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In this original proceeding, we revisit an area of the law which has become familiar judicial territory, the single-subject rule. Article II, section 8, subdivision (d) of the California Constitution reads: “An initiative measure embracing more than one subject may not be submitted to the electors or have any effect.” Here we consider application of this rule to an initiative measure entitled the Government Accountability and Taxpayer Protection Act of 1992 (hereafter GATPA or the initiative).

The League of Women Voters, Children Now, California Common Cause, California Homeless and Housing Coalition, and Coleen M. Jarvis (petitioners) seek a writ of mandate directing the Secretary of State and the Registrar of Voters for Sacramento and San Francisco Counties (respondents) to refrain from taking further action to place the initiative on the November 1992 ballot. The real party in interest is Pete Wilson, Governor of the State of California (the Governor), the initiative’s “proponent.” Petitioners contend the initiative embraces two primary subjects, budget reform and welfare reform, and contains several provisions unrelated to either subject. We find no constitutional…