CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — It won't happen this year, but a Nevada judge has given the green light to supporters of a ballot measure aimed at banning sanctuary cities to bring the question before the voters in a future election.

Carson City District Judge Todd Russell approved new language Wednesday describing the impact of the proposed constitutional amendment, which would make it illegal for Nevada cities and counties to become "sanctuary communities" that fail to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The Nevada Supreme Court had agreed with civil rights lawyers who argued the previous description was intentionally broad and confusing.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports the measure's chief sponsor, Republican Senate Leader Michael Roberson, admitted time has run out to get the initiative on the November ballot. But he says the ruling is an important step toward protecting the state from dangerous criminals.