Charter Review Commission advances three amendments, rejects a measure limiting county role on citizen initiatives

April 8, 2026 — The Clark County Charter Review Commission voted to advance three proposed charter amendments into committee study and rejected a fourth proposal that would have restricted county officials’ involvement in citizen initiative campaigns.

The commission approved committee study for amendment 26‑31, which would expand the county ethics commission from three members to five. Commissioner Hamlik, the amendment’s sponsor, argued a five‑member body ‘‘improves decision quality and public trust’’ and reduces the risk that absences deny a quorum. The roll call showed 11 ayes and four abstentions; there were no recorded no votes. The sponsor will chair the study effort as the commission assembles a subcommittee to draft language and cost estimates.

The commission declined to advance amendment 26‑09, a proposal from Commissioner Jay that would bar the county council and county officials from blocking, delaying, using public resources to influence, or delaying implementation of citizen initiatives and charter amendments. Jay framed the proposal as protecting voter autonomy and preventing the county from using public funds to litigate or campaign against initiatives. Opponents said state law (RCW 42.17A) already limits the use of public resources for campaigning and described parts of the proposal as redundant or potentially inconsistent with existing authority. The roll call was 6 yes, 7 no and 2 abstentions; the amendment did not qualify for study.

Two other amendments were advanced to committee study. Amendment 26‑13, sponsored by Commissioner Silliman, would clarify that the county council may employ and supervise personnel necessary to perform its legislative functions (for example, clerks or policy staff). Supporters cited the practice used in other charter counties and argued it would not add cost unless new positions are approved; critics asked for detail on HR and supervision logistics. The measure passed into study, 12 ayes and 3 nays.

Amendment 26‑14 would authorize the council to conduct or contract for performance and program audits to review the efficiency and effectiveness of county programs. Proponents said the measure parallels language in other Washington county charters and would give the legislative branch a tool to examine program results; opponents asked about overlap with the auditor’s office and potential costs. The commission advanced the amendment to committee study on a 10‑yes, 5‑no roll call.

Additional procedural actions: the commission formed a drafting committee (up to seven members) to convert policy proposals into resolution‑form language and to coordinate with a contracted scrivener for formatting. The body also agreed, without recorded objections, to temporarily suspend the two‑week submission deadline for detailed policy forms while the work plan subcommittee revises guidance on when a proposal is ‘‘ripe’’ for PA review.

What comes next: Each amendment sent to committee study will receive further policy work, fiscal analysis and an initial review by the prosecuting attorney’s office. Amendments that emerge from study may be revised, combined or deferred before the commission decides whether to place them on a future ballot. The commission listed multiple second readings for its next meeting, including proposals on investigative authority, light‑rail and toll bans, participatory budgeting and public defense transparency.

Direct quotes in the meeting are from commissioners and staff as recorded in the public transcript.