Capitol Update July 16, 2020

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PROPOSITION 18 – This ballot measure allows 17-year-old citizens to register to vote, and to cast a ballot if they turn 18 prior to the election itself.  This ballot amends Section 2 of Article II of the California Constitution. Those in favor include Kevin Mullin (D-22) and Californika Association of Student Councils.  In opposition is the Election Integrity Project California, Inc.  

The argument for the prop is these citizens would be 18 and eligible before they vote.  Argument against is they are still in school as seniors and have not had experience of issues and are under the direction of teachers and possibly family. There has been no money raised on either the “for” or “against” group. 
It should be noted that 18 other states have this law.  
 

PROPOSITION 21 – Rent Control  This measure amends the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act which was passed in 1995 and allowed local governments to have rent control, except on housing that was first occupied after 02/02/1995 and housing with distinct titles such as condos, townhouses or single family.  This proposition would allow local jurisdictions to establish rent control on residential properties up to 15% over 3 years from previous tenant’s rent above any increase allowed by local ordinance.  In accordance with California law, provides that rent-control policies may not violate landlords’ right to a fair financial return on their property.  

In 2018 the voters rejected Proposition 10 by 52% which would have allowed local governments to adopt rent control on any type of rental housing.  AB 1482 was signed by Governor Newsom which controls rents by capping annual rent increases by 5% plus inflation.  This bill includes exemptions for housing built in the past 15 years and some single-family homes.  PROPOSITION 21 is not needed since there are already laws that allow local government to enact rent control and there is State-wide legislation.  For more information click HERE.
 

PROPOSITION 22 – App Based Drivers as Contractors & Labor Policies Initiative – This proposition is a result of AB 5, a bill pushed by the unions.  The goal was to eliminate contract workers by making them employees.  App drivers were not the only affected industry.  The Screen Writers Guild and the Trucking Association, just to name a few of the industries that have sued; as did Uber and Lyft.  Many attempts were made during this legislative session to amend the bill to exempt certain workers.  Other examples of affected workers include people who work for Park & Recreation agencies that provide classes such as dance for 10 weeks.  They are contract employees, but it is not clear in the legislation if they need to be employees.  Contract workers like writers and truck drivers, work on a project by project basis and prefer contract work.    Because of the constraints of the virus, most of these bills are dead until next year.  

Uber, Lyft and DoorDash had the money to gather signatures to have this ballot measure so the companies could continue to operate with contract employees.  This Proposition would enact labor and wage policies specific to app-based drivers and companies with minimum wage requirements and 30 cents a mile, limited hours during a 24-hour period, health care, occupational accident, and life insurance.

Those in favor have raised $110,693,520, in opposition $690,000.  Those in opposition include The Coalition to Protect Riders & Drivers, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren and the California Labor Federation and Transport Workers of America (Cab drivers). Those in favor are the Lyft, Uber and DoorDash employees.