Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: Administration
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
title
Hyattsville Charter Amendment Resolution: 2024-02: Amending the Charter to Utilize Gender Neutral Language and Modernize the Charter’s Gender Equality Provision
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council adopt Hyattsville Charter Amendment 2024-02, a resolution amending the Charter to modernize the Charter’s gender equality provision to address all gender identities with respect to registering, voting, holding office, and amending the Charter to utilize gender neutral language, and making other non-substantive changes (INTRODUCTION & ADOPTION).
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Summary Background:
Charter Amendment Resolution 2024-02: Amending the Charter to Utilize Gender Neutral Language
In accordance with the City’s goals of being a welcoming and inclusive community, the proposed amendment will remove gendered language from the City Charter. The amendment will also expand the Charter’s existing provision regarding equal protections for women with respect to registering, voting, and holding office to include all gender identities and expressions to be inclusive and welcoming of all persons.
A public hearing was held on April 1, 2024. The resolution contains language corrections identified at the April 1 Council meeting.
Next Steps:
Timeline for Adoption
• May 20: Scheduled Adoption of the Charter Amendment Resolution
• July 9: Effective Date of the Charter Amendment Resolution
Fiscal Impact:
The City will incur printing fees to publish the required summary notice of the Charter Amendment Resolution in the Prince George’s Post.
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend support.
Community Engagement:
The proposed amendment is published on the City’s website under “Hyattsville Ordinances”. Upon adoption, the City Clerk’s office will publish the required legal notices and transmit the resolution to the State Department of Legislative Services.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 1 - Ensure Transparent and Accessible Governance
Legal Review Required?
Complete