Before final passage, which action is permitted?

Before final passage, which action is permitted?

• A. The ordinance cannot be amended after introduction.
• B. Before final passage, the governing body may amend the ordinance and thereupon finally adopt or reject it, with or without amendments.
• C. Amendments require a public referendum.
• D. The final adoption must occur without any amendments.

Answer: (B)

Before final passage, the governing body can refine the ordinance by amending it and then proceed to adopt or reject the ordinance in its amended form, with or without further changes. This reflects the normal legislative practice: drafts are often amended during the final consideration stage, and the final adoption may occur in the amended form or after additional amendments. Public referenda are not typically required for standard amendments to ordinances, and final adoption is not restricted to the original text—amendments can occur prior to final adoption.

Before final passage, the governing body can refine the ordinance by amending it and then proceed to adopt or reject the ordinance in its amended form, with or without further changes. This reflects the normal legislative practice: drafts are often amended during the final consideration stage, and the final adoption may occur in the amended form or after additional amendments. Public referenda are not typically required for standard amendments to ordinances, and final adoption is not restricted to the original text—amendments can occur prior to final adoption.