California Proposition 54 (2003)

From Ballotpedia

California Proposition 54 was on the October 7, 2003 special election ballot in California. It was defeated, with 36.1% of voters in favor.

Text of the proposal

The language that appeared on the ballot:

Effective January 1, 2005, prohibits state, local governments from using race, ethnicity, color or national origin to classify current or prospective students, contractors, or employees in public education, contracting or employment operations. Does not prohibit classification by sex. Prohibition also covers persons subject to other operations of government unless Legislature finds compelling state interest, authorizes by two-thirds of each house, and Governor approves. "Classifying" defined as separating, sorting, or organizing persons or personal data. Exemptions include: law enforcement descriptions; prisoner and undercover assignments; action taken to maintain federal funding. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: This measure would have a major fiscal impact of annual state savings potentially ranging from several million dollars in excess of $10 million beginning in 2015.

Campaign finance fine levied in 2008

In September 2008, the Fair Political Practices Commission levied an $8,000 fine against the "No on 54" committee, the group that opposed Proposition 54, for failure to file a timely campaign finance report with details on $90,282 in contributions.^[1]