What Is Proposition 72? Voter Guide for 2018 California Measures

LOS ANGELES, CA — Proposition 72 is the bipartisan measure that would allow lawmakers to exclude new rainwater capture systems form property tax assessments. It's aim is to promote water conservation by sparing people who install rainwater capture systems from increased property taxes that could result from the new conservation system. If it passes, the new law would affect systems installed after January 1, 2019.

If the law passes, it could lead to a slight reduction in property tax revenue for local governments.

The Argument For Proposition 72

The measure is supported by the California Democratic Party, Save the Bay and the League of California Cities.

Proponents argue that the measure will encourage conservation as California enters a new era of severe drought thanks to climate change.

"Yes on Proposition 72 will prevent a property tax increase on homeowners who install rainwater recycling systems that benefit our entire state. That is urgent because California has experienced periods of drought and will likely face more dry years in the future," reads the official voter guide argument written by Sen. Steve Glazer, David Lewis of Save The Bay, and Howard Penn of the Planning and Conservation League. "Eliminating the tax penalty for Californians who install systems to store and reuse water off our roofs will preserve more water for all of us and can lower water bills for millions of Californians. It preserves precious drinking water for California residents and enables us to draw less water from our lakes, rivers and streams, helping fish and wildlife that depend on fresh water for their habitat and food."

The Argument Against Proposition 68

No entity or group wrote an official argument against the measure in the California voter guide, nor have any groups publicly campaigned against the measure. Critics could argue that the measure would deprive local governments from the tax revenue generated by water conservation property improvements.

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