Prop 41

Nullifies state taxes enacted after January 1, 2026 that exempt their revenues from voter-approved state spending limit. Requires pre-election and recurring audits of programs funded by new special taxes. 

Fiscal Impact: The net fiscal effect is unknown as it depends on future decisions by voters, the Legislature, and other policymakers. 

Supporters: CA Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPAs); CalAsian Chamber of Commerce; California Taxpayers Association (CalTax) 

Opponents: US Senator Bernie Sanders; SEIU United Healthcare Workers West

WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS

YES
A YES vote on this measure means: When special taxes are proposed by voter initiatives, the California State Auditor would review programs funded by the tax before the initiative appears on the ballot. The California State Auditor also would regularly review programs funded by special taxes approved by voters or the Legislature. In addition, the state might not be able to exclude any new special tax spending from its spending limit.

NO
A NO vote on this measure means: The California State Auditor’s responsibility to review government programs would not change. The state spending limit requirements would not change.

ARGUMENTS

PRO
Californians deserve better results for our taxes. Billions have flowed into programs like homelessness, with too little to show for it. Prop. 41 requires the independent State Auditor to conduct PUBLIC AUDITS of programs funded by new taxes—so we get more transparency, more accountability and better outcomes for taxpayers.

CON
Prop. 41 isn’t really about audits—it’s a billionaire-funded trick designed to undo the California Billionaire Tax. Billionaires would rather millions of Californians lose healthcare than pay a modest tax on their extreme wealth. Don’t fall for the billionaires’ lies. Vote NO on 41.