Your ballot box guide to California's 17 propositions

A yes vote allows the state to borrow $9 billion in school bonds. The money would be used for both construction and modernization projects at K-12 schools and community colleges.

A yes vote makes it harder for the Legislature to divert funds that are otherwise supposed to be spent on the Medi-Cal program.

A yes vote forces future statewide votes on any revenue bond that’s bigger than $2 billion for government projects. Revenue bonds are repaid by revenue that the project generates — like water facilities."

A yes vote requires legislation to be online for public review at least three days before a final vote. It also would expand the amount of live video required of legislative action at the state Capitol and allow that video to be used in political campaigns.

A yes vote adds 12 years to the life of income tax rates imposed by the 2012 Proposition 30. Those rates, a 1% to 3% surtax on incomes above $250,000 a year, would continue through 2030. The money would be spent on California schools and government healthcare programs

A yes vote raises taxes on tobacco and electronic cigarette products containing nicotine. The money would be used on healthcare and tobacco-control programs.

A yes vote would allow prisoners serving time for a nonviolent crime to become eligible for early release based on their effort to earn credits for education and good behavior while behind bars. The initiative also would eliminate the existing law that can send a juvenile offender immediately to an adult court hearing.

A yes vote removes a key provision of the ban on bilingual education passed in 1998 as Proposition 227. Instead of a general ban on teaching language-learning children only in English, this would allow county offices of education and school districts to make the final decision.

A yes vote instructs California officials to work toward a repeal of the Citizens United campaign finance ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. That ruling opened the door to unlimited spending on federal campaigns by corporations and unions, and could be overturned only by an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The measure is largely a way for California voters to express their opinion on money in politics.

A yes vote requires performers in adult films to use condoms during explicit sex scenes. Penalties could be imposed on movie producers for violations of the law.

A yes vote bans state agencies from paying more for a prescription drug than the lowest price the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pays for that same drug.

A yes vote repeals the 1978 law that imposes execution for the most heinous crimes. If passed, death row sentences would be changed to life without parole. The measure also would send more money earned for prison work to victim restitution efforts.

A yes vote bans the sale and possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines. It would also impose background checks for purchasing ammunition, new felony charges for gun thefts and rules for keeping guns away from felons.

A yes vote legalizes marijuana and hemp. Sales would be limited to those over the age of 21. State taxes would be collected from buyers, and local taxes would be allowed. Most of the tax revenues would go toward law enforcement and marijuana education programs.

A yes vote earmarks fees charged for paper or reusable bags for environmental programs.

A yes vote accelerates the death penalty’s legal process by setting new time limits on the review of convictions by the courts. It would also require death row inmates to work and pay victim restitution.

A yes vote ratifies the 2014 statewide plastic bag ban. A no vote overturns the ban.