California State Capitol. (Photo: Kevin Sanders for California Globe)
Frequently Asked Questions about California Bills with Different Vote Requirements
Which bills require a 3/4 vote?
By Chris Micheli, May 30, 2024 2:30 am
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.
