City Council Objections: What's The Law?

City councils are responsible for enacting laws, which are subject to the approval of the mayor. If the mayor approves a law, it becomes law. If the mayor does not take any action, the law is passed unless there are exceptions. If the mayor vetoes the law, the City Clerk sends the mayor's objections to the City Council, which can then make changes to the law. City council rules allow for the withdrawal of a motion if there are no objections, and for the appeal of a decision made by the chair.

How a bill becomes a law

A bill becomes a law when the majority of the City Council agrees with the recommendation of a committee, and the Mayor approves the item. The Charter of the City of Seattle provides that every legislative act shall be by Ordinance, and every Ordinance subject shall be clearly expressed in the Ordinance title.

If the Mayor does not take any action after 15 days, the item approved by the City Council becomes law, unless there are exceptions. Members of the public may also forward suggested legislation for consideration through the City Council and Mayor. By Council Rule, legislation submitted for Council consideration is reviewed by the Law Department. It also must include a Fiscal Note, which describes the financial impact of the proposal.

If the Mayor vetoes the item, the City Clerk sends the Mayor's objections to the City Council, and the councilors can make changes to or take action on the item. The councilors can also recommend that a docket Ought to Pass or Ought to Pass in a New Draft. If a majority of the City Council agrees with the recommendation, the City Council will send the item to the Mayor.

If the Mayor approves the item, it becomes law. If the Mayor does not take any action after 15 days, the item approved by the City Council becomes law, unless there are exceptions.

The role of the mayor

In a weak mayor-council government, the mayor is merely the council chairman and has largely only ceremonial and parliamentary functions. The executive authority of the mayor is less expansive and more power is shared with the council.

In Boston, if a majority of the City Council agrees with a recommendation, the item will be sent to the Mayor. If the Mayor approves the item, it becomes law. If after 15 days, the Mayor doesn't take any action, the item approved by the City Council becomes law, with some exceptions. If the Mayor vetoes, or rejects, the item, the City Clerk sends the Mayor's objections to the City Council. The councillors can then make changes to or take action on the item.

The role of the chair

The chair is also responsible for putting motions on the floor and can withdraw them on the request of the sponsor, providing there are no objections. If a member disagrees with the number of votes for and against a motion as announced by the chair, they may object immediately and, with the consent of the council, the vote shall be retaken unless it has been taken electronically. In the case of a tie vote, the motion shall be deemed to have been decided in the negative.

The chair also plays a role in the process of enacting laws. Once a committee has recommended that a docket ought to pass, the chair can send the item to the mayor for approval. If the mayor approves, it becomes law. If the mayor takes no action after 15 days, the item approved by the council becomes law, with some exceptions. If the mayor vetoes the item, the council can make changes or take action on it.

Overall, the role of the chair in a city council meeting is to ensure that the meeting is run smoothly and that all necessary procedures are followed. The chair has the power to make decisions and put motions forward, but these can be appealed or objected to by other members of the council.

The role of the sponsor

The sponsor should be aware that the council can object to the sponsor's motion. If a member disagrees with the number of votes for and against a motion, they may object immediately to the chair's declaration. If the council consents, the vote will be retaken, unless it has been taken electronically, in which case the results recorded by the electronic system are deemed final.

The sponsor should also be aware that if there is a tie vote on a motion, it is deemed to have been decided in the negative. Therefore, it is important for the sponsor to build a majority consensus for their motion.

The sponsor should also be aware that any legislation submitted for council consideration must be reviewed by the Law Department and include a Fiscal Note, which describes the financial impact of the proposal.

The role of the public

In most cases, members of the public have the right to forward suggested legislation for consideration through the City Council and Mayor. This means that individuals or groups can propose new laws or changes to existing laws that they believe will benefit the community. However, it's important to note that this proposed legislation must typically be reviewed by the city's Law Department and include a Fiscal Note, which outlines the financial implications of the proposal.

During the legislative process, the public may also have the opportunity to provide input and feedback. This could be through public hearings, meetings, or other forms of engagement. By participating in these processes, community members can share their perspectives, concerns, and support for proposed laws.

Additionally, the public plays a crucial role in holding their elected officials accountable. This includes the City Council and the Mayor, who are responsible for enacting and approving laws. The public can stay informed about the legislative process, attend council meetings, and voice their opinions or objections to ensure that their representatives are making decisions in the best interests of the community.

In some cases, the public may also have the right to object to certain decisions made by the City Council. For example, if a member of the public disagrees with the outcome of a vote, they may be able to request a retaking of the vote, as long as it was not conducted electronically. This process ensures that the public has a say in the decision-making process and helps to maintain transparency and fairness in local governance.

Frequently asked questions