Ordinance 2417-99 - Laserfiche WebLink

r .41 ORDINANCE NO. 2417-99 AN ORDINANCE Relating to Foreign Protection Orders and Restraining Orders, Adding a New Chapter to the Everett Criminal Code, Title 10 of the Everett Municipal Code (EMC), and Adding a New Section to EMC Chapter 10.22 (Domestic Violence Orders), and Amending Section 3 of Ordinance 1234-86 (EMC 10.22.030). WHEREAS, the problem of women fleeing across state lines to escape their abusers is epidemic in the United States. In 1994, Congress enacted the violence against women act (VAWA) as Title IV of the violent crime control and law enforcement act(P.L. 103-322). The VAWA provides for improved prevention and prosecution of violent crimes against women and children. Section 2265 of the VAWA (Title IV, P.L. 103-322) provides for nationwide enforcement of civil and criminal protection orders in state and tribal courts throughout the country. Existing statutes may not provide an adequate mechanism for victims, police, prosecutors, and courts to enforce a foreign protection order in our state. It is the intent of the City Council that the barriers faced by persons entitled to protection under a foreign protection order will be removed and that violations of foreign protection orders be criminally prosecuted in the City of Everett; and WHEREAS, the 1999 Washington State Legislature adopted new laws giving full faith and credit to foreign protection orders; and WHEREAS, the 1999 Washington State Legislature amended the laws regarding restraining orders; and WHEREAS, the City of Everett City Council deems it appropriate for the City Criminal Code to be consistent with state law in this area. NOW,THEREFORE, THE CITY OF EVERETT DOES ORDAIN: 1