The California Constitution provides that, from all state revenues, there shall be first set apart the moneys to be applied by the state for support of the public school system and public institutions of higher education, and establishes a minimum amount to be applied for the support of school districts and community college districts, as specified.

This measure would further require that, in the 2013–14 fiscal year, and in each fiscal year thereafter, the amount appropriated from the General Fund of the state for the support of public institutions of higher education, as defined, be greater than the amount appropriated from the General Fund of the state for the support of the state prison system, as defined.