What would Proposition 42 do if California voters approve it?

Proposition 42 is aimed at stopping Proposition 40, which is described in the available source as a proposed billionaire tax.
What Proposition 42 would change
If approved, Proposition 42 would cancel out Proposition 40.
It would also block retroactive taxes and prevent new taxes on personal property. The source says that category includes retirement accounts before income is drawn, investments, business holdings, art, and other personal wealth.
What it is responding to
Proposition 40 is described as a proposed billionaire tax.
Proposition 42 is the countermeasure: instead of creating that tax, it would prevent Proposition 40 from taking effect and add broader limits on certain kinds of taxes.
What voters should double-check
Because this is a ballot measure, the wording that matters most is the official ballot language. The available context explains the broad effect, but voters should check the official state materials before relying on any summary.
Why did Gavin Newsom endorse Proposition 42?

Gavin Newsom endorsed Proposition 42, a California ballot measure designed to block Proposition 40.
The confirmed reason for the endorsement
The available context confirms what Newsom endorsed and what the measure would do: Proposition 42 would cancel out Proposition 40, which is described as a proposed billionaire tax.
It would also bar retroactive taxes and block new taxes on personal property, including categories the source describes as retirement accounts before income is drawn, investments, business holdings, art, and other personal wealth.
The political split it creates
Newsom’s support puts him at odds with his state party and some labor groups.
At the same time, the endorsement aligns him with wealthy tech donors who have been connected to him over many years, according to the source summary.
What is not confirmed here
The context does not provide a direct quoted explanation from Newsom laying out his personal reasoning in his own words. So the clearest confirmed answer is this: he endorsed the measure that would block Proposition 40 and restrict certain tax categories, even though that position separates him from his state party and some labor groups.
For the latest voter-facing details, check the official ballot materials as Election Day information can be updated.
How are Proposition 42 and Proposition 40 different?

Proposition 40 and Proposition 42 point in opposite directions. Proposition 40 is described as a proposed billionaire tax, while Proposition 42 is designed to stop it.
Quick comparison
| Measure | What the available context says |
|---|---|
| Proposition 40 | Described as a proposed billionaire tax |
| Proposition 42 | Would cancel Proposition 40 if approved |
| Proposition 42 also | Would block retroactive taxes and new taxes on personal property |
What Proposition 42 adds beyond blocking Proposition 40
Proposition 42 is not described only as a response to Proposition 40.
The source summary says it would also bar retroactive taxes and block new taxes on personal property. That personal property category is described as including retirement accounts before income is drawn, investments, business holdings, art, and other personal wealth.
Why the distinction matters
For voters, the basic difference is this: Proposition 40 is the tax proposal being targeted, and Proposition 42 is the measure that would cancel it out while adding wider limits on certain taxes.
Ballot wording can be technical, so it is worth reading the official voter guide before making a final decision.
Sources / Learn more
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