State Is Starting Over--It’s Back to Prop. 1

It’s back to the beginning for California voters, whose ballots this November will offer them a chance to consider Proposition 1 through at least Proposition 10.

Beginning this fall, in accordance with legislation passed in 1996, the numbering cycle, reduced from 20 years to 10 years, starts over.

The last time there was a Proposition 1 on the ballot was in November 1982. The highest numbered ballot item, considered in June, was Proposition 227.

More measures could be placed on the November ballot before the end of August. So far, the measures are:

* Proposition 1: A constitutional amendment that would permit owners of environmentally contaminated properties to use their old property tax assessment value for either new construction or replacement property. Sponsored by Assemblyman Curt Pringle (R-Garden Grove).

* Proposition 2: A constitutional amendment that would authorize loans to the state general fund from motor vehicle use fees and taxes, provided that the loans would be repaid in full according to specific guidelines. Sponsored by state Assemblyman Kevin Murray (D-Los Angeles).

* Proposition 3: A statute that would amend the blanket primary law so voters in presidential primaries may cast ballots only for candidates from their party. Sponsored by state Sen. John R. Lewis (R-Orange).

* Proposition 4: A statute that would make it illegal to catch an animal with a body-gripping trap for recreation or fur trade. It would ban steel-jawed leg-hold traps and two slow-acting poisons. Sponsored by Protect Pets and Wildlife, a coalition of animal protection, environmental and civil groups.

* Proposition 5: A statute that would require the governor to sign compacts with California Indian tribes allowing them to use existing video gambling machines. Sponsored by a coalition of tribes.

* Proposition 6: A statute that would prohibit the sale of horse meat for human consumption. It would also make it a felony to kill any horse, burro or mule with the knowledge or intention that any part would be used for human food. Sponsored by Save the Horses.

* Proposition 7: A statute that would authorize the state to give $218 million in tax credits to encourage smog reduction by buying, converting or retrofitting high-polluting trucks, construction equipment, garden equipment and agricultural waste facilities. Sponsored by the Planning and Conservation League.

* Proposition 8: A statute that would make state class size reduction funds for schools permanent. It would establish school governing councils of parents and teachers to decide how funds would be spent at their schools. It would call for the immediate suspension of students for drug possession, evaluation of teachers based on student performance, and creation of the position of state inspector to evaluate school quality. Sponsored by Gov. Pete Wilson.

* Proposition 9: A statute that would rewrite the electricity deregulation law. It would require a 20% rate cut and prevent utilities from charging customers $28 billion for the cost of nuclear plants and long-term purchase contracts. Sponsored by Consumers Union, Californians Against Utility Taxes and the Utility Reform Network.

* Proposition 10: A constitutional amendment that would increase the tobacco tax by 50 cents per pack to 85 cents a pack and use the money to set up community-based programs to provide parental education and family support services and help pregnant women and parents to stop smoking. Sponsored by actor-director Rob Reiner of California Children and Families First.