November 6
The proposed initiative has the following major features: longer prison terms, longer and more intensive parole supervision, annual driver’s license renewal for sex registrants, increased fines, new crime, internet-based public access to the Megan’s Law database, expanded definition of a sexually violent predator.
October 23
This measure would require physicians to notify at least one of the parents or legal guardians of a pregnant unemancipated minor prior to performing an abortion unless (1) a medical emergency makes an immediate abortion necessary or (2) a juvenile court has granted a waiver of this requirement.
October 1
This measure provides additional state funding for community mental health programs, in addition to state funding currently appropriated for this same purpose, by establishing a PIT surcharge of 1 percent on taxable incomes in excess of $1 million. The PIT surcharge would be levied on all tax filers beginning January 1, 2005.
September 19
The measure requires that each state entity post on its Web site, at the close of each business day, any expenditures and revenues credited to that entity on that day. These postings would include relevant names, dates, and amounts of each transaction. The measure would also require the State Controller’s Office, in consultation with the State Treasurer’s Office and the Department of Finance, to adopt guidelines and procedures to standardize the financial information reported by state entities on the Internet.
September 12
Specifies maximum allowable class sizes in public schools for grades K-12. Specifically, the initiative requires that class size be no larger than 15 students for grades K-3, 20 students for grades 4 through 8, and 25 students for grades 9 through 12.
August 19
This measure would enact the Voluntary Health Plan Arbitration Act of 2004, which would prohibit HMOs from requiring, as a condition of plan membership, that potential enrollees agree to binding arbitration or any other dispute procedure that requires enrollees to waive the right to a trial in court. The same prohibition would apply to all contracts for health or disability insurance, including PPOs.
July 9
This statutory measure amends the Penal Code to prohibit the housing of a calf raised for veal or a pregnant farm pig in an enclosure too small for the animal to turn around. The measure also prohibits the tethering of these animals in a manner that prevents them from turning around. The measure authorizes a separate misdemeanor charge for the unlawful confinement or tethering of each animal. The measure allows for specified exceptions to its provisions. Specifically, the measure does not apply to county fairs or during medical procedures or examinations. The measure also allows pigs to be housed in this manner during the seven-day period prior to the expected date of giving birth. The measure would become effective on January 1, 2008.