Mayor Pro Tem Purcell says county study paused Citizens Initiative; legislators filed AB 1923 to change process

Mayor Pro Tem Purcell updated the council on a contested local initiative process, saying a county-commissioned financial impact study effectively halted the Citizens Initiative’s timetable. Purcell said supporters then worked with state legislators on an emergency measure, Assembly Bill 1923, intended to change the process for this initiative.

Purcell described the proposed bill as a carve‑out from normal election-law timelines and told council members the governor was expected to receive the measure imminently. “It gives them a carve out, to move forward with the bill even though it has not been approved,” Purcell said, adding the governor’s action would determine the immediate political outcome.

Purcell characterized the matter as unfolding at the county and state level and urged the council to watch for developments. The report was informational; council did not take action or adopt a position during the meeting.