure would repeal the state's strict new ban on abortion (HB 1215) passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Mike Rounds on March 6. Text of Ballot Item
Judicial Accountability Initiative Law (J.A.I.L.) (Constitutional Amendment E)
This measure would subject public officials to fines or imprisonment, and strip them of public insurance coverage and up to one-half of their retirement benefits, for making decisions which break rules defined by a panel of 13 volunteers. Text of Ballot Item
Legislative pay and procedures (Constitutional Amendment F)
This measure would amend provisions of the South Dakota Constitution governing pay and procedures of the Legislature. It would also remove a Congressional term limit, which the federal courts have found unconstitutional. Text of Ballot Item
Medical marijuana (Initiated Measure 4)
This measure would legalize medical use of marijuana in South Dakota. However, persons covered by the proposed law would still be subject to federal prosecution for violation of federal drug control laws. Text of Ballot Item
Property tax assessment (Constitutional Amendment D)
This measure would revise of provisions of the South Dakota Constitution governing how property tax assessments are made. Text of Ballot Item
Same-sex marriage (Constitutional Amendment C)
This measure would reinforce a statutory ban on non-traditional marriage by adding language to the South Dakota Constitution that would also ban it. The proposed language would also prohibit the state legislature from allowing or recognizing civil unions, domestic partnerships or other quasi-marital relationships between two or more persons regardless of sex. Text of Ballot Item
School terms (Initiated Measure 3)
State law currently allows local school boards to establish the start of a regular school term on any date. This measure would prohibit school boards from establishing the start of a regular school term prior to the last day of August. Text of Ballot Item
State aircraft (Initiated Measure 5)
This measure would require aircraft owned or leased by the state to be used only for state business, with no exceptions. Text of Ballot Item
Telecommunications tax repeal (Initiated Measure 8)
This measure would repeal the 4 percent tax on wireless telecommunications services. Text of Ballot Item
Tobacco tax (Initiated Measure 2)
This measure would sharply increase taxes on tobacco products and provides that resulting revenue be divided between general fund, tobacco prevention fund, property tax reduction fund, education enhancement trust fund, and the health care trust fund. Text of Ballot Item
Video lottery repeal (Initiated Measure 7)
This measure would repeal state laws allowing and regulating video lottery machines. Text of Ballot Item
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Tennessee
Property tax relief (constitutional amendment No. 2 )
This measure would allow, but not require, the legislature to implement a property tax relief program for those 65 and older. Text of Ballot Item
Same-sex marriage (constitutional amendment No. 1)
This measure would add language to the Tennessee Constitution stating "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 judicial interpretation that defines marriage in any other form shall be void and unenforceable" in Tennessee, 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." Text of Ballot Item
Utah
Property tax exemption (constitutional amendment No. 1)
This measure would amend the Utah Constitution to authorize the Legislature to pass a law creating a property tax exemption for tangible personal property. Text of Ballot Item
Virginia
Certificates of incorporation (amendment No. 2)
This measure would remove an obsolete constitutional provision, struck down by a court in 2002, that enabled the state to withhold certificates of incorporation from certain churches. Text of Ballot Item
Real estate taxes (amendment No. 3)
This measure would authorize the legislature to give local governments the ability to provide tax relief incentives for certain types of real estate to encourage development. Text of Ballot Item
Same-sex marriage (HJR 41)
This measure would add language to the Virginia Constitution stating 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." The proposed amendment would also forbid the state and its political subdivisions to create or recognize "a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage," i.e. civil unions. Text of Ballot Item
Washington
Energy conservation (Initiative 937)
This measure would require utilities with 25,000 or more customers to meet energy conservation targets. Utilities not meeting targets would pay penalties to the state to be used for the purchase of renewable energy credits or certain energy conservation purposes. Text of Ballot Item
Estate tax repeal (Initiative 920)
This measure would repeal Washington’s estate tax, which now applies to estates with a taxable value of more than $2 million. Text of Ballot Item
Property rights (Initiative 933)
This measure would require compensation when government regulation damages the use or value of private property, and forbid regulations that prohibit existing legal uses of private property. Text of Ballot Item
Property tax exemption (HJR 4223)
This measure would authorize the Legislature to increase the personal property tax exemption for taxable personal property owned by each “head of a family” from $3,000 to $15,000. Text of Ballot Item
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Wisconsin
Death penalty (SJR 5)
This measure is a non-binding question that asks whether the death penalty should be applied in Wisconsin for cases involving multiple counts of first-degree murder and confirmed with DNA evidence. Text of Ballot Item
Same-sex marriage (Question 1)
This measure would add language to the Wisconsin Constitution stating 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 recognized in this state.” Text of Ballot Item
Wyoming
Creation of permanent funds (Constitutional Amendment C)
This measure would authorize creation of permanent funds for two purposes: higher education scholarships and improving the quality of higher education. Text of Ballot Item
Permanent mineral trust fund (Constitutional Amendment A)
This measure would clarify that all monies deposited in the Permanent Wyoming Mineral Trust Fund are inviolate permanent funds of the state. Text of Ballot Item
School funding equalization (Constitutional Amendment B)
The Wyoming Supreme Court has held that school funding must be equalized among all school districts in the state. Adoption of this amendment would repeal current limitation on the amount of property tax revenues that may be redistributed through the School Foundation Program Account from school districts with greater property tax revenues to other school districts in the state. Text of Ballot Item
