California Proposition 218 (1996)

Proposition 218 was a proposition in the state of California on the November 5, 1996 ballot. Prop 218 significantly changed local government finance.

Prop 218 amended the California Constitution (Articles XIIIC and XIIID) which, as it relates to assessments, requires the local government to have a vote of the affected property owners for any proposed new or increased assessment before it could be levied. The Proposition was passed by California voters on November 5, 1996, and the assessments portion placed in effect on July 1, 1997.

In the past, the local government agencies were not required to obtain ballot approval from the property owners before levying street lighting assessments; only council approval was required, even if there were significant protests. Government agencies affected by Proposition 218 are counties, cities, and special districts.

See also

*Property tax

External links

* [http://www.publiclawnews.com/public_law_news/2006/07/california_supr_1.html Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency v. Verjil]
* [http://www.lao.ca.gov/1996/120196_prop_218/understanding_prop218_1296.html Understanding Prop 218 from the Legislative Analyst's Office]
* [http://www.lacity.org/BSL/prop218.htm FAQ from the City of Los Angeles]
* [http://ca.lwv.org/lwvc.files/engpc/p218.htm League of Women Voters analysis]