California Assembly passes two bills to deter frivolous ballot measures

[Newsjock]

Source: Los Angeles Times

Amid outrage over a proposed initiative that calls for the execution of gays and lesbians, the California Assembly on Tuesday passed two bills to discourage outlandish ballot measures.

One would increase the $200 filing fee for potential ballot initiatives to $8,000. Another would allow the state attorney general to include a disclaimer in initiative petitions when a proposed measure would be likely to result in a violation of individuals' constitutional rights.

Most Republican lawmakers opposed both bills, arguing that they are an attack on California's system of direct democracy, in which citizens can petition to change the law if the Legislature refuses.


Read more: http://www.latimes.com/local/politics/la-me-pol-legislature-20150527-story.html

[malthaussen]

1. Disclaimer seems like a good idea,

... although bog knows, if the voters can't tell if a proposal is likely to violate rights, then they shouldn't be voting.

Raising the fee seems like a bad idea. It would equally affect frivolous and serious proposals, and make the latter more costly. A jump from $200.00 to $8,000.00 is pretty significant for poorer individuals and groups, but would have no affect on wealthy idiots, of which California is amply supplied.

-- Mal

[cstanleytech]

8. 8000 isn't that bad though as if someone truly has a good bill they

shouldn't have to much trouble raising it by getting some support from other people to raise the money.

[NV Whino]

2. $8000 is a bad idea

It won't stop the rich idiots. It will deter the grass roots, which is why the law was instigated in the first place.

The disclaimer won't hurt, and may help, because God knows there are idiots who will vote for "kill the gays" type bills.

[CreekDog]

10. it costs money to run an initiative

even grass roots initiatives aren't run for free.

[NV Whino]

13. I think raising the cost is a good idea

But $8000 is too much. Maybe $800 is a good number.

[Throd]

3. First idea sucks. Second one makes sense.

[CreekDog]

11. do you really think someone can gather enough signatures for an initiative without $8000?

in California.

[GGJohn]

4. First idea is really, really bad and I don't see the CA. courts upholding it,

OTOH, the second idea is good.

[Iggo]

5. First one hurts poor people. Second one hurts nobody but people trying to pull a fast one.

[SoapBox]

6. Just do something!

[broadcaster75201]

7. The Prop system is mob rule

I hate it. It does nothing good. Get rid of it. All it is anymore is Special Interests and competing television ads.

This is no "grass roots democracy". To vote for it you don't have to think about it or worry about it's consequences in light of existing laws. You are not responsible to the voters.

Get rid of it now.

[d_legendary1]

9. I'll say. Here in Florida we're changing laws every election cycle

followed by all those ads that tell you that the proposal will help you in some way (which it won't).

[Comrade Grumpy]

12. Otherwise known as direct democracy.

Initiative and referendum is a tool. It can be used for good or bad, like anything else.

If not for the initiative process, marijuana would still be illegal everywhere.

I think initiative and referendum is especially valuable when legislators refuse to act on important issues.

[Recursion]

14. The worst bit is how it lets a majority require a supermajority to repeal the law

That was so much of the tax base problems: 51% of California's voters voted to require 67% of California's voters to approve a tax increase.