In a nutshell...
98 prevents private eminent domain of both homes and businesses.
A city could not take away an auto repair shop and hand it over to a private party to put a car dealership in its place. It could not take the homes either side of the auto repair shop and similarly hand it over to a private developer for the auto dealership.
98 also phases out rent control. Rent control, however established it may have become over the years, is a form of taking. Supporters of 98 say if society wants to subsidize rents, it should do it at the public’s expense, not on the backs of rental owners.
There are very few rentals in California that will be affected by 98 if it passes (someone can correct me on that).
The rent control aspect has raised the most objections. However, the California League of Cities that is actively opposing 98, does not like the resrictions on private eminent domain of businesses.
To be clear, there is a difference between public and private eminent domain. Hopefully noone here needs that remedial explanation.
99 on the other hand provides no protections for private business owners. It is supported by the League of California Cities.
98 is the one to vote for if you are a conservative. Vote Yes on 98! Vote NO! on 99.
I didn’t get my booklet explaining the propositions this year, but when I saw the list of special interest groups opposing 98, I figured it was good.