· Related development
Petition presented to council and tabled 5-0; mayor presents an alternative ordinance
The City Secretary presented the certified petition at the May 28, 2024 regular meeting. The council voted 5-0 to table the item and set a public hearing for June 11. Mayor Stanley then presented an alternative draft ordinance that would add the State's abortion-related restrictions in Chapters 170A, 171 and 697 of the Texas Health and Safety Code to the Municipal Code; no action was taken on it. On June 25, 2024 the council discussed the alternative ordinance with the City Attorney in executive session.[1][2][3][4]
Cole StanleyJosh CraftDon TippsTom ScherlenLes Simpson
What the sources say
- ✓ Verified
The May 28, 2024 minutes record that the City Secretary "presented and submitted the valid petition to City Council who received it," that a motion by Tom Scherlen, second by Les Simpson, to table the item passed 5-0, and that the council decided by consensus to hold the public hearing at its June 11, 2024 meeting. The memo listed the council's options as holding a hearing and deciding within 30 days, approving the ordinance on first reading after a hearing, or accepting the petition as evidence of community interest to submit the proposal to voters. [1][2]
- ✓ Verified
The alternative draft presented by Mayor Stanley would amend the Municipal Code to adopt Chapters 170A, 171 and 697 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, covering criminal liability for performing an abortion, restrictions on abortion-inducing drugs and private civil liability, and disposition of embryonic and fetal tissue. The minutes record that the mayor presented it and no action was taken. On June 25, 2024 the council consulted the City Attorney in executive session on the "Proposed ordinance protecting human life by amending the Amarillo Municipal Code to add State-adopted abortion-related restrictions and prohibitions." [2][1][3]