The Legislative Process

The legislative process follows a monthly schedule, except for the month of August which is a recess month. The Council does not meet the month of November during a local election year.

Note: If Monday falls on a holiday, Council meetings are held on Tuesday or the first day after the Holiday(s).

• INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION



All bills and resolutions being introduced by Council Members or on behalf of the County Executive are read into the record for the first time.

• PUBLIC HEARING



All legislation introduced on the 1st Monday of the month is advertised for a public hearing to be held on the 3rd Monday of the month. After the legislation is read into the record for the second time, any person who desires may testify at the public hearing or submit written testimony.

• WORK SESSION



A work session is not mandatory and is held only if the Council needs further discussion on any legislation before it. All meetings of the Council are open to the public; however, the public does not participate in work sessions unless specifically asked by the Council.

• FINAL CONSIDERATION



All legislation which was introduced on the 1st Monday of the previous month is brought before the Council for the third reading and a vote, or it can be tabled. Prior to voting on legislation, the Council can amend it by a majority vote, The life of a bill is 65 - 90 days if the Council votes to extend. A resolution can be tabled indefinitely.

• ADOPTION

Resolutions are adopted with an affirmative vote of the Council. Bills approved by the Council must be sent to the County Executive within three days for signature. Upon receipt, the Executive has 10 days either to sign or veto the bill. If the Executive takes no action the bill becomes law. Most laws go into effect 61 days after enactment. An emergency law goes into effect upon enactment.

• RECONSIDERATION

If vetoed, a bill may be reconsidered by the Council at the next legislative session. A 2/3 vote is required to override a veto.