Would establish minimum requirements for confining certain farm animals and would prohibit sales of meat and egg products from animals confined in a noncomplying manner. Proposition 12 is an initiative statute.
Fiscal Impact: Would result in a potential decrease in state income tax revenues from farm businesses, likely not more than several million dollars annually. State costs would be up to $10 million annually to enforce the measure.
Semi-official results:
Yes: 2,441,772 (59.4%)
No: 1,671,315 (40.6%)
Pro:
Proponents of Proposition 12 argue that confining a baby veal calf, mother pig, or egg-laying hen inside a tiny cage is cruel, and products from these suffering animals threaten food safety. Prop. 12 is endorsed by the ASPCA, Humane Society of the United States, California family farmers and animal shelters, and the Center for Food Safety.
A YES vote on this measure means: There would be new minimum requirements on farmers to provide more space for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal. California businesses would be banned from selling eggs or uncooked pork or veal that came from animals housed in ways that did not meet these requirements.
Con:
Opponents of Proposition 12 argue that it is an outrageous sell-out to the egg industry that betrays animals and voters. Californians already voted to ban cages by 2015. They argue that this "cruel" measure legalizes cages until at least 2022 and gives hens just one square foot of space.
A NO vote on this measure means: Current minimum space requirements for confining egg-laying hens, pregnant pigs, and calves raised for veal would continue to apply. Current ban on businesses in California selling eggs not meeting these space requirements for hens would remain in effect.
Background
State Law Bans Cruelty to Animals. For over a century, the state has had laws banning the mistreatment of animals, including farm animals. For example, anyone who keeps an animal in an enclosed area is required to provide it with an exercise area and give it access to shelter, food, and water. Depending on the specific violation of these requirements, a person could be found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, either of which is punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both.
Proposition 2 (2008) generally prohibits California farmers from housing pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens in cages or crates that do not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. Under Proposition 2, anyone who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor.
A state law passed after Proposition 2 made it illegal for businesses in California to sell eggs that they knew came from hens housed in ways that do not meet Proposition 2’s standards for egg-laying hens.
Proposition 12 Proposal
Creates New Standards for Housing Certain Farm Animals. This measure (Proposition 12) creates new minimum requirements on farmers to provide more space for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal. These requirements, which apply to farm animals raised in California, would be phased in over the next several years. See the LAO Analysis for a full list of new requirements under this measure.
Bans the Sale of Products That Do Not Meet New Housing Standards. The measure also makes it illegal for businesses in California to knowingly sell eggs (including liquid eggs) or uncooked pork or veal that came from animals housed in ways that do not meet the measure’s requirements. This sales ban applies to products from animals raised in California or out-of-state. The sales ban generally does not apply to foods that have eggs, pork, or veal as an ingredient or topping (such as cookie dough and pizza). Violation of the housing requirements or sales ban would be a misdemeanor, and a violation of the sales ban could also be subject to a fine in civil court.
Source: LAO Analysis of Proposition 12
Visit Ballotpedia for summary data from recent polls and links to the complete published polls.
Official California Documents
Prop 12 - California Official Voter Guide
Campaign Finance Information
Voter's Edge Campaign Contributions: Total money raised, size of contributions, and top contributors
Power Search: Access and download data from the Secretary of State's CAL-ACCESS System
Nonpartisan Analysis
Establishes New Standards for Confinement of Certain Farm Animals; Bans Sale of Certain Non-Complying Products. Initiative Statute. Legislative Analyst's Office.
Ballot Measure Guide - Prop 12. Berkeley IGS.
Non-Partisan
"Video Voter Series - Proposition 12" from Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College
"Proposition 12 Explained in Under 1 Minute" from CALMatters