This bill amends the Code of West Virginia, specifically section 8-4-8, to establish a requirement for a petition from qualified voters before a previously defeated charter amendment can be reconsidered. The new language specifies that if a proposed amendment is rejected by a majority of legal votes cast during an election, it cannot be proposed again for at least one year unless a petition from qualified voters is submitted, as outlined in section 8-4-1(b) of the code. This change aims to ensure that once an amendment has been voted down, there is a formal process in place for it to be brought back for consideration.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the method of charter amendment described in this section is supplementary to other methods already established in the chapter. The intent is to enhance the democratic process by requiring voter engagement through petitions for amendments that have not gained initial approval, thereby giving the electorate a voice in the reconsideration of such amendments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-4-8