Some notable measures on the Nov. 8 election ballots in various states and municipalities: STATEWIDE MEASURES:
CALIFORNIA:
Four measures promoted by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would:
_cap state spending, give governor more power to make budget cuts.
_make teachers work five years instead of two to pass probation.
_shift power over redistricting from lawmakers to a panel of retired judges.
_require public employee unions to get members' permission before dues could be used for political purposes.
Other measures:
_Require parents to be notified when a minor seeks an abortion.
_Create a program for prescription drug discounts.
_Re-regulate state's energy market, requiring electric service providers to be controlled by California Public Utilities Commission.
MAINE:
_Repeal a new law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.
_Offer tax breaks for waterfront property used for commercial fishing.
NEW JERSEY:
_Create post of lieutenant governor.
NEW YORK:
_Give the legislature, not the governor, the upper hand in writing a budget.
OHIO:
_Shift redistricting powers from state legislators and top statewide officeholders to a commission.
_Reduce limit on individual contributions to political candidates.
_Shift oversight of elections from secretary of state to a bipartisan, nine-member board.
_Allow all voters to cast ballots early by mail.
TEXAS:
_Approved: Amend state constitution to ban gay marriage.
WASHINGTON:
_Place cap on certain types of jury awards in medical malpractice cases and limit lawyers' fees.
_Set up state-run supplemental malpractice insurance program, and allow doctors' licenses to be revoked after three malpractice verdicts against them in 10 years.
_Expand ban on indoor smoking to include bars, restaurants, non-tribal casinos.
_Overturn the Legislature's gas-tax increase of 9.5 cents a gallon.
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LOCAL MEASURES:
LIVERMORE, Calif.:
_Clear initial barrier to build the nation's largest solar-powered housing development.
MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio:
_Eliminate zoning laws that local Amish community says prevent the operation of family woodworking shops.
OGUNQUIT, Maine:
_Ban chain restaurants.
PHILADELPHIA:
_Impose limits on campaign contributions by those seeking municipal contracts.
SAN FRANCISCO:
_Prohibit sale of guns and ammunition, and ban residents, except for police, security guards or military personnel, from possessing handguns.
_Oppose military recruiting in public schools and colleges.
SEATTLE:
_Construct 10.6-mile monorail.
SONOMA COUNTY, Calif.:
_Ban the growing of genetically modified crops.
WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas:
_Rejected: Change town's name to West Settlement.
