What is an initiative? How does the initiative process work?
The initiative is a process under the State Constitution and State law that allows residents to propose adoption of an ordinance. An ordinance is a local law.
The proponents of an initiative first must draft a proposed ordinance. Then, they circulate a petition within the community in order to collect sufficient signatures to compel consideration of the ordinance by the City Council.
What does the petition consist of? How many signatures are required?
The petition includes a title and summary prepared by the City Attorney that constitutes an impartial summary of the purpose of the initiative. It also includes the text of the proposed ordinance.
The minimum number of signatures required to qualify a petition is 10% of the number of registered voters; in Rolling Hills.
Who may sign the initiative petition? If a person signs the petition and then changes their mind, can they remove their name?
Only registered voters in Rolling Hills may sign the petition.
Yes, they can remove their name as long as the person submits to the City Clerk a written request to remove their name before the petition is submitted to the City Clerk for certification.
How long do the proponents have to collect signatures? What happens if a sufficient number of signatures are collected?
Signatures must be collected within six months from the start of the process; otherwise, the petition is invalid.
If the City Clerk determines that sufficient signatures have been properly collected, and the ordinance is not clearly unconstitutional or unlawful, the City Council must either adopt the ordinance without alteration or must place it on the ballot for a vote of the electorate.
If the City Council chooses to place the initiative ordinance on the ballot, how many votes are required for it to pass?
Usually an initiative ordinance passes with a majority vote. Tax measures require a 2/3 vote.
If the initiative ordinance is approved by the electorate, can it later be amended ?
An ordinance approved by the electorate through the initiative process can generally only be amended or repealed by another vote of the electorate; it cannot be amended or repealed by the City Council unless the initiative expressly allows such action.
