The Local Taxpayer Protection Act is officially eligible for the November 2026 statewide ballot. Designed by Magnific

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Local Taxpayer Protection Act is officially eligible for the November 2026 statewide ballot, giving California voters the opportunity to restore rights taken from them by recent court decisions and directly address the cost-of-living crisis that is driven by new and higher taxes.

“This is a major milestone for taxpayers across California,” said Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable. “Special interest groups have exploited the court-created Upland loophole to pass new and higher special taxes that have driven costs higher for residents and harmed small and local businesses throughout the state. The Local Taxpayer Protection Act restores the overwhelming will of the voters and ensures that California can once again be a place business can invest and people can afford to live.”

Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, underscored the initiative’s alignment with longstanding taxpayer protections. “This measure reinforces the intent of Proposition 13 and Proposition 218 by ensuring that government cannot sidestep voter approval thresholds through legal loopholes. It’s about restoring the integrity of taxpayer protections that Californians have repeatedly supported at the ballot box.”

The initiative responds to a series of court decisions and policy actions that have weakened voter protections established under Proposition 13 and Proposition 218 by once again requiring all local special taxes to be approved by a 2/3 vote of the people. In addition, the measure re-establishes the statewide constitutional limit on real estate documentary transfer taxes. Significant increases in those taxes, such as Measure ULA in the City of Los Angeles, have proven detrimental to affordable housing construction, real estate investment, and the city’s budget.

Matthew Hargrove, president of the California Business Properties Association, highlighted the broader economic implications. “Uncertainty and lack of transparency in local tax policy make it harder to invest, grow, and create jobs in California. Measure ULA is a perfect example of what happens when special interests exploit court-created loopholes and drive taxes higher, pushing critically needed investments out of a community. This initiative provides needed clarity and stability, which benefits not only businesses but communities across the state.”

Rob Gutierrez, president of the California Taxpayers Association, emphasized the importance of restoring clarity in the law. “This measure is about protecting taxpayers and restoring the rights they have given themselves through the ballot process. Now, more than ever, Californians deserve full transparency and a clear voice when it comes to taxes that impact their cost of living.”

Now that the measure is eligible for the November ballot, the campaign will move into the next phase — engaging voters across the state on the importance of protecting taxpayer rights and ensuring accountability in government.

“Californians are demanding accountability,” Lapsley added. “This measure ensures that taxpayers are informed, empowered, and in control. We look forward to taking this conversation directly to voters in November.”