California Proposition 3 — Provides Permanent Funding for Schools and Health Care by Extending Existing Tax on High Incomes
Ballot measure · November 3, 2026
- What it does
- Makes permanent the existing 2012 voter-approved tax rates for high-income Californians, currently set to expire in 2031. Rates apply to income over about $371,000 for single filers, $742,000 for joint filers, and $505,000 for heads of household (2025 levels; adjusted annually for inflation). Allocates tax revenues 89% to K–12 schools, 11% to community colleges. Allows local school boards to decide how revenues are spent; bars use for administrative costs. Increases General Fund revenues available for health care, budget reserves, and other programs. Summary of Legislative Analyst's estimate of net state and local government fiscal impact: Maintains $5 billion to $15 billion of annual state income tax revenue by making a temporary tax increase on high-income earners permanent instead of letting it expire in 2031.
- A YES vote means
- An income tax increase on high-income earners in place since 2012 would become permanent instead of expiring in 2031.
- A NO vote means
- An income tax increase on high-income earners in place since 2012 would expire in 2031.
- Needed to pass
- A simple majority
- Put on the ballot by
- citizen initiative
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