California's initiative process set for changes after Brown signs law

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 17: California Gov. Jerry Brown speaks during a news conference on January 17, 2014 in San Francisco, California. Gov. Brown declared a drought state of emergency for California as the state faces water shortfalls in what is expected to be the driest year in state history. Residents are being asked to voluntarily reduce water usage by 20%. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The key elements of SB 1253, by outgoing Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) are threefold. John Myers, senior editor at KQED, explains.

California's voter-backed initiative process will undergo some big changes, after Governor Brown signed SB 1253 this weekend.

John Myers of KQED sums up the main changes in the law:

The key elements of SB 1253, by outgoing Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) are threefold — a new month-long public review of initiatives in which backers can make changes; a process for legislators and initiative proponents to craft a compromise in the state Capitol and avoid an election altogether; and a new, continually updated online list of top initiative donors.

For more, John Myers, senior editor at KQED.