Repealing the fire tax

Assemblymember Marie Waldron

AD-75 (R)

As you know, residents living in unincorporated areas are receiving a tax bill incorrectly labeled the 'California Fire Prevention Fee.' Unfortunately, this tax has much more to do with budgeting than it does with fighting fires.

Article 13A, section 3(a) of the California Constitution, as amended by Proposition 26, reads: "Any change in state statute which results in any taxpayer paying a higher tax must be … passed by not less than two-thirds of all members elected to each of the two houses of the Legislature." Section 3(b) then defines "tax" to mean "a...