The Senate Local Government Committee convened on July 2, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 699, a proposed legislation aimed at enhancing voter transparency regarding local tax and bond measures. The bill seeks to address the current requirement that limits ballot labels to 75 words, which has been criticized for leading to confusion among voters.

Assemblymember Stephanie introduced AB 699, emphasizing that the bill would allow jurisdictions to direct voters to a voter information guide for a clearer explanation of key financial details. This includes information on the duration of measures and their funding purposes, which are often oversimplified in the ballot label. The assemblymember cited the failure of San Francisco's Proposition A in June 2022, which lost by just over one percentage point due to unclear ballot language, resulting in significant financial losses for the city.

JT Harichmack, representing the Nonprofit Housing Association of Northern California, supported the bill, highlighting the importance of local housing bonds as a revenue source for affordable housing. He argued that the current ballot label requirements do not adequately inform voters about the complexities of bond measures, which can lead to confusion and hinder funding for essential projects.

Several other organizations, including the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials and the Coalition for Adequate School Housing, expressed their support for AB 699, citing the need for clearer communication with voters.

However, opposition emerged from groups like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which argued that the bill could reduce transparency by relegating critical financial information to a separate guide rather than including it directly on the ballot. They proposed amendments to increase the word limit on ballot labels instead of shifting information to the voter guide.

Senators engaged in a robust discussion, with some expressing concerns that the bill might obscure important financial details from voters. Senator Weiner, who previously authored a similar measure, argued that the current laws complicate the funding process for local governments and that AB 699 would facilitate better voter understanding.

In conclusion, the committee's discussion highlighted the ongoing debate over how best to balance transparency and clarity in local tax and bond measures. The bill aims to provide voters with comprehensive information while simplifying the ballot experience. The committee will continue to evaluate the implications of AB 699 as it moves forward in the legislative process.