Tax Audits
What it is
Proposition 41 would require audits of special tax programs approved by voters. When a special tax is created, the revenue from that tax is dedicated to a specific purpose or program. Proposition 41 would require the state auditor to review each program that would receive funds from the special tax initiative. This would go into effect once the ballot initiative receives 25% of signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.
What Your Vote Means
Voting YES
When special taxes are proposed by voter initiatives, the California State Auditor would review programs funded by the tax before the initiative appears on the ballot. The California State Auditor also would regularly review programs funded by special taxes approved by voters or the Legislature. In addition,the state might not be able to exclude any new special tax spending from its spending limit.
Voting NO
The California State Auditor’s responsibility to review government programs would not change. The state spending limit requirements would not change.
Arguments
Supporters say
Proposition 41 will provide new accountability and transparency to every new tax dollar given to the state. California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPAs), CalAsian Chamber of Commerce and California Taxpayers Association (CalTax) are among those who support the measure.
Opponents say
Proposition 41 is redundant since there are already existing audit programs for tax programs in the state. They also argue it would prohibit new state taxes to address healthcare, housing, and community care investments. SEIU United Healthcare Workers West and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are among those who oppose the measure.
Fiscal Impact
The net fiscal effect is unknown as it depends on future decisions by voters, the Legislature, and other policymakers.
Campaign Finance
Supporting
$58,376,446
18 contributions · 5 contributors
- Building a Better California$58,350,000
- Reform California with Carl De Maio - Ballot Measure Committee$21,808
- REFORM LOCAL GOVERNMENT PAC$4,500
- STRONG, MARY$100
- Unitemized Contributions$38
Opposing
$1,374,298
23 contributions · 16 contributors
- Million More Voters, Sponsored by the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO$500,000
- Davis, Alan$300,000
- United Domestic Workers of America Issues PAC$250,000
- California Federation of Teachers COPE Prop/Ballot Committee$100,000
- PACE of California School Employees Association Issues$100,000
- Excessive Wealth$40,000
- Connell, William$25,000
- Esler, John$25,000
- California Donor Table Issues Committee$20,000
- Olsen, David$5,000
Show 6 more
- Moon Siefert, Linda$2,548
- Lindsay, Katherine$2,500
- Ottinger, Lawrence$1,250
- Irani, Lilly$1,000
- Sefton, Raquel$1,000
- Wallace, Margaret$1,000
Last updated on October 19, 2026. Source: CA Secretary of State Power Search