Bill > S0528

This bill clarifies that citizens cannot use initiative or referendum processes, which are ways for voters to directly propose or vote on laws, to change development orders, comprehensive plan amendments, or map amendments. A development order is a permit or approval for a specific development project, while comprehensive plan amendments and map amendments involve changes to a local government's long-term planning documents that guide future growth and land use. The bill specifically states that the only exception to this prohibition for local comprehensive plan or map amendments is if a local government's charter, in effect on June 1, 2011, specifically allowed for such initiatives or referendums for amendments affecting more than five parcels of land, and a general charter provision is not enough. The bill also declares that any such initiatives or referendums started after June 1, 2011, are void, reinforcing the intent to prevent direct voter action on these planning and development matters.