Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves changes to ballot language and process for establishing municipal caps; passes 4-1
Summary
Senators amended and advanced HB 374 to allow legislative bodies to amend certain ballot questions and clarified language in the cap-establishment process; the committee voted 4-1 to advance the bill as amended.
Senators debated and then amended House Bill 374, a bill that sets procedures and ballot language for establishing a municipal cap (a local fiscal limit referenced in the statutory scheme). Committee members moved to remove language that previously prohibited amendment of the ballot question by the legislative body, allowing local legislative bodies to amend the question.
Senator discussion clarified that HB 374 sets the procedure for establishing a cap and does not conflict with HB 200, which addresses overriding an established cap. Committee members explained the amendment responds to concerns raised by municipal organizations about allowing the legislative body to refine or amend ballot language.
The committee adopted the amendment and then voted the bill ought to pass as amended. The vote on the amended bill was recorded as 4 in favor and 1 opposed. The chair then moved the bill on consent and the committee advanced HB 374 to the next step.
Committee members and staff noted further drafting and coordination may be necessary for ballot timing and municipal notice requirements before implementation.
