California Supreme Court
Dec. 19, 2025
State Supreme Court: San Jose pension bond doesn't require voter approval
Justices ruled San Jose may issue pension obligation bonds without voter approval, rejecting taxpayer challenges and affirming that cities can manage legally mandated retirement liabilities.
The state Supreme Court on Thursday rejected arguments by taxpayer groups that the San Jose City Council's approval of a $3.5 billion pension obligation bond must be approved by voters.
"Even assuming the proposed bonds would incur new debt, the City has an obligation imposed by law to address the existing shortfall in its retirement plans," Justice Kelli M. Evans wrote for the court.
Although the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association "is correct that no...
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