(FOX 5/KUSI) — Among the many statewide proposals that California voters had their say on in this year’s election was Proposition 33which would give local governments the ability to expand rent control measures.

The proposal would specifically repeal a decades-old law, the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Actwhich generally prevents capping rents on single-family properties and those built after 1995. It would also limit what lawmakers could do to regulate rent control in the future.

Proposition 33 marks the third time a measure to repeal Costa-Hawkins has been on the ballot in California since 2018, when voters rejected Proposition 10 by nearly 20 points. The second 2020 measure failed by a similar margin.

Calling it the “Justice for Renters Act,” proponents of Proposition 33 argued that passage of the law would be essential to addressing soaring housing costs at a time when most California renters are considered “rent-burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their rent. their rental income.

They also insisted it would help protect tenants from rent-related evictions, which are a major contributor to the homelessness crisis.

Opponents, however, argued that the proposal would have the opposite effect, discouraging new housing development by making it financially infeasible to build new housing or maintain existing buildings and reducing the value of rental properties.

Some housing advocates further argued that it would make it difficult for state officials to enforce existing laws aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing in cities.

The proposal was one of the costliest ballot measures in California this election cycle, with nearly $29 million going to political action committees that supported it and about $66 million going to those who supported it. opposed it.

The support was largely funded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which came under fire after a Los Angeles Times Investigation 2023 on living conditions in its housing for the homeless and low-income households.

Meanwhile, real estate agent and landlord groups – like the powerful California Apartment Association who has long fought against state regulation of rental housing prices – have been the main financiers of the movement against Proposition 33.

The measure is expected to fail by a margin of more than 20 points at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Additional results are expected in the coming days, although the number of “no” votes is expected to remain in the lead.

The California Secretary of State has until December 13 to certify the results and make them official.

If passed by California voters this time, Proposition 33 would take effect immediately.

Refresh this page for the latest data.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit FOX 5 San Diego and KUSI News.