Prop 50 Explained

Californians have only one ballot proposition to decide on June 7: Proposition 50 – Suspension of Legislators. It would amend the State Constitution to change the way members of the California Senate and Assembly can be disciplined.

How it happened

In 2014, three state senators were accused of felonies and their fellow legislators voted to suspend them. But, because of the way the State Constitution reads, they could not suspend their salaries of over $95,000 a year. That's why members of the Legislature took it upon themselves to write this amendment and put it before the voters.

What would change?

Prop 50 would add new rules to the California Constitution about how to discipline lawmakers. It would require a 2/3 vote of either the Assembly or Senate to suspend one of its members instead of a simple majority, but it would also take away salary and other benefits during the suspension.

Supporters say

It makes sense to suspend a lawmaker who is accused of serious wrongdoing and take away their salary and benefits. They say it’s not clear in the state Constitution that legislators have that authority. Prop 50 would amend the Constitution to make it clear give that legislators do have that right.

Opponents say

Prop 50 is a scam. They believe any lawmakers accused of a serious wrongdoing should be expelled instead of suspended. They claim that the threat of suspension without pay could be used to stifle political opposition.

Impartial Analysis from Legislative Analyst’s Office

This measure amends the State Constitution to add new provisions regarding the suspension of legislators. The provisions address the following issues:

• Higher Vote Requirement to Suspend Legislators. Currently, the Assembly or Senate can suspend one of its members with a majority vote. This measure requires a two-thirds vote of the Assembly or Senate in order to suspend one of its members.
• Allows Suspending Legislators Without Pay and Benefits. Currently, a suspended legislator keeps receiving a state salary and benefits. This measure allows the Assembly or Senate to stop a legislator’s pay and benefits during all or part of a suspension.
• Other Requirements for Suspending Legislators. This measure also (1) prohibits a suspended legislator from voting on laws or taking other actions as a legislator during a suspension, (2) requires the house to describe the reasons for a suspension, and (3) sets rules for when a suspension would end (either on a specific date set by the Assembly or Senate or after two-thirds of the Assembly or Senate votes to end the suspension).

You can read more about Proposition 50 at Voter’s Edge.