in the city of santa cruz a group is trying to put a measure for an empty home tax for the november 2022 ballot. the group has registered with the california secretary of state as a ballot measure committee to support the passage of the ballot measure. the "empty home tax" would create a tax on homes that are lived in for less than 120 days of the calendar year. a home that is lived in by owner or tenant for at least 120 days do not have to pay this tax. this tax also does not apply to homes whose owners have hardships such going into long term care, long hospital stays and other reasons.