District elections: initiatives.

Senator Pérez's initiative to modify California's Elections Code expands the ability of voters to directly impose transportation-related sales taxes through ballot measures in qualifying districts. The legislation permits voters in districts already authorized to levy transportation-focused transactions and use taxes to establish such taxes via initiative, provided the rates do not exceed limits previously approved for district governing bodies.

The measure requires that any voter-initiated tax proposal incorporate the same spending restrictions and accountability provisions that apply to governing body-enacted taxes, including transportation expenditure plans. These requirements maintain consistency between voter initiatives and board-approved measures while preserving existing oversight mechanisms. The bill's authors note this amendment implements constitutional guarantees regarding local tax initiatives under Article XIII C of the California Constitution.

As the legislation may increase administrative responsibilities for county elections officials, it includes provisions for state reimbursement of associated costs through established statutory channels. The Commission on State Mandates will evaluate whether the changes constitute state-mandated expenses requiring compensation to local agencies and school districts.