(a) If the initiative petition is signed by voters not less in number than 10 percent of the voters in the district, where the total number of registered voters is less than 500,000, or not less in number than 5 percent of the voters in the district, where the total number of registered voters is 500,000 or more, and the petition contains a request that the ordinance be submitted immediately to a vote of the people at a special election, the district board shall do either of the following:
(1) Pass the ordinance, without alteration, either at the regular meeting at which it is presented, or within 10 days after it is presented.
(2) Immediately order that the ordinance be submitted to the voters, without alteration, at the next statewide election or at the next regular election date under Section 1000 whichever comes first, provided that the election occurs not less than 88 days after the order of the district board.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), nothing shall prohibit the board from calling a special election, to be held not less than 88 days nor more than 103 days after the date of the presentation of the proposed ordinance to the board. When it is legally possible to hold a special election under this chapter within 180 days prior to a regular election, the board may submit the proposed ordinance at the regular election instead of at a special election. Not more than one special election may be held pursuant to this article during any period of 180 days.
(c) The number of registered voters referred to in subdivision (a) shall be calculated as of the time of the last report of registration by the county elections official to the Secretary of State made prior to publication or posting of the notice of intention to circulate the initiative petition.
(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1143, Sec. 46.)