City Council President Michelle Wu is proposing an ordinance that would require a council committee to hold a hearing on any issue backed by at least 250 Boston residents.

The "free petition" proposal would be similar to a section of the state constitution that requires legislators to introduce bills submitted by their constituents - just with a requirement for signatures.

Wu credits community activist Jamarhl Crawford of Roxbury with proposing the idea - which she will ask fellow councilors to go to a committee for study in a motion at this Wednesday's council meeting.

She said several other cities in the state already have such ordinances. In a statement, she said:

This ordinance will provide another outlet for residents to get involved in influencing policy and public discourse in Boston. One of the Council’s most important duties is to provide a platform for community voice. Codifying the right of free petition will ensure that the City Council is as responsive as possible to the issues facing families across the city.

The council's regular Wednesday meeting begins at noon in the council's fifth floor chambers in City Hall.