2021/05/26 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

• May 26, 2021 ACTION ITEMS: COUNCIL BILL 2105-16 FIRST, SECOND, THIRD AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE relating to Illegal Drugs, amending Ordinance Nos. 1653- 89 and 1145-85, as previously amended Flora Diaz, Legal, presented information on the proposed emergency ordinance related to Engrossed Senate Bill 5476, which was the State Legislature's response to the State v. Blake Washington State Supreme Court case. She stated the State emergency statute took effect immediately upon the Governor's signing on May 13, 2021, and the proposed ordinance is being presented to amend the current ordinance necessary to adopt the State legislative changes. Moved by Council Member Bader, seconded by Council Member Roberts, that • this is declared to be the third and final reading of Council Bill No. 2105-16. Council Member Bader inquired about the financial impacts and requested a report come back to Council within six months from today. Council Member Bader also inquired about the "three strikes" element of the statute, and how in practice a police officer would determine if it was a first offense. Considerable discussion took place. Flora responded that the Legislature did not address this in the bill, and that the Police Department is currently looking at various solutions. Council Member Roberts requested the Council receive ongoing information as appropriate in the future. Council Member Murphy asked if the proposed ordinance qualifies as an emergency, and if not,would it be more prudent to go forward with a first,second, and third reading. • 5