· Starting point
Initiating committee files a statement and proposed ordinance with the City Secretary
A committee of 11 Amarillo registered voters filed a statement and proposed "Ordinance Outlawing Abortion, Declaring Amarillo a Sanctuary City for the Unborn" with the City Secretary, starting the initiative process in Article II, Section 23 of the City Charter. The proposed ordinance would add Chapter 8-6, "Abortion," to the Municipal Code. On January 23, 2024 the council met in executive session with the City Attorney on the "Statement of Initiating Committee (Petition Process)."[1][2][3][4]
What the sources say
- ✓ Verified
The City's staff memo for Resolution 08-13-24-2 states that on December 29, 2023 a committee of 11 people (the Initiating Committee) "began an initiative process by filing a statement and proposed ordinance outlawing abortion, declaring Amarillo a Sanctuary City for the Unborn." The May 28, 2024 memo describes them as "an Initiating Committee of Amarillo registered voters." [1][2]
- ✓ Verified
NewsChannel10 reported in January 2024 that the petition needed signatures from at least 5% of registered voters by April 29, 2024; that the City Secretary's office would then have 21 days to verify it and the council 30 days to act; and that if the council denied or amended the ordinance, the committee could ask that it go on the ballot. Mayor Stanley said, "This ordinance is all private right of action." [3]
- ✓ Verified
The minutes of the January 23, 2024 work session record an executive session under Section 551.071 to consult the City Attorney on "Statement of Initiating Committee (Petition Process)." [4]
- ✓ Verified
The 18-page proposed ordinance certified by the City Secretary as presented to the council on June 11, 2024 would add Chapter 8-6, "Abortion," to the Municipal Code. Per its text it declares Amarillo a Sanctuary City for the Unborn; declares abortion at all stages "an unlawful act, unless the abortion is performed to save the life of the pregnant woman in a medical emergency"; declares abortion-inducing drugs contraband; makes it unlawful to perform or aid or abet an elective abortion on an Amarillo resident regardless of where it occurs, and to knowingly transport a person for an elective abortion when the trip begins, ends or passes through Amarillo; and restricts the transport or disposal of fetal remains in the city. [1]
- ✓ Verified
Per its text, the ordinance's prohibitions "shall be enforced exclusively through the private civil actions described in Section 8-6-8," and no enforcement may be taken by the City or its officers or employees. Any person other than the City may sue anyone who violates or intends to violate it; a prevailing claimant is to be awarded injunctive relief, statutory damages "of not less than $10,000 for each violation," and costs and attorney's fees. Suits may not be brought against the woman on whom an abortion is performed or a pregnant woman who seeks one, or by a person who impregnated the woman through rape, sexual assault or incest, and may be brought only in Texas district courts. The ordinance would take effect on council approval or voter approval. [1][5]
- Statutory damages min
- $10,000