On December 22nd, California Attorney General Jerry Brown’s office released the Title and Summary of the two Constitutional Convention ballot measures.

PROPOSITION 1

ALLOWS VOTERS TO PLACE QUESTION OF CALLING A CONSTITUTIONAL
CONVENTION ON THE BALLOT.  INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Amends the Constitution to permit voters to place on the ballot the question of whether to call a convention to revise the state Constitution.  Permits any ballot measure calling a convention to specify the parts of the Constitution that the convention can or cannot revise.  Requires any ballot measure calling a convention to specify the process for selection of convention delegates. Repeals requirement that convention delegates be elected by voters.  Permits voters to call a convention no more than once every ten years.  Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government:  No direct fiscal impact, as any effect would depend on whether and how voters used the power to call and accept the recommendations of a constitutional convention in the future.  Potentially major fiscal changes in state and local governments could result.

PROPOSITION 2

CALLS A LIMITED CONVENTION TO PROPOSE CHANGES TO STATE
CONSTITUTION.  INITIATIVE STATUTE.

Calls convention to propose changes to state Constitution related to government, state spending and budgeting, elections and lobbying. Provides that proposed changes to constitution or laws become effective only after approved by voters in statewide election.  Forbids changes to taxes or fees, marriage, abortion, gambling, affirmative action, freedom of the press or religion, immigration rights, and the death penalty. Establishes rules for selecting convention delegates to reflect a diverse range of citizens. Requires selection of delegates and conduct of convention to be open and public.  Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government:  One-time increase of state government spending up to $95 million to administer a constitutional convention.  Potentially major changes in state and local governments if voters approve the convention’s recommendations, including higher or lower revenues or greater or less
spending on particular public programs.