Frequently Asked Questions about California Bills with Different Vote Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions about California Bills with Different Vote Requirements By Chris Micheli

            How many possible vote requirements are there for bills in the California Legislature? There are six possible vote thresholds required for passage of bills in order to enact a statute.

Which bills require a 55% vote? In the 2023 Session, there was one bill that required a 55% vote for passage. Since 1999, there have been 6 bills that require a 55% vote for passage. This higher vote threshold is required for bills amending Prop. 63 from 2016, the Safety for All Act of 2016, which makes it a crime for a person to possess a large-capacity magazine.

Which bills require a 70% vote? In the 2023 Session, there were not any bills that required a 70% vote for passage. Since 1999, there have been 6 bills that require a 70% vote for passage. This higher vote threshold is required for bills amending Prop. 71 from 2004, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act.

Which bills require a 2/3 vote? In the 2023 Session, there were 158 bills that required a 2/3 vote for passage. Since 1999, there have been 6,173 bills that require a 2/3 vote for passage. This higher vote threshold is required for urgency statutes, tax increases, certain appropriations bills, and amendments to certain voter-approved initiatives.

Which bills require a 3/4 vote? In the 2023 Session, there were not any bills that required a ¾ vote for passage. Since 1999, there have been 2 bills that require a ¾ vote for passage. This higher vote threshold is required for bills amending Prop. 9 from 2008.

Which bills require a 4/5 vote? In the 2023 Session, there were not any bills that required a 4/5 vote for passage. Since 1999, there have been 10 bills that require a 4/5 vote for passage. This higher vote threshold is required for bills amending Prop. 117 from 1990, Prop. 99 from 1988, or Prop. 11 in 2018.

Which bills require a majority vote? In the 2023 Session, there were 2,520 bills that required a majority vote for passage. Since 1999, there have been 47,284 bills that require a majority vote for passage. This is the minimum vote requirement specified in Article 4 of the California Constitution.

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