Propositions 98 and 99, both of which are appearing on the ballot in next week’s election, are dueling initiatives designed to modify state law on eminent domain, speakers said during an election forum last Thursday.
The forum, held at the downtown library and hosted by the local chapter of the League of Women Voters, was organized to educate voters on the two initiatives, which voters will decide on in this Tuesday’s primary election.
Both propositions deal with eminent domain — the government’s capacity to take over private property without the owner’s consent. And Proposition 99 is a direct response to Proposition 98, said Linda Davis, who hosted the forum on behalf of the League of Women Voters.
Voters should always take it as an “alert” when there are two propositions on the same issue, Davis said: “It rarely makes sense to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on both.”
If both propositions pass, then the one with more “yes” votes goes into effect.
Prop 98 stops new rent control laws and phases out pre-2007 rent control laws as tenants move. This excludes renters currently living under rent control. The initiative also states that state and local governments are not able to seize property to give to a private owner, or to use in the same manner as the previous owner, or to use its natural resources. Those in support of this proposition include Californians for Property Rights and California Republican Party.
Prop 99 states that governments will be prohibited to seize an owner-occupied home and give it to another property owner for private use and development if the owner has lived there for at least one year. The exception to this would be taking of property for public facilities and public health and safety places. Supporters of this proposition include multiple cities’ chambers of commerce and the League of California Homeowners.
For more information on these and other issues before voters this June 3, visit www.smartvoter.org.
E-mail Nicole Baldocchi at nbaldocchi@mv-voice.com
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