| PTAs and Ballot Measure Positions
California State PTA takes positions on statewide ballot measures that have the potential to significantly impact the lives of California’s children, youth, and families. |
For the November 3, 2026, Statewide General Election
OPPOSE POSITION: Proposed Initiative #1981 (#25-0005, Amendment 1) – a.k.a “Local Taxpayer Protection Act To Save Proposition 13 (Version 3)
On August 16, 2025, the California State PTA Board of Managers voted to approve an OPPOSE position for the measure currently in circulation. Signatures of 874,641 Californians registered to vote must be collected no later than January 12, 2026, for this initiative to continue to move towards placement on the November 3, 2026, statewide general election ballot. A study was undertaken to research the content, background, impact, and PTA authorities associated with each ballot measure; links to these study reports are shown below, along with links to the ballot measures as posted by California’s Secretary of State.
The proposed Initiative #1981 will limit voters’ ability to raise revenues for local government services by requiring a two-thirds majority vote for local special taxes instead of a simple majority, prohibiting charter cities from approving real estate transfer taxes beyond the existing 0.11% rate, and overturning existing voter-approved property-related taxes that don’t comply with these requirements within two years of enactment. This 2025 initiative is a rerun of portions of a 2024 initiative (#1935) that was removed from the ballot by court order. The PTA opposed the 2024 version. Fiscal Impact: Reduced local government revenue capacity and potential elimination of existing local taxes. Initiative #1981 would make it significantly harder for communities to fund local services through voter-approved taxation.
Link to announcement of proposed initiative posted by California’s Secretary of State
Important Information for PTA Members
While unit, council, and district PTAs are not required to work actively for any position, they should not officially oppose a stand taken by California State PTA.
- For additional information, see Legislation Policy 7.
- Campaign Restrictions: Use of School Resources
- There are strict restrictions against using school district resources for political activity. This includes, for example, advocating for a ballot measure on school property and communicating advocacy information through school resources, such as the school email and/or website.
- You may gather signatures OFF school property and hold PTA meetings OFF school property for advocacy. You may use your PTA website and PTA email to distribute information to your members.
- Please contact your school district for rules and permit requirements for any political activity on school property.
- Campaign Reporting Rules for Local PTAs
- California School Boards Association (CSBA) guidelines for Use of Public Resources for Ballot Measures provide more information and guidance
