Anticipating budget shortfalls in the current year and in coming years, the Legislature has introduced several bond measures to fund both existing programs and new priorities. These measures largely focus on environmental and resources policy, but one measure proposed by the Governor would make major changes to state & local homelessness and mental health spending. As bond measures, each proposal would require approval by two-thirds of the Legislature, the Governor’s signature, and ultimately, voter approval.
Here is a summary of key measures introduced so far:
Senate Bill 867 (Allen, D – Santa Monica) - Would enact the Drought, Flood, and Water Resilience, Wildfire and Forest Resilience, Coastal Resilience, Extreme Heat Mitigation, Biodiversity and Nature-Based Climate Solutions, Climate Smart Agriculture, Park Creation and Outdoor Access, and Clean Energy Bond Act of 2024, which would authorize the issuance of bonds in a currently unspecified amount, but expected to be up to $15,500,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. This measure proposes financing projects for drought, flood, and water resilience, wildfire and forest resilience, coastal resilience, extreme heat mitigation, biodiversity and nature-based climate solutions, climate smart agriculture, park creation and outdoor access , and clean energy programs. This measure would be placed on the ballot in a (currently unspecified) future statewide election.
Assembly Bill 305 (Villapudua, D – Stockton) - Would enact the California Flood Protection Bond Act of 2024 which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $4,500,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law for flood protection projects. This measure would be placed on the ballot in the November 5, 2024, statewide General Election.
Assembly Bill 1567 (E. Garcia, D - Imperial) - Would enact the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparation, Flood Protection, Extreme Heat Mitigation, and Workforce Development Bond Act of 2023, 2024, which would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $15,105,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. The measure proposed financing of projects for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, drought preparation, flood protection, extreme heat mitigation, and workforce development programs. This measure would be placed on the ballot in the March 5, 2024, statewide Primary Election.
Assembly Bill 408 (Wilson, D – Suisan City) - Would enact the Climate-resilient Farms, Sustainable Healthy Food Access, and Farmworker Protection Bond Act of 2024, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $3,365,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. This measure proposed financing programs related to, among other things, agricultural lands, food and fiber infrastructure, climate resilience, agricultural professionals, including farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers, workforce development and training, air quality, tribes, disadvantaged communities, nutrition, food aid, meat processing facilities, and fishing facilities. This measure would be placed on the ballot for the November 5, 2024, statewide General Election.
For more information, please contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Sidd Nag.