Motion to fast-track Prop 1 reimplementation fails after divided council debate

Spokane City Council members debated whether to reimplement “Prop 1” immediately after a recent court ruling set aside the earlier administrative implementation. Supporters argued rapid action would restore a widely supported voter-approved measure; opponents urged following normal process and obtaining input from police leadership.

Council member Kecker moved to suspend the rules and advance the ordinance (identified in the meeting as the reimplementation of Proposition 1 language) to a final reading on April 28; that motion was seconded and discussed. Other council members urged caution: Council member McCluskey said she wanted more outreach and a meeting with precinct captains and police leadership, arguing “I would be in favor of following our process on this.” Council member Dylan (and others) raised questions about operational details and potential interactions with other camping and property laws; Dylan said he wanted to hear from Chief Hall about how the ordinance would be implemented.

Council member McKechnart urged speedy reimplementation, saying re-adopting the voter-approved language would respect the will of voters: “To not, I think, reimplement when we have the power to do so is disrespectful to them and the will of the people.” Council member Bindo also urged implementing the voters’ choice first and then considering revisions.

When the council took the vote to suspend the rules and add the ordinance to first reading at the meeting, the motion did not pass. The chair called for ayes; council members present said “Aye” but the clerk announced “Any noes? No. Abstentions? That does not pass.” The council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting and directed further committee and staff engagement in subsequent discussion.