Proposition 41 would require California's State Auditor to review programs funded by new or increased special taxes, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO).

Why it matters: CalMatters reports the measure would make new special taxes harder to pass. It could also collide with Prop 40, the one-time billionaire tax on the same ballot.

What it would do

  • Require a one-time audit of any voter initiative proposing a special tax, once backers gather 25% of the needed signatures. A summary would appear in the voter guide.
  • Require each audit to identify ways to cut the program's annual costs by 10%.
  • Audit programs funded by special taxes created after Jan. 1, 2026, every four years.
  • Prohibit new state taxes whose revenue is excluded from the state spending limit.

The Prop 40 conflict

CalMatters reports that if both Prop 40 and Prop 41 pass, the one with more yes votes would take effect, so Prop 41 could nullify the billionaire tax.

Sources: Legislative Analyst's Office; CalMatters.