Ethics amendment deferred after legal review 'roadblock'; commission leaves date open‑ended

Commissioner Gasky told the commission May 6 that the study committee for amendment 26‑15 (ethics) had reached a roadblock in legal review and asked for additional time rather than rushing a presentation. After discussion about whether one week would be sufficient and whether an executive session could help, commissioners amended the request from a one‑week extension to an open‑ended deferment so the committee may resolve the legal question.

Legal counsel explained that the statute governing executive sessions could arguably allow a session on legal risks of a proposed action, but that direct communication between the sponsor and prosecuting attorney’s office may be more effective; the prosecuting attorney’s office will continue to advise. The commission approved the open‑ended deferral by unanimous roll call and the executive committee will coordinate scheduling with Commissioner Gasky.

The action preserves the committee’s opportunity to finalize language once legal questions are resolved and prevents the commission from presenting potentially incomplete or legally unclear material to voters.