The Jonesboro Rules and Nominations Committee has advanced an ordinance that formalizes the process for opening invocations at city council meetings. The proposal, identified as Ordinance 26-032, would provide an official framework for invocations if it receives final approval from the council.

While invocations have long been a tradition at Jonesboro's city meetings, there has been no formalized language governing the practice. If adopted, the ordinance will allow each council member, rotating monthly by ward and position, to lead the invocation in the tradition of their choosing or to invite a community member to participate.

City Attorney Carol Duncan emphasized the importance of having clear guidelines in place. "We occasionally get a request as to what our procedure is for how we do invocations from the public," Duncan said during the special-called meeting on Tuesday. "Having that in our rules and having it published would maybe prevent them from having to try to track that down."

Duncan stated that the ordinance seeks to ensure fairness by offering each council member an equal opportunity to contribute to the invocation process. She noted that invocations hold a long-standing tradition at all levels of government in the United States. “I think it’s become a tradition over the years,” Duncan said. “And I think the courts have ruled that way, that it’s a tradition, and it’s not trying to make anyone feel uncomfortable or left out in any way.”

In addition to the invocation measure, the committee reviewed several administrative updates, including adjustments to the rules on how council members may sponsor legislation and the notification timelines for special-called council meetings.

Duncan characterized the invocation ordinance as part of the committee's broader efforts to clarify council rules. She added that any rule changes promoting transparency and encouraging resident participation align with the committee’s goals.

The proposed ordinance and other measures will now proceed to the full city council for consideration.