Proposition 54: Legislature, Legislation and Proceedings

The voting information below is from the Secretary of State website:

Prohibits Legislature from passing any bill unless it has been in print and published on the Internet for at least 72 hours before the vote, except in cases of public emergency. Requires the Legislature to make audiovisual recordings of all its proceedings, except closed session proceedings, and post them on the Internet. Authorizes any person to record legislative proceedings by audio or video means, except closed session proceedings. Allows recordings of legislative proceedings to be used for any legitimate purpose, without payment of any fee to the State. 

A Yes Vote Means 

A YES vote on this measure means: Any bill (including changes to the bill) would have to be made available to legislators and posted on the Internet for at least 72 hours before the Legislature could pass it. The Legislature would have to ensure that its public meetings are recorded and make videos of those meetings available on the Internet.

A No Vote Means 

A NO vote on this measure means: Rules and duties of the Legislature would not change.

Pro Argument 

Prop. 54 stops special-interest, surprise legislation from passing either legislative house without 72 hours for review. Prop. 54 posts all the Legislature's public meetings online, so voters can review legislators' public actions. A bipartisan coalition of good–government, taxpayer, minority, business, and environmental groups backs Prop. 54. Requires no new tax money.

Read more about Yes on 54—Voters First, Not Special Interests, Sponsored by Hold Politicians Accountable.

Con Argument 

A NO vote continues free Internet & TV access for any California citizen to see how laws are made. A NO vote also prevents special interests like tobacco, oil, and drug companies from delaying passage of state laws. A NO vote also limits political "attack" ads.'

Read more about No on Proposition 54 here - Californians for an Effective Legislature.