Proposition 50

Members of the Legislature: Suspension

Proposition 50 would amend the state constitution to authorize the Assembly and Senate to suspend a member of either house of the Legislature in event of wrongdoing. The measure would prohibit the legislator from performing any of the duties of their office. Salary and benefits could also be withheld during the suspension.

Official Election Results:

Yes votes: 3,766,852 [75.3%]

No votes: 1,238,521 [24.7%]

There are a number of ways in which the state Senate and Assembly can currently discipline legislators accused of wrongdoing.  The Senate or Assembly can expel a legislator if a majority of Assembly or Senate members vote to do so. Expulsion means the legislator is no longer a member of the Assembly or Senate and he/she would no longer receive a salary or benefits.

Currently, suspended legislators are able to keep their office and receive salary and benefits but are barred from participating in legislative actions.



Proposition 50 would amend the State Constitution by adding provisions addressing the requirements to suspend legislators and it increases the penalty that accompanies suspension.

The measure would require a two-thirds vote of the Assembly or Senate to suspend a legislator. Currently, only a majority vote is required for suspension. Proposition 50 would allow the Assembly or Senate to halt a legislator’s pay and benefits during the suspension. Each house would have discretion on stopping pay and benefits for part or all of the suspension. 

The Hoover Institution Golden State Poll of May 4 - 16, 2016 (see p. 16)



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Official CA Documents

Official Voter Information Guide 

Campaign Finance Information 

Cal-Access 

Check out how much money is being raised and spent to pass or defeat this measure, and where the money is coming from.

Cal-Access Ballot Measure Summary Data Search 

Select "Primary 07 June 2016" and "Proposition 050" from the drop-down menus. Cal-Access provides financial information supplied by state candidates, donors, lobbyists, and others.

Nonpartisan Analyses

Ballotpedia 

League of Women Voters: Pros & Cons

Non-Partisan

Opponents

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Proposition 50: Suspension of Legislators Amendment (California)