SCR1037 is a resolution proposing an amendment to the Arizona Constitution regarding the formation of charter cities. The resolution seeks to change the population threshold for a city to form as a charter city from a minimum of 3,500 persons to a maximum of fewer than 500,000 persons. This amendment would allow larger cities to adopt a charter for their own governance, provided that the charter is consistent with state laws and the Arizona Constitution. The process for creating a charter involves the election of a board of 14 qualified electors, who must propose a charter within 90 days. The proposed charter is then subject to approval by the city's voters, the Governor, and must be filed with the Secretary of State and the city's archives.
The resolution outlines the steps for a city to propose, ratify, and approve a charter, including the publication and circulation of the charter, the submission to the city's voters, and the requirement for the Governor's approval. It also details the process for amending an existing charter. The resolution does not anticipate any fiscal impact to the state General Fund and requires the Secretary of State to submit the proposition to the voters at the next general election. If approved by the voters, the amendment becomes effective upon proclamation by the Governor. The resolution also includes technical changes and clarifies that no charter may grant a city the power to violate certain preemptions in the state constitution.