California Constitution Article XIX C - Enforcement of Certain Provisions [Sections 1 - 4]
California Constitution – Article XIX C: Enforcement of Certain Provisions [Sections 1–4]
🔹 Overview:
Article XIX C was added to the California Constitution to ensure that fuel taxes and transportation-related revenues are used exclusively for their intended purposes—primarily transportation and road infrastructure—and to prevent misuse or diversion of those funds.
It was adopted as part of voter-approved initiatives to enhance transparency and accountability in transportation funding.
🔹 Section-by-Section Summary:
Section 1 – Definitions
Defines important terms used throughout the article, including:
“Revenues from taxes” on motor vehicle fuels.
“Transportation purposes” – which includes streets, highways, public transit, and related facilities.
Clarifies what constitutes misuse or diversion of funds.
Section 2 – Prohibited Uses
Prohibits the state from using transportation revenues for non-transportation purposes.
Ensures these revenues cannot be loaned, transferred, or otherwise used for general fund expenditures or unrelated programs.
Section 3 – Legal Enforcement
Grants any resident or taxpayer the right to sue the state to enforce compliance with this article.
Gives courts the authority to issue injunctions or other remedies to stop unlawful uses of transportation funds.
Section 4 – Severability
If any part of this article is ruled invalid, the remaining sections still remain in effect.
🔹 Key Purpose:
Article XIX C was created to:
Lock in transportation funding and prevent budgetary “raids” during financial crises.
Ensure fuel tax revenues go toward road maintenance, transit, and infrastructure, not diverted to other programs.
Empower citizens to legally challenge misuse of these funds.
🔹 In Summary:
Article XIX C protects California’s transportation funding by:
Clearly defining what transportation revenue can and cannot be used for.
Banning the diversion of fuel tax money for unrelated purposes.
Allowing residents to hold the state accountable through the courts.
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