This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding municipal emergency measures by introducing new requirements for referendums. Under the current law, emergency measures adopted by city or town councils are not subject to the same referendum process as nonemergency ordinances. The bill would insert language that mandates any emergency measure to be subject to a referendum in the same manner as nonemergency measures, requiring a referendum petition to be filed with the city or town clerk within thirty days after the emergency measure's passage.

Additionally, the bill specifies that if an emergency measure placed on the ballot does not receive a majority of votes, it will no longer be in effect. This change aims to enhance public oversight and accountability regarding emergency measures enacted by local governments, aligning their treatment with that of regular ordinances and resolutions. The bill also makes technical changes to existing language without altering the fundamental structure of the current law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-142
Senate Engrossed Version: 19-142