Last night the Senate and Assembly passed AB1260 and AB1265 which would pull Proposition 18 -- The Safe Clean Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010, the $11 billion water bond off the November ballot. Polling showed the measure was losing for various reasons including total amount, pork barrel projects, lack of specific projects such as alternative conveyance in the delta, and environmental opposition. The vote was controversial as some legislators wanted to keep it on the ballot so it could be defeated.
The measure also postponed the Water Bond to the November 2012 election. This also can be changed by a future legislature action. The discussion also indicated a desire by some to make significant changes to the bond before the next election. Any changes would require a 2/3 vote and could be a problem based on the difficulty in getting a 2/3 vote for the existing form of the bond. The bills await signature by the Governor who has indicated that he would sign them.
Dick Ackerman has 35 years of experience in corporate, real estate, and business law and is a former California State Senator, State Assemblyman, City Councilman, and mayor. He can be reached at 949.833.7800 or dackerman@nossaman.com.