{"code":"CONS","codeName":"California Constitution","section":"ART XI SEC 3","citation":"Cal. Const., art. XI, § 3","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"ARTICLE XI LOCAL GOVERNMENT [SEC. 1. - SEC. 15.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/constitution/article-11"}],"history":"Subdivision (a) amended Nov. 5, 1974, by Prop. 2. Res.Ch. 81, 1974.   Other Source:  Entire Sec. 3 was added June 2, 1970, by Prop. 2; Res.Ch. 331, 1969.","effective":null,"html":"<p>(a) For its own government, a county or city may adopt a charter by majority vote of its electors voting on the question. The charter is effective when filed with the Secretary of State. A charter may be amended, revised, or repealed in the same manner. A charter, amendment, revision, or repeal thereof shall be published in the official state statutes. County charters adopted pursuant to this section shall supersede any existing charter and all laws inconsistent therewith. The provisions of a charter are the law of the State and have the force and effect of legislative enactments.</p><p>(b) The governing body or charter commission of a county or city may propose a charter or revision. Amendment or repeal may be proposed by initiative or by the governing body.</p><p>(c) An election to determine whether to draft or revise a charter and elect a charter commission may be required by initiative or by the governing body.</p><p>(d) If provisions of 2 or more measures approved at the same election conflict, those of the measure receiving the highest affirmative vote shall prevail.</p>","text":"(a) For its own government, a county or city may adopt a charter by majority vote of its electors voting on the question. The charter is effective when filed with the Secretary of State. A charter may be amended, revised, or repealed in the same manner. A charter, amendment, revision, or repeal thereof shall be published in the official state statutes. County charters adopted pursuant to this section shall supersede any existing charter and all laws inconsistent therewith. The provisions of a charter are the law of the State and have the force and effect of legislative enactments. (b) The governing body or charter commission of a county or city may propose a charter or revision. Amendment or repeal may be proposed by initiative or by the governing body. (c) An election to determine whether to draft or revise a charter and elect a charter commission may be required by initiative or by the governing body. (d) If provisions of 2 or more measures approved at the same election conflict, those of the measure receiving the highest affirmative vote shall prevail.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/constitution/article-11/section-3","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}