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Legislative Committee
The following is for study only and has NOT been approved by the Legislative Committee, Executive Committee, or Board of Directors.
Issue:
What position should C.A.R.
take on the ballot propositions on the February 2008
ballot?
Action:
Necessary, if C.A.R. wishes to
take positions on the November 4, 2008 ballot propositions.
Option:
C.A.R. Ballot Position
Options:
1. FOR: This ballot measure is
consistent with C.A.R. policy and its passage would be beneficial to the
real estate industry.
2. AGAINST: This ballot measure conflicts with C.A.R. policy and its passage could have a harmful effect on the real estate industry.
3. NEUTRAL: This ballot measure may be real estate related, but C.A.R. has chosen not to take a position.
4. NOT REAL ESTATE RELATED: This ballot measure may be significant, but is deemed to not be related to property or real estate transactions.
PROPOSITION NUMBER PENDING: The California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. Statute.
Summary:
This measure requires farm animals (i.e. veal calves, egg-laying hens, and pregnant pigs) be given enough space in their enclosures to fully extend their limbs or wings, lie down, stand up, and turn around. The proposition provides an exception to the enclosure requirement for transportation to rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes. A violation of this statute would result in misdemeanor penalties, including a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 180 days.
Pro: Proponents argue that this measure will alleviate cruelty to farm animals.
Con: Opposition to this measure has yet to register with the Secretary of State?s Office.
Position: ___ FOR ___AGAINST ___NEUTRAL ___NOT REAL ESTATE RELATED
PROPOSITION NUMBER PENDING: Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century.
Summary: This measure would enact the Safe, Reliable High-Speed Train Bond Act for the 21st Century to provide $9.95 billion in general obligation bonds to fund the planning and construction of a high-speed passenger (bullet) train system and improvements to other rail systems in the state. $9 billion would be used in conjunction with available federal funds for the purpose of funding the planning and construction of a high-speed train system in this state pursuant to the business plan of the High-Speed Rail Authority. $950 million of the bond proceeds would be available for capital projects on other passenger rail lines to provide connections to the high-speed train system, capacity enhancements and safety improvements to those lines. The initial network would run from San Francisco to Los Angeles, with the initial network from the Bay Area to Southern California possibly in operation by 2008. The measure defines a "high-speed train" as a passenger train capable of sustained operating speeds of at least 200 miles per hour, and establishes a separate definition for "high-speed train system" as a system with high-speed trains, including, right-of-way, track, power system, rolling stock, stations and associated facilities.
Pro: Proponents of the measure foresee a 700-mile high speed train system extending from San Diego to the Bay Area and Sacramento, serving the major metropolitan centers of the state. Increasing congestion and security considerations in air travel, impediments to airport expansion and related ground access requirements will increase the need for the development and expansion of alternative means of transportation and travel. The proponents foresee a high-speed train system that will provide a new mode of travel that links the major metropolitan areas of the state; connections to international airports, mass transit, and the highway network; provides added capacity to meet increases in intercity travel demand in California; and a rail system that would be constructed in a manner sensitive to, and protective of, California's unique natural resources.
Con: Opposition to this measure has yet to register with the Secretary of State?s Office.
NOTE: The C.A.R. Board of Directors, at its September 2005 Meetings, voted to take a "NOT REAL ESTATE RELATED" position. AB 713 of 2006 provides that the Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century removed the proposition from the November 7, 2006, General Election ballot and it is now scheduled to appear on the November 4, 2008, General Election ballot.
Position: ___ FOR ___AGAINST ___NEUTRAL _X_NOT REAL ESTATE RELATED
