Council committee adopts 24‑hour amendment deadline for committee and council business; second change on non‑committee sponsorship fails

The Governance, Accountability and Economic Development Committee on July 24 recommended adoption of a revised set of council rules that adds a 24‑hour advance deadline for circulating amendments before committee and council meetings. The committee also considered, but did not adopt, a separate change to allow non‑committee members to circulate amendment language without a committee member sponsor.

Supporters said the 24‑hour rule would reduce last‑minute walk‑on amendments that central staff, the city clerk and the law department must vet on short notice. Councilmember Bob Kettle, sponsor of the amendment, told colleagues that “the walk‑ups and then the amendments on amendments are not productive,” and that a standardized deadline would allow better review and give the public time to see proposed changes before a meeting.

Ben N…