Yes on Props. 1, 2 and 11

One reason California election ballots are so long is that we have an exceedingly detailed and cluttered state Constitution. The Legislature is often thwarted in taking simple and logical actions that for some reason run afoul of the Constitution, or are not specifically permitted by the document.

Four measures in the Nov. 3 election are constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by the Legislature. The Times endorses Propositions 1, 2 and 11.

Proposition 1: The Legislature often has to amend the Constitution to correct flaws in ballot initiatives approved by voters, or to fix issues of fairness. For instance, Proposition 13, the 1978 property tax initiative, provided several situations in which a home could change ownership or be rebuilt without triggering a reassessment of its taxable value.

This year’s Proposition 1 adds another exception. If the home or property turns out to be uninhabitable because of environmental contamination that was not disclosed or known at the time of sale, an exemption can be sought. This is likely to be a rarely used exception, but an important one to those few buyers caught in such a fix.

Proposition 2: The Constitution allows state officials to borrow from transportation funds so long as the money is paid back. But it does not say when repayment must be made. More than $1 billion that was borrowed during the recession of the early 1990s has not been repaid. Proposition 2 requires the money be returned within the same fiscal year, but that term can be extended to up to three years in case of a fiscal emergency.

Proposition 11: The Constitution allows neighboring municipalities to negotiate revenue-sharing agreements subject to voter approval in both cities. This measure permits such pacts if approved by a two-thirds vote of both city councils involved--the same requirement for approval of special tax increases under Proposition 13.

These are all reasonable measures and The Times urges a yes vote on each.