Republicans in the California State Assembly proposed a constitutional amendment on Wednesday that would reinforce higher voter thresholds for some local tax measures placed on the ballot by citizens.
The constitutional amendment is a response to a state Supreme Court decision this week that opened the possibility of passing some local tax measures by a simple majority vote.
"The court’s decision opens up a loophole for special interests to pass taxes and subverts these taxpayers' protections," said Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley.
The court's ruling questioned the reach of Proposition 218, passed by voters in 1996. The ballot measure placed certain restrictions on local initiatives that seek to raise taxes for specific purposes, such as funding a new train line or park.
Those requirements include the need for the approval of two-thirds of local voters.