1980 ballot measures

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1980 State
Ballot Measures
1981 »
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Part 1: Overview
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    By state

    Alabama

    See also: Alabama 1980 ballot measures


    September 17

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Gambling Concerning legal bingo in Jefferson County
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Gambling Concerning legal bingo in Madison County
    Approveda

    November 19

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Food & Agri Concerning the promotion of peanut, cotton and dairy farmers
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Legislature Concerning the validity of certain statutes
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 3 Marriage & Family Concerning the termination of alimony payments
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 4 Local Gov't Concerning compensation of officials in Escambia County
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 5 Local Gov't Concerning Lee County firefighting districts
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 6 Taxes Concerning the use of the ad valorem tax in Mobile County
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 7 Local Gov't Concerning the courts in Sumter County
    Defeatedd

    Alaska

    See also: Alaska 1980 ballot measures


    August 26:

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    AQ Statehood Commission Advisory Votes Statehood Asks whether the state should study having a different relationship with the United States
    Approveda

    November 4:

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Proposition 1 Legislature Empowers the legislature to annul regulations adopted by state agencies
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Proposition 2 Legislature Eliminates the prohibition on legislators taking office in a position that received a raise while the individual was in the legislature
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Proposition 3 Legislature Permits "the legislature to adopt procedures for establishing interim and special committees by legislative rule"
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Proposition 4 Legislature Expands the legislature's "power over the appointment and confirmation of members of state boards and commissions"
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Proposition 5 Business Establishes a general stock ownership corporation
    Defeatedd
    BI Bonding Proposition A Bonds Issues $7,718,800 in bonds for constructing fishery facilities
    Approveda
    BI Bonding Proposition B Bonds Issues $33 million in bonds for water supply and sewage system construction
    Approveda
    BI Bonding Proposition C Bonds Issues $18,787,500 in bonds for state facilities upgrades
    Defeatedd
    BI Bonding Proposition D Bonds Issues $28.35 million in bonds for correctional facilities
    Approveda
    BI Bonding Proposition E Bonds Issues $20 million in bonds for cultural facilities
    Defeatedd
    BI Bonding Proposition F Bonds Issues $156,992,700 in bonds for transportation projects
    Approveda
    BI Bonding Proposition G Bonds Issues $63,651 million in bonds for education, teacher housing, libraries and University of Alaska facilities
    Approveda

    Arizona

    See also: Arizona 1980 ballot measures


    June 3, 1980

    Type Title Subject Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Proposition 100 Administration; Property; Taxes Include Coast Guard veterans for property tax exemptions and establish new levels of property tax exemptions for veterans and widows

    Approveda

    185,454 (75%)

    60,574 (25%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 101 Administration; Property; Taxes Provide for the establishment of a new classification for widowers for property tax exemptions

    Approveda

    186,258 (77%)

    56,566 (23%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 102 Administration; Property; Taxes Provide for the establishment of property tax exemptions for those persons medically certified as totally and permanently disabled

    Approveda

    198,809 (81%)

    47,403 (19%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 103 Administration; Property; Taxes Permit the legislature to enact laws to increase the amounts of property tax exemptions for widows, widowers, veterans and totally and permanently disabled persons

    Approveda

    176,185 (72%)

    67,424 (28%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 104 Administration; Property; Taxes Provide for the increase of initial debt limits upon taxable property within counties, cities, towns, school districts and other municipal corporations

    Approveda

    152,419 (62%)

    93,427 (38%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 105 Administration; Property; Taxes Provide for the definition of state revenues for the effect of program transfers between governmental units

    Approveda

    173,822 (72%)

    67,011 (28%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 106 Administration; Property; Taxes Provide a tax limit on owner-occupied residential property and placing a limit on increases in valuation used for property tax purposes of mobile homes and real property

    Approveda

    211,433 (85%)

    36,495 (15%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 107 Administration; Property; Taxes Limit counties, cities, towns and community college districts in the amount of property taxes which they can levy in any given year

    Approveda

    203,291 (83%)

    41,191 (17%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 108 Administration; Property; Taxes Provide for the establishment of expenditure limitations determined by the Economic Estimates Commission for counties, cities and towns

    Approveda

    206,817 (84%)

    40,595 (16%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 109 Administration; Property; Taxes Provide for the establishment of expenditure limits determined by the Economic Estimates Commission for community college districts

    Approveda

    201,439 (82%)

    44,311 (18%)


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Subject Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Proposition 100 Elections Require incumbents to resign from their positions in order to run for a different public office

    Approveda

    540,605 (69%)

    241,625 (31%)

    LRCA

    Propostion 101 Transportation; Business Provide for the classification of railroads as public service corporations

    Approveda

    537,240 (67%)

    266,500 (33%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 102 Term limits; Executive officials Adopt a term limit of two consecutive elected terms for the state treasurer

    Approveda

    516,131 (66%)

    266,500 (34%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 103 Taxes; Business Provide for the exemption of taxation of certain parts of privately owned airports that are available to the public without charge

    Defeated

    318,144 (41%)

    451,676 (59%)

    LRCA

    Propsotion 104 Law enforcement; Prisons Allow minors convicted of an adult criminal offense to be confined in an adult state correctional institution

    Defeated

    385,035 (49%)

    406,944 (51%)

    LRCA

    Propostion 105 Labor Allow an injured employee the choice of compensation or to sue the employer or co-employee if they knowingly caused the injury

    Approveda

    436,290 (56%)

    342,603 (44%)

    CICA

    Proposition 106 Taxes Provide for the limitation of the maximum amount of ad valorem tax on all taxable property

    Defeated

    247,107 (30%)

    570,820 (70%)

    CISS

    Proposition 200 Gambling Provide for the establishment of a state lottery

    Approveda

    412,992 (51%)

    398,437 (49%)

    CR

    Proposition 300 State legislatures; Government salaries Provide for the increase of legislative salaries to $15,000 per year

    Approveda

    434,162 (55%)

    354,421 (45%)

    Arkansas

    See also: Arkansas 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Proposed Amendment 59 Taxes Relieves and rolls back property taxes
    Approveda
    CICA Proposed Amendment 60 Legislature Authorizes state legislature to establish maximum interest rates
    Defeatedd
    CCR Proposed Constitution of 1980 Con convention Instates a revised version of the state constitution
    Defeatedd
    CCR Alternate Proposal Judiciary Provides for either appointment or election of judges and justices Election
    CISS Initiated Act 1 Education Creates minimum educational standards
    Defeatedd

    California

    See also: California 1980 ballot propositions


    June 3, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    CICA

    Proposition 10 Establish that rent-control is a local government issue and establish it should only be imposed if established through the enactment by voters.

    Defeated

    2,247,395 (35%)

    4,090,180 (65%)

    CISS

    Proposition 11 Establish provisions relating to the taxation of energy businesses.

    Defeated

    2,821,150 (44%)

    3,544,840 (56%)

    BI

    Proposition 1 Allow for bonds up to $495,000,000 for land and water resource management and establish the terms of such bonds.

    Defeated

    2,800,038 (47%)

    3,163,823 (53%)

    BI

    Proposition 2 Allow for the issuance of bonds up to $750,000,000 for farms and houses for veterans and establish the terms of such bonds.

    Approveda

    3,952,383 (65%)

    2,081,982 (35%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 3 Require that money spent to alter or modify historically restored areas of the state capital come from money specifically appropriated for this.

    Approveda

    2,975,344 (51%)

    2,864,729 (49%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 4 Establish provisions relating to low-income housing projects.

    Defeated

    2,617,478 (41%)

    3,756,100 (59%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 5 Prohibit any government body from issuing a citation to any person connected with news for refusing to disclose their sources of information.

    Approveda

    4,445,400 (73%)

    1,618,175 (27%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 6 Repeal provisions relating to congressional and legislative reapportionment and remove the provision which requires people to be eligible for citizenship to be counted for reapportionment purposes.

    Approveda

    2,989,761 (55%)

    2,475,818 (45%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 7 Establish that the political subdivisions may provide aid for cleaning private lands and waters if the President has declared a major disaster in the area.

    Approveda

    4,986,629 (83%)

    1,026,516 (17%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 8 Allow the legislature to authorize bonds for the acquisition, construction, and installation of alternative energy source facilities.

    Approveda

    2,896,767 (50%)

    2,874,309 (50%)

    CICA

    Proposition 9 Establish that income taxes cannot exceed 50% of the 1978 rates and establish the indexing of income tax brackets

    Defeated

    2,538,667 (39%)

    3,942,248 (61%)


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    CISS

    Proposition 10 Provide for smoking and no-smoking areas in certain enclosed places

    Defeated

    3,861,614 (47%)

    4,432,209 (53%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 11 Allow the legislature to stop increases to a judge's salary during their term and establish that judicial salaries are not an obligation of contract.

    Approveda

    5,204,250 (70%)

    2,198,702 (30%)

    BI

    Proposition 1 Allow for the issuance of bonds up to $285,000,000 for the development of parks and other recreational spaces and establish the terms of such bonds.

    Approveda

    3,997,292 (52%)

    3,731,440 (48%)

    BI

    Proposition 2 Allow for bonds up to $85,000,000 for acquiring property in the Lake Tahoe Basin to prevent the environmental decline in the area.

    Defeated

    3,757,009 (49%)

    3,934,723 (51%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 3 Allow the legislature to allow insurance companies to deduct their contributions to the Insurance Guarantee Association from their taxes.

    Defeated

    2,014,362 (28%)

    5,251,746 (72%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 4 Allow for the increase in ad valorem taxes on real property to pay for the interest and redemption charges on indebtedness for property acquisition and improvements.

    Defeated

    1,807,080 (25%)

    5,449,215 (75%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 5 Establish provisions relating to property valuation of property updated to comply with seismic safety laws and property destroyed by disaster.

    Defeated

    3,053,861 (42%)

    4,164,104 (58%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 6 Establish provisions relating to the juries of civil trials.

    Approveda

    4,332,330 (58%)

    3,197,458 (42%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 7 Establish that the term "newly constructed" for tax purposes shall not apply to the addition or construction of any active solar energy systems.

    Approveda

    4,749,199 (65%)

    2,502,444 (35%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 8 Establish that no water from the Wild and Scenic Rivers System may be stored unless permitted by statute and prohibit any public agency from condemning any water rights in the delta area.

    Approveda

    3,918,199 (54%)

    3,367,711 (46%)

    BI

    Proposition 9 Allow for bonds up to $30,000,000 for the improvement of domestic water systems that have are contaminated by compounds or radiation.

    Approveda

    4,857,006 (64%)

    2,686,329 (36%)

    Colorado

    See also: Colorado 1980 ballot measures


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Amendment No. 1 Establish provisions relating to signatures for initiatives and referendums and create new provisions relating to initiatives and referendums.

    Approveda

    638,731 (60%)

    423,322 (40%)

    LRCA

    Amendment No. 2 Allow the General Assembly to conduct a state-supervised lottery to generate funds for the State Conservation Trust Fund.

    Approveda

    660,213 (60%)

    443,289 (40%)

    CICA

    Amendment No. 3 Establish procedures for municipalities to acquire unincorporated land through annexation.

    Approveda

    601,302 (57%)

    460,084 (43%)

    CICA

    Amendment No. 4 Allow for the sale of real estate while preventing lenders from accelerating the debt on the real estate or from altering the terms and conditions of the indebtedness or security interest.

    Defeated

    381,821 (34%)

    745,625 (66%)

    CISS

    Amendment No. 5 Allow commercial banks to request the ability to establish one or more branches.

    Defeated

    292,323 (26%)

    850,454 (74%)

    CISS

    Amendment No. 6 Establish the election of a 15-member board of directors for the Regional Transportation District.

    Approveda

    570,049 (56%)

    444,902 (44%)

    Connecticut

    See also: Connecticut 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Question 1 Elections Concerns admission of electors after removal from the town of residence
    Approveda
    LRCA Question 2 Elections Concerns pre-registration of seventeen year-old citizens as electors
    Approveda
    LRCA Question 3 Elections Concerns the age of eligibility for state office
    Approveda
    LRCA Question 4 Redistricting Concerns the timetable for reapportionment
    Approveda

    Florida

    See also: Florida 1980 ballot measures


    March 11, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    CICA

    Amendment 1 Establish a homestead exemption of $25,000 from certain ad valorem school millage levies, provide procedures for the enactment of the exemption from the millage levies, and allow for ad valorem tax relief for permanent resident renters

    Approveda

    1,088,729 (70%)

    475,834 (30%)

    LRCA

    Amendment 2 Modify the jurisdiction of the state Supreme Court

    Approveda

    940,420 (67%)

    460,266 (33%)


    October 7, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Amendment 1 Authorize an ad valorem tax exemption for a renewable energy source device and the property where it is installed

    Approveda

    1,042,685 (75%)

    347,766 (25%)

    LRCA

    Amendment 2 Allow for the issuance of revenue bonds to fund housing

    Approveda

    826,742 (57%)

    618,694 (43%)

    LRCA

    Amendment 3 Allow counties and municipalities, upon approval by a referendum of local voters, to grant certain ad valorem tax exemptions

    Approveda

    916,043 (63%)

    541,630 (37%)

    LRCA

    Amendment 4 Allow for expanded local homestead and ad valorem tax exemptions

    Approveda

    1,251,096 (81%)

    289,620 (19%)

    LRCA

    Amendment 5 Allow business inventories and livestock to be classified for tax purposes or exempted from taxation

    Approveda

    1,003,979 (69%)

    442,386 (31%)


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Amendment 1 Abolishes the Florida Constitution Revision Commission

    Defeated

    1,164,824 (44%)

    1,512,682 (56%)

    LRCA

    Amendment 2 Provide for a constitutional right of privacy

    Approveda

    1,722,987 (61%)

    1,120,302 (39%)

    LRCA

    Amendment 3 Establish that publishing the title of a bill in the legislative journals serves as the first reading required by the State Constitution

    Approveda

    1,763,624 (67%)

    873,211 (33%)

    LRCA

    Amendment 4 Allow for the issuance of bonds for water facilities

    Approveda

    1,826,026 (67%)

    899,906 (33%)

    LRCA

    Amendment 5 Remove certain limits on the use of the "second gas tax" to finance bonds for roads

    Approveda

    1,498,801 (56%)

    1,195,483 (44%)

    Georgia

    See also: Georgia 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Property Establishes classes of tangible property for use by the state revenue commissioner
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 2 Education Allows general obligation debt to be incurred to provide educational facilities for county and independent school systems
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 3 Education Establishes a program to allow certified teachers to be reimbursed for tuition costs to maintain their certification
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 4 Taxes Authorizes the general assembly to exercise taxation in order to purchase uniforms for public schools
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 5 Pension Provides for the increase of retirement benefits of persons who have retired under the Georgia Firemen's Pension Fund
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 6 Insurance Authorizes the state to provide indemnification to law enforcement officers, firemen and prison guards disabled in the line of duty
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 7 Local Gov't Grants additional powers to counties and municipalities to establish and maintain redevelopment programs
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 8 Taxes Increases the income exclusion on homestead exemptions for the elderly
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 9 Marijuana Grants jurisdiction to municipal courts to dispose of any case where a person is charged with possession of less than an ounce of marijuana
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 10 Tort Permits the court to render default judgments in tort actions
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 11 Local Gov't Authorizes any county or municipality to establish an employees' suggestions and awards program to reward meritorious service
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 12 Judiciary Provides that the venue of juvenile court cases may be determined by the Juvenile Court Code of Georgia
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 13 Taxes Provides for the taxation of life insurance companies on the basis of gross direct premiums received
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 14 Admin of Gov't Creates the Gwinnett Judicial Building Authority
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 15 Taxes Provides that property owned by nonprofit organizations promoting the education and welfare of children be exempted from all taxation
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 16 Admin of Gov't Creates the Rockdale County Public Facilities Authority
    Defeatedd

    Hawaii

    See also: Hawaii 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Legislature Proposes to make the majority vote for ratification be at least 50 percent of the total votes cast
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Con Language Proposes that constitutional amendments on ballots be worded as a question
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 3 Legislature Proposes that the convening of a Senate special session to approve judicial nominations be convened by a two-thirds vote of the Senate
    Approveda

    Idaho

    See also: Idaho 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA HJR 12 Healthcare Empowers the Idaho Health Facilities Authority to finance or operate health facilities
    Approveda
    LRCA SJR 112 Direct democracy Removes restriction limiting initiatives to gubernatorial election years
    Approveda

    Illinois

    See also: Illinois 1980 ballot measures


    Type Title Subject Description Result
    CICA Amendment 1 Legislature Shall the size of the House of Representatives be reduced?
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Taxes Shall the redemption period for tax delinquent property be reduced?
    Approveda

    Iowa

    See also: Iowa 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Constitutional rights Amends Iowa's Constitution to include language for the equal protection of women
    Defeatedd
    ABR Question 1 Con convention Calls for a constitutional convention to amend the constitution
    Defeatedd

    Kansas

    See also: Kansas 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Public Works Proposes that the state will provide maintenance for highways and flood control and where the source of funding should come from for such projects
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Admin of Gov't Proposes the process by which a constitutional amendment must be proposed, voted on and approved
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 3 Banking Proposes that the state not invest in banks and that banks be founded according to the law
    Approveda

    Louisiana

    See also: Louisiana 1980 ballot measures


    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Judiciary Concerning jurisdiction in the appeal of criminal cases
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Taxes Concerning property tax exemption
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 3 Education Concerning student members of higher education boards
    Approveda

    Maine

    See also: Maine 1980 ballot measures


    March 11

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    VR Referendum Question Gambling Prohibits games of chance played on machines
    Defeatedd

    June 10

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    BI Referendum Question Education Issues $8 million in bonds for improvements to vocational-technical institutes and the Maine Maritime Academy
    Approveda

    September 23

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    IndISS Referendum Question Nuclear Prohibits the generation of nuclear power in the state through nuclear fission
    Defeatedd

    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    BI Referendum Question No. 1 Judiciary Issues $4 million in bonds for court facilities improvements
    Defeatedd
    BI Referendum Question No. 2 Energy Issues $7 million in bonds for energy conservation improvements for public school buildings and the University of Maine
    Approveda
    LRCA Proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 1 Legislatures Brings into conformance the year in which the House and Senate are apportioned
    Approveda
    LRCA Proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 2 Direct Democracy Changes schedule for voting dates on referendum and initiatives
    Approveda
    LRCA Proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Judiciary Creates constitutional and statutory methods for selection of judges of probate and justices of the peace
    Approveda

    Maryland

    See also: Maryland 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Question 1 Local gov't Provides method for county council elections in Anne Arundel County
    Approveda
    LRCA Question 2 Judiciary Consolidates courts of the Supreme Bench to a single Circuit Court in Baltimore
    Approveda
    LRCA Question 3 Trials Amends provisions on the removal of cases from court to another
    Approveda
    LRCA Question 4 Local gov't Authorizes the mayor to make loans for residential and commercial properties in Baltimore
    Approveda
    LRCA Question 5 Eminent domain Allows Wicomico County Council to acquire land for public use
    Defeatedd

    Massachusetts

    See also: Massachusetts 1980 ballot measures


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Question 1 Prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability

    Approveda

    1,503,771 (66%)

    758,978 (34%)

    IndISS

    Question 2 Place a limit on local taxes

    Approveda

    1,438,768 (59%)

    998,839 (41%)

    IndISS

    Question 3 Place limits on taxes and increase state aid for education

    Defeated

    816,805 (36%)

    1,473,804 (64%)

    VR

    Question 4 Increase for an increase in the salaries of members of the legislature and constitutional officers

    Defeated

    265,675 (12%)

    2,014,261 (88%)

    LRCA

    Question 5 Place limitations on the legislature's ability to impose certain costs on cities and towns

    Approveda

    1,401,897 (66%)

    722,425 (34%)

    LRCA

    Question 6 Amend the procedure for the legislature declaring a measure an emergency law

    Defeated

    610,138 (29%)

    1,479,110 (71%)

    Michigan

    See also: Michigan 1980 ballot measures


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    CICA

    Proposal A Revise provisions relating to school funding and establish a property tax break for those 65 and older

    Defeated

    746,027 (21%)

    2,769,497 (79%)

    LRCA

    Proposal B Lower the state's drinking age to 19

    Defeated

    1,403,935 (38%)

    2,250,873 (62%)

    LRCA

    Proposal C Establish property tax relief, increase the state sales tax, require state lottery revenues be used to fund schools, and mandate a state "rainy day" fund

    Defeated

    894,441 (26%)

    2,583,253 (74%)

    CICA

    Proposal D Require 60% voter approval for new taxes and tax increases and revise various other tax provisions

    Defeated

    1,622,301 (44%)

    2,051,008 (56%)

    VR

    Proposal E Provide for development of new correctional facilities and the demolition of an old correctional facility and fund such through a 0.1% income tax increase for five years

    Defeated

    1,288,999 (37%)

    2,202,042 (63%)

    LRCA

    Proposal G Allow the legislature to make changes relating to the civil immunity of members of the legislature

    Defeated

    1,287,172 (38%)

    2,134,546 (62%)

    LRCA

    Proposal H Establish provisions relating to vacancies in the office of lieutenant governor and relating to the lieutenant governor's powers

    Defeated

    1,410,912 (42%)

    1,927,001 (58%)

    Minnesota

    See also: Minnesota 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Elections Requires campaign spending limits for executive and legislative offices
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Bonds Removes restrictions on highway bonds
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 3 Legislature Removes requirement of senate approval for notaries public
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 4 Redistricting Establishes a bipartisan reapportionment commission
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 5 Direct democracy Establishes initiative and referendum
    Defeatedd

    Missouri

    See also: Missouri 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 3 Gambling Allows legislature to authorize organizations to conduct games of bingo
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 4 Taxes Allows conservation taxes to be used for payments on commissioned lands
    Approveda
    CICA Amendment 5 Taxes Limits state and local taxes
    Approveda
    CISS Proposition 11 Nuclear issues Prohibits utilization of nuclear fission for electricity
    Defeatedd

    Montana

    See also: Montana 1980 ballot measures


    November 7

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA C-9 Judiciary Provides exceptions to the confidentiality of the documents of the Judicial Standards Commission
    Approveda
    CISS I-84 Nuclear Forbids disposal of radioactive waste within the state
    Approveda
    CISS I-85 Gov't Acc Requires public disclosure of lobbyist activities
    Approveda
    CISS I-86 Taxes Changes the income tax structure to prevent adjustment due solely to inflation
    Approveda
    CISS I-87 Environment Provides for a voluntary recycling program and prohibits the sale of non-refillable glass or plastic beverage bottles
    Defeatedd

    Nebraska

    See also: Nebraska 1980 ballot measures


    May 13

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 State exec Allows the governor to fill vacancies in the office of lieutenant governor
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Admin of gov't Creates a compensation review commission
    Defeatedd

    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Judiciary Changes the number and formation of supreme court judicial districts
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 2 Admin of gov't Changes the membership of the commission on judicial qualifications
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 3 Taxes Provides tax exemptions for energy conservation improvements
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 4 Education Enacts a system of public education financing that does not impose an unfair property tax burden
    Defeatedd

    Nevada

    See also: Nevada 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Question 1 Judicial issues Proposes amending Section 7 of Article 1 of the Constitution to expand the classifications of crimes for which bail could be denied.
    Approveda
    LRCA Question 2 Elections Proposes amending Sections 5 and 15 of Article 6 and Section 9 of Article 15 of the Constitution so that one-third of the state's district judges stand for election each general election.
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Question 3 Wages and pay Proposes amending Section 33 of Article 4 of the Constitution to allow the legislature to fix by law the amount of payment for postage, express charges, newspapers and stationary.
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Question 4 Spending issues Proposes amending Section 3 of Article 11 of the Constitution to permit the legislature to determine the policies for investment of revenues for educational purposes.
    Approveda
    LRCA Question 5 Elections Proposes amending Section 32 of Article 4 of the Constitution to remove auditors and public administrators from the list of elective county officers.
    Defeatedd
    CICA Question 6 Taxes Proposes amending Article 10 of the Constitution to limit the general tax on real property to 1% of full cash value and a 2% per year limit on the inflation of market value.
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Question 7 Judicial issues Proposes amending the Constitution to create an intermediate court of appeals.
    Defeatedd
    CICA Question 8 Taxes Proposes amending Article 10 of the Constitution to exempt from taxation all household goods and furniture used by a single household.
    Approveda
    CICA Question 9 Taxes Proposes amending Article 10 of the Constitution to exempt from taxation food for human consumption.
    Approveda

    New Hampshire

    See also: New Hampshire 1980 ballot measures


    February 26

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    CCR Age Requirements for Governor State Exec Reduce the age requirement for those seeking to be governor
    Defeatedd
    CCR Acting Governor State Exec An acting governor may not serve actively in the legislature
    Defeatedd
    CCR Governor's councilors Con Language Amend constitutional language regarding governor's councilors
    Defeatedd

    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    CCR Gender-neutral language Con Language Should the Bill of Rights be amended to contain gender-neutral language?
    Defeatedd
    CCR Remove obsolete provisions Con Language Remove certain obsolete language and provisions from the constitution
    Approveda
    CCR Repeal Article 99 Con Language Repeal Article 99 and modify Article 100 of the constitution
    Approveda
    CCR Proposed Amendments presented to voters Admin of Gov't Proposed amendments must be presented to the voters in the following November election
    Approveda
    CCR Votes required to propose and amendment Admin of Gov't Require three-fifths of convention votes to propose an amendment
    Approveda

    New Jersey

    See also: New Jersey 1980 ballot measures


    Type Title Subject Description Result
    BI Question No. 1 Bond issues Allows for $145 million in bonds for facilities and projects related to natural resources.
    Approveda
    BI Question No. 2 Bond issues Allows for $159 million in bonds for facilities for public buildings including correctional institutions and care facilities.
    Approveda
    LRCA Question No. 3 Taxes Extends the property tax deduction for senior and disabled citizens to any owner-occupant of a dwelling house who does not own the land that it sits on.
    Approveda
    LRCA Question No. 4 Taxes Increases the property tax deduction for senior and disabled citizens each year to a maximum of $250 in 1983 and the maximum income limitation for qualifying each year to $10,000 in 1983.
    Approveda
    BI Question No. 5 Bond issues Allows for $50 million in bonds to decrease energy consumption by public facilities.
    Approveda
    LRSS Question No. 6 Gambling Allows horse racing on Sundays and extends Saturday hours.
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Question No. 7 Gambling Allows the legislature to authorize and regulate amusement games with merchandise as prizes.
    Defeatedd

    North Carolina

    See also: North Carolina 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Judiciary Requires judges to be authorized to practice law prior to election or appointment
    Approveda

    North Dakota

    See also: North Dakota 1980 ballot measures


    September 2

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Gov't Salaries Requires all fees and profits gathered by any public office that has a salary prescribed by law be deposited in the state treasury
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 2 Taxes Prohibits the legislative assembly from levying a tax on the assessed value of real or personal property
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Taxes Repeals one mill levy on all taxable property for the state medical center
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 4 Taxes Exempts certain lands used for public purposes to be exempted from state property tax
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 5 Judiciary Repeals jurisdiction of police magistrates, constables and justices of the peace; Provides for election of the clerk of district court
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 6 Gov't Salaries Repeals prohibition of appointment or election of legislators to offices which have had increases in emoluments during the legislators' terms of office
    Defeatedd
    VR Measure 7 Elections Provides for presidential preference primary elections
    Approveda
    VR Measure 8 Veterans Appropriates money for acquisition of cross ranch for a veterans memorial state park
    Defeatedd

    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 Bonds Increases maximum amount which can be secured by a first mortgage on real estate which backing large state bonds
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Gov't Salaries Empowers the legislative assembly to set the compensation of the legislature members
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 3 Legislature Repeals and replaces constitutional language that describes the legislative branch
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 4 State Exec Repeals and replaces constitutional article outlining executive branch
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment 5 Gov't Finance Provides 15 percent of the state coal severance tax to be placed in a permanent trust fund administered by board of university and school lands
    Approveda
    CISS Measure 6 Resources Creates 6.5 percent oil extraction tax of the gross value of oil at the well
    Approveda
    CISS Measure 7 Housing Empowers Industrial Commission to act as a state housing finance agency providing mortgage loans to low-income persons
    Approveda
    VR Measure 8 Elections Repeals and replaces the North Dakota election code
    Defeatedd

    Ohio

    See also: Ohio 1980 ballot measures


    June 3, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Bonds for Transportation Projects Amendment Issue bonds for transportation projects.

    Defeated

    815,011 (43%)

    1,084,438 (57%)

    LRCA

    Delivery of Charters and Charter Amendments Amendment Change the ways proposed charters and charter amendments are delivered to voters.

    Defeated

    868,199 (48%)

    956,204 (52%)

    LRCA

    Money for Low-Incoming Housing Amendment Authorize the state and local governments to borrow money for the purpose of constructing low-income housing.

    Defeated

    797,020 (41%)

    1,137,028 (59%)

    LRCA

    Non-Profit Electric Utilities Amendment Allow non-profit organizations to become political subdivisions for the purpose of operating electric utilities and establish laws governing such political subdivisions.

    Defeated

    793,256 (41%)

    1,124,596 (59%)


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    IndISS

    Changes to State Taxes Initiative Change taxes on personal income, real estate, corporations, and personal property.

    Defeated

    880,671 (23%)

    3,000,028 (77%)

    LRCA

    Classification of Real Property Amendment Authorize the Ohio General Assembly to classify real property for tax purposes.

    Approveda

    1,973,344 (53%)

    1,751,277 (47%)

    Oklahoma

    See also: Oklahoma 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA State Question 540 Legislature Allows the legislature to call itself into special session
    Approveda
    LRCA State Question 544 Transportation Allows the state to receive federal funds to transportation purposes
    Defeatedd
    LRCA State Question 545 Transportation Authorizes municipalities an counties to enter into regional transportation districts
    Defeatedd
    LRCA State Question 546 Taxes Increases the emergency levy for school districts
    Defeatedd
    LRCA State Question 548 Gov't Finances Increases maximum limit on school district bonded indebtedness
    Defeatedd
    LRCA State Question 549 Taxes Authorizes an additional levy to be apportioned among municipalities
    Defeatedd
    LRCA State Question 551 Redistricting Extends the amount of time the legislature has to complete apportionment
    Defeatedd
    LRCA State Question 552 Bonds Allows municipalities to issue revenue bonds to finance public utilities
    Defeatedd

    Oregon

    See also: Oregon 1980 ballot measures


    May 20, 1980

    Type Title Subject Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Measure 1 Taxes; Transportation Limit the uses of gasoline and highway user tax revenues to solely highways, park and recreation areas, and weighmaster activities.

    Approveda

    451,695 (64%)

    257,230 (36%)

    LRCA

    Measure 2 Alcohol Authorize laws permitting liquor-by-the-drink licenses for other passenger common carriers such as buses

    Defeated

    325,030 (46%)

    383,346 (54%)

    LRCA

    Measure 3 Energy; Bonds Authorize state bonds up to one-half of one percent of value of taxable property in the state for small scale local energy project loans.

    Approveda

    394,466 (59%)

    278,125 (41%)

    LRCA

    Measure 4 Veterans Standardize veterans’ home and farm loan eligibility requirements.

    Approveda

    574,148 (81%)

    130,452 (19%)

    LRSS

    Measure 5 Taxes Continue the tax reduction program after 1980, which limits property assessment increases to five percent

    Approveda

    636,565 (91%)

    64,979 (9%)

    LRCA

    Measure 6 Housing; Welfare Define "multifamily housing" for low income elderly housing bond program to include various structures used by low-income elderly households.

    Approveda

    536,002 (79%)

    138,675 (21%)


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Subject Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Measure 1 Education; Elections; Executive officials Repeal the election of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and require the Superintendent of Public Instruction to be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.

    Defeated

    291,142 (26%)

    820,892 (74%)

    LRCA

    Measure 2 Suffrage; Constitutional language Eliminate constitutional language barring voting rights for individuals identified as "idiot or mentally diseased."

    Approveda

    678,573 (60%)

    455,020 (40%)

    LRCA

    Measure 3 Education; Taxes Allocate revenues from oil and natural gas taxes, except motor vehicle fuel taxes, to the Common School Fund and limit such taxes to 6%.

    Approveda

    594,520 (54%)

    500,586 (46%)

    LRSS

    Measure 4 Taxes; Transportation Increase the motor vehicle and aircraft fuel taxes from 7 to 9¢ per gallon and flat rate taxes on commercial vehicles using non-gasoline fuel.

    Defeated

    298,421 (26%)

    849,745 (74%)

    CISS

    Measure 5 Hunting and fishing Prohibit the sale and use of snare and leghold traps, except to temporarily control predatory livestock loss or to protect human health and safety.

    Defeated

    425,890 (37%)

    728,173 (63%)

    CICA

    Measure 6 Property; Taxes Limit the annual real property tax to 1% of the 1977 true cash value of property and prohibit sales and transaction taxes on real property.

    Defeated

    416,029 (37%)

    711,617 (63%)

    CISS

    Measure 7 Nuclear issues Require a federally licensed permanent disposal facility for nuclear waste and approval for plant financing.

    Approveda

    608,412 (53%)

    535,049 (47%)

    LRCA

    Measure 8 Law enforcement; Bonds Authorize bonds up to four thirty-fifths of one percent of true cash value of taxable property to fund state, regional, and local correctional facilities.

    Defeated

    523,955 (49%)

    551,383 (51%)

    Rhode Island

    See also: Rhode Island 1980 ballot measures


    November 4:

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    ABR Proposal 1 State legislatures Resolves to set new legislative session procedure and compensation rates.
    Defeatedd
    LBM Proposal 2 Bond issues Authorizes $87.7 million in bonds for funding to the Narragansett Bay Water Quality Management District Commission.
    Approveda
    LBM Proposal 3 Bond issues Authorizes $5.23 million in bonds for pre-construction work on reservoir and water treatment plant.
    Approveda
    LBM Proposal 4 Bond issues Authorizes $8,579,600 in bonds for mental health facilities.
    Approveda
    LBM Proposal 5 Bond issues Authorized $1.06 million in bonds for facilities housing programs for abused, neglected and/or homeless youth.
    Approveda
    LBM Proposal 6 Bond issues Authorizes $5.965 million in bonds for improvements to public university and college facilities.
    Approveda

    South Carolina

    See also: South Carolina 1980 ballot measures


    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 State executive Allows the Governor to be elected for two successive terms
    Approveda
    LRCA Amendment 2 Property Exempts real and personal property of a debtor from attachment, levy and sale
    Approveda

    South Dakota

    See also: South Dakota 1980 ballot measures


    November 4

    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment A Judiciary Relates to the appointment of judges
    Approveda
    CICA Amendment B Taxes Relates to real property taxes
    Defeatedd
    CICA Amendment C Direct democracy Prohibits the legislature from changing initiated or referred laws that have been voted on by the people
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment D Direct democracy Relates to legislative prerogative to amend initiated or referred laws
    Defeatedd
    LRCA Amendment E Legislature Relates to length of legislative sessions
    Approveda
    VR Referendum 1 Hunting Allows hunting of the mourning dove
    Approveda
    IndISS Initiative 1 Nuclear issues Relates to regulation of uranium mining and disposal of nuclear waste
    Defeatedd

    Texas

    See also: Texas 1980 ballot measures


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Subject Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    Proposition 1 Banking; Business Allow banks to use unmanned teller machines

    Approveda

    2,267,028 (67%)

    1,138,094 (33%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 2 Trials Authorize the appeal of certain pretrial rulings in criminal cases by both parties involved

    Defeated

    1,544,020 (48%)

    1,687,900 (52%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 3 Taxes; Local government Require single county appraisal and equalization board for ad valorem property taxation

    Approveda

    1,778,975 (58%)

    1,307,396 (42%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 4 Gambling Authorize bingo games if approved by majority of voters in the locality, run by specified nonprofit groups, with proceeds supporting charitable goals

    Approveda

    2,205,355 (65%)

    1,189,312 (35%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 5 Budgets Grant the governor the power to exercise fiscal control over spending of appropriated funds

    Defeated

    1,400,301 (44%)

    1,775,810 (56%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 6 Executive officials Authorize governor, with senate approval, to remove appointed office holders, and call special senate sessions for this purpose

    Approveda

    2,248,941 (70%)

    971,069 (30%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 7 Transportation; Local government Authorize counties with a population below 5,000 people to perform private road work

    Approveda

    2,154,852 (68%)

    1,025,528 (32%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 8 State judiciary Restructure the appellate jurisdiction, renaming court of civil appeals to court of appeals and amending supreme court eligibility requirements

    Approveda

    1,704,913 (57%)

    1,278,301 (43%)

    LRCA

    Proposition 9 Property; Marriage and family Allow spouses to agree on separate property status for previously owned property or income

    Approveda

    2,297,464 (70%)

    961,614 (30%)

    Utah

    See also: Utah 1980 ballot measures


    Type Title Subject Description Result
    Initiative A Taxes Eliminates sales tax
    Defeatedd
    Initiative B Taxes Imposes limitations on state taxes
    Defeatedd

    Washington

    See also: Washington 1980 ballot measures


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Subject Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRCA

    HJR 37 State judiciary Create a judicial qualification commission and authorize the Supreme Court to discipline and remove judges.

    Approveda

    1,043,490 (69%)

    464,941 (31%)

    ITP

    Initiative 383 Nuclear issues Prohibit the importation and storage of non-medical radioactive wastes generated outside the state.

    Approveda

    1,211,606 (75%)

    393,415 (25%)

    BI

    Referendum 38 Water; Bonds; Utilities Provide a $125 million bond to fund the planning, construction, and improvement of water supply facilities.

    Approveda

    1,008,646 (66%)

    527,454 (34%)

    BI

    Referendum 39 Environment; Bonds Provide a $450 million bond for the construction and improvement of public waste disposal facilities.

    Approveda

    964,450 (63%)

    558,328 (37%)

    LRCA

    SJR 132 Natural resources; Property; Federal constitutional Remove constitutional legal barriers that restrict the state's control over unappropriated federal public lands.

    Defeated

    579,060 (40%)

    864,850 (60%)

    Wisconsin

    See also: Wisconsin 1980 ballot measures


    November 4, 1980

    Type Title Description Result Yes Votes No Votes

    LRSS

    Question 1 Allow non-resident property owners in public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts to vote at district meetings

    Approveda

    1,210,452 (77%)

    355,024 (23%)

    Wyoming

    See also: Wyoming 1980 ballot measures


    Type Title Subject Description Result
    LRCA Amendment 1 State judiciary Provides for juries of less that twelve members in misdemeanor trials.
    Defeatedd

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