This initiative would require doctors to notify a minor's parent or legal guardian 48 hours before performing an abortion. Parental consent is not required, only a 48-hour waiting period. The minor can apply for a waiver from a judge, and a physician may perform an abortion without notification in a medical emergency. The initiative also requires that physicians report abortions, and that the State compile statistics.
In his State of the State speech in January 2005, Gov. Schwarzenegger announced an ambitious set of reforms for education in California (see IGS Hot Topic, California Education Funding). Two initiatives on the Nov. 8 special election ballot carry forward aspects of this plan: the teacher tenure and school funding initiatives. Under current law teachers can become tenured after two years probation. The new proposal would extend the probation period to five years and expand the conditions under which permanent employees may be dismissed. Critics of the proposal claim it is an attack on teachers and will create teacher shortages in an already small pool of educators. Supporters of the proposition claim it will eliminate bad teachers who hide behind the tenure system and boost students' academic achievement.
Proposition 75 would prohibit the use of public employee union dues for political contributions without prior consent from individual employees. The measure would exclude contributions to charities or to funds which would benefit other employees. Unions would be required to maintain and report member political contributions to the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Proposition 76 would limit state spending to the prior year's level plus three previous years' average revenue growth. The measure would alter the minimum school funding obligation required under Proposition 98. Under specific circumstances, the Governor could choose to reduce budget appropriations.
Proposition 77 on the Nov. 8 2005 special election ballot transfers authority to redraw congressional and legislative district boundaries from the legislature to a panel of retired judges, and requires new districts for the 2006 election.
Proposition 78 and 79 would reduce prices for prescription drug users. One, supported by the pharmaceutical industry, would allow discounted drugs for those in financial need but would allow companies to drop their prices voluntarily. The other, supported by health and consumer groups, would mandate an agreement between the California Department of Health Services and drug companies which would keep drug prices lower for low and middle income prescription drug consumers.
Proposition 78 and 79 would reduce prices for prescription drug users. One, supported by the pharmaceutical industry, would allow discounted drugs for those in financial need but would allow companies to drop their prices voluntarily. The other, supported by health and consumer groups, would mandate an agreement between the California Department of Health Services and drug companies which would keep drug prices lower for low and middle income prescription drug consumers.
This initiative repeals key provisions of the 1996 electricity deregulation and restores authority to regulate rates to the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC). In addition it requires that 20 percent of electricity be from renewable sources by 2010