Brown's initiative seeks to contribute $125 million in funding for the UC system through a tax increase.
UC officials warned that students could face a steep tuition hike midyear if the ballot initiative is not approved by voters. In that case, the UC system would face a budget cut of $250 million midyear. That would likely prompt a tuition increase in January, probably a large one.
The resolution was approved Wednesday at a meeting of the finance committee. The meeting was disrupted for a short time by protesters.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
