In a unanimous decision, the California Supreme Court ruled to block a proposed ballot measure that aimed to limit new taxes. 

“We typically review constitutional challenges to an initiative after an election in order to avoid disrupting the electoral process and the exercise of the franchise,” the ruling stated. “But preelection review is proper for challenges that go to the power of the electorate to adopt the proposal in the first instance.”

The ballot measure, which was placed on the ballot through the signature-gathering process, would have required voter approval for any new taxes or tax increases. Proponents argued it was necessary to restrain government taxation powers and promote fiscal responsibility. In a state where taxes are constantly on the rise, this measure would have, at the very least, required tax increases to be approved by taxpayers themselves. 

Governor Gavin Newsom, argued however, that it violated the state constitution by infringing on the legislature’s authority to set tax policy. The Supreme Court’s decision sided with these arguments, leading to the measure being blocked from appearing on the ballot.

To read more, see the link below:

https://www.kqed.org/news/11991285/california-ballot-measure-to-limit-new-taxes-is-blocked-by-supreme-court