What Californians Decided in 2018
In the November 2018 general election, California voters decided multiple ballot measures that addressed housing, transportation, labor, health care, and criminal justice. This guide summarizes each measure on the statewide ballot that year, what voters approved or rejected, and how results translated into policy changes. Where possible, we include funding amounts, effective dates, and implementation outcomes based on official results and subsequent legislative action.
Statewide Ballot Measures in 2018: Answering Key Questions
How many ballot measures were on the 2018 California general election ballot?
California voters in 2018 considered 11 ballot measures statewide. The official title and number appear on voter guides and canvassing reports used by county elections offices.
What qualifies a measure for California’s ballot?
Measures qualify either through legislative referral (placed by the state legislature) or via citizen initiative after meeting petition requirements. In 2018, voters saw both types.
2018 California Ballot Measures: Verified Details at a Glance
| Measure | Official Title | Type | Status After Vote | Key Financial Commitments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prop 1 | Housing and Emergency Shelter Act | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Approved | $4 billion in general obligation bonds |
| Prop 2 | Mental Health Treatment Facilities | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Approved | Uses existing MHSA funds plus bond proceeds; authorized $140 million in bonds |
| Prop 3 | Water, Watersheds, Water Supply, Flood Protection Bond Act | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Approved | $4.1 billion in general obligation bonds |
| Prop 4 | Hospital Funding to Upgrade Pediatric Care | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Approved | $1.5 billion in general obligation bonds |
| Prop 5 | Transferring Home Base Exemption | Legislative Constitutional Amendment | Rejected | Would have expanded property tax portability; estimated revenue impact uncertain |
| Prop 6 | Repeal of Road Repair and Accountability Act Revenues | Statutory Initiative | Rejected | Would have repealed fuel and vehicle fees; repeal would have reduced transportation funding |
| Prop 7 | Daylight Saving Time | Statutory Initiative | Approved | Authorized year-round DST subject to federal law; no immediate implementation |
| Prop 8 | Establishing Kidney Dialysis Clinic Requirements | Statutory Initiative | Rejected | Would have imposed staffing and pricing rules for dialysis clinics |
| Prop 9 | Partition of Realigned Counties | Statutory Initiative | Rejected | Would have allowed multi-county formations; rejected after legal concerns raised |
| Prop 10 | Local Rent Control | Statutory Initiative | Rejected | Would have expanded municipal rent control authority; superseded by state law in 2019 |
| Prop 11 | Emergency Services and Cancer Protection Act | Statutory Initiative | Approved | Assessed fee on property insurers; funded wildfire response and cancer coverage for first responders |
| Prop 12 | Farm Animal Confinement Standards | Statutory Initiative | Approved | Set space requirements for certain livestock; phased compliance deadlines |
Housing and Infrastructure: Measures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Proposition 1: Housing and Emergency Shelter Act
Prop 1 authorized $4 billion in general obligation bonds primarily for homeless assistance, affordable housing, and veterans' housing programs. It passed with broad support and has funded projects across California through state agency administering, including CalHFA and local jurisdictions. Implementation continues as agencies award grants and report on project completions.
Proposition 2: Mental Health Treatment Facilities
Prop 2 used existing mental health funds plus $140 million in bonds to expand community mental health and addiction treatment facilities. Approved by voters and administered by the California Department of State Hospitals with local partners. Many projects remain ongoing, serving individuals with serious mental illness.
Proposition 3: Water and Flood Protection Bond
Prop 3 provided $4.1 billion for water infrastructure, watershed protection, and flood safety. Approved in 2018, funds supported projects such as groundwater sustainability, drought resilience, and watershed conservation. State departments and regional water boards oversee project selection and reporting.
Proposition 4: Hospital Funding for Pediatric Care
Prop 4 authorized $1.5 billion in bonds for children’s hospitals to upgrade facilities and expand services. Approved and administered by the California Department of General Services. Projects focused on pediatric equipment, safety, and capacity at qualifying hospitals.
Proposition 5: Transferring Home Base Exemption
Prop 5 would have allowed homeowners aged 55 or older, severely disabled, or victims of natural disasters to transfer their base year assessed value when moving within California. It was rejected by voters, meaning existing relocation rules remained in place.
Transportation and Fees: Measures 6, 7, and Beyond
Proposition 6: Repeal of Road Repair and Accountability Act Revenues
Prop 6 sought to repeal fuel and vehicle fees enacted under the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. It was rejected by voters, leaving those fees and associated transportation funding intact. Repeal would have affected an estimated billions in annual transportation revenue.
Proposition 7: Daylight Saving Time
Prop 7 authorized California to adopt year-round daylight saving time, pending federal permission. It passed but requires action by Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation before implementation. No change occurred at the state level after the vote.
Health, Labor, and Governance: Remaining Measures
Proposition 8: Kidney Dialysis Clinic Requirements
Prop 8 would have imposed staffing ratios, reporting, and pricing transparency rules for dialysis clinics. It was rejected by voters. Following the election, state regulators pursued related rules under existing authorities, focusing on patient safety and quality standards.
Proposition 9: County Partition and Realignments
Prop 9 would have allowed new county formations and boundary changes. It was rejected amid concerns about legal complexity and fiscal impacts. No counties have been realigned or formed under this provision.
Proposition 10: Local Rent Control
Prop 10 would have exempted local rent control laws from state preemption. It was rejected; in 2019, the California legislature passed AB 1482, establishing statewide rent caps and limiting local opt-outs. This shifted the regulatory landscape beyond the ballot measure results.
Proposition 11: Emergency Services and Cancer Protection Act
Prop 11 imposed fees on property insurers to fund wildfire response and cancer coverage for eligible first responders. It passed and generated dedicated funding streams administered by Cal Fire and public health agencies for training, equipment, and medical screening.
Proposition 12: Farm Animal Confinement Standards
Prop 12 set minimum space requirements for certain breeding pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens. It passed and took effect in 2020 and 2022 for eggs. Compliance has been enforced by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.