Spotlight on California

 The nonprofit, nonpartisan Voter Guide was made possible in part by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation.

MapLight announces the launch of a new Voter Guide, available in both English and Spanish, profiling California's ballot propositions. The MapLight Voter Guide provides journalists and voters with a snapshot view of each proposition's summary information—what a 'YES' or a 'NO' vote would mean, the projected financial impact of the proposition, campaign arguments by proponents and opponents—and campaign finance data—money raised for and against a proposition and a top 10 list of contributors for and against. In coming weeks the Voter Guide will be expanded to include endorsements, news, editorials, and advertisements. Read more here.

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Below is a table of initiatives and referenda currently in circulation (but not yet qualified for the ballot) as of January 11, 2012, compiled by the California Secretary of State.

Sep 12, 2011 - The California Senate voted down a bill (AB 375) last week that would have made it easier for hospital workers to collect workers compensation for certain ailments including blood-borne illnesses. Republicans were united in opposition to the measure, and just enough Democrats joined them or did not vote for the bill to fail.

August 30, 2011 - A bill (AB 52) that would allow a state government board to regulate changes in health insurance rates was passed on Aug. 25, 2011 by the Senate Appropriations Committee and awaits a Senate floor vote before the end of the legislative session. The measure was supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the California Teachers Association, and AARP and opposed by Blue Shield of California, UnitedHealth Group, and the California Chamber of Commerce.

July 18, 2011 - On July 14, the California Assembly cleared SB 168 by a vote of 48-28. The measure would make it illegal for a person to pay or to receive money or any other thing of value based on the number of signatures obtained on a state or local initiative, referendum, or recall petition. The measure passed both chambers and is being sent to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature.