HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-014 Ordinance amending section 6.05.130, for the purpose of adopting the equivalent Revised Code of Washington statute; and enacting a new section relating to exposing minor child(ren) to domestic violenceAN ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-014
relating to Public Safety; amending the City of Yakima Municipal Code;
amending section 6.05.130, for the purpose of adopting the equivalent
Revised Code of Washington statute; and enacting a new section relating
to exposing minor child(ren) to domestic violence.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. The following section, 6.05.130, of the City of Yakima Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read as follows:
6.05.130 Interfering with the reporting of domestic violence.
RCW 9A.36.150 is hereby adopted by reference as currently enacted or as hereafter
amended or recodified from time to time.
Section 2. A new section, 6.05.135, of the City of Yakima Municipal Code is hereby
adopted to read as follows:
6.05.135 Exposing minor child(ren) to domestic violence.
A. A person commits the crime of exposing minor child(ren) to domestic violence
when he or she:
1. Commits a crime against a family or household member, or an intimate
partner, as defined in RCW 26.50.010, as currently enacted or hereafter
amended; and
2. The crime is committed in the immediate presence of, or is witnessed or
heard by, the person's or the victim's minor child, minor stepchild, or any minor
child residing within the household of the person or victim.
3. For purposes of this section, "minor" shall mean under 18 years of age on
the date of the violation.
B. A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor. Any person convicted of this
crime shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than 30 days.
Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
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PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 20th day of July, 2021.
ATTEST:
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Sonya Claar Tee, City Clerk';^
Publication Date: July 23, 2021
Effective Date: August 22, 2021
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ITEM TITLE:
SUBMITTED BY:
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 6.J.
For Meeting of: July 20, 2021
Ordinance amending section 6.05.130, for the purpose of adopting
the equivalent Revised Code of Washington statute; and enacting a
new section relating to exposing minor child(ren) to domestic violence
Jeffrey Schaap, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Lt. Chad Stephens, Yakima Police Department
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
This proposed ordinance amends Chapter 6.05 "Domestic Violence." First, as a primarily
housekeeping matter, the proposed ordinance amends section 6.05.130, "Interfering with the
reporting of domestic violence," by replacing the current city ordinance with the equivalent Revised
Code of Washington statute. Second, the proposed ordinance would create a new section,
"Exposing minor child(ren) to domestic violence." Studies show that children who witness domestic
violence are at a higher risk for behavioral and emotional problems, poor academic performance,
and delinquency. Thus, domestic violence not only effects the victim but also any children who
witness it. This new section would create a new gross misdemeanor offense for committing a crime
of domestic violence (a crime against a family or household member or intimate partner) in the
presence of a minor child(ren). This proposed ordinance was suggested by the Yakima Police
Department and is modeled after several other similar ordinances that have been adopted by other
cities in Washington. Ultimately, the new section would be another tool in our response to domestic
violence.
ITEM BUDGETED: NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION:
Pass ordinance
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date
D ordinance - YMC 6.05 - redline t/8/2021
ID Ordinance - YMC 6.05 - changes accepted 7/8/2021
Type
Urdi nance
Ordi nance
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