Item Coversheet

BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT

Item No. 6.J.
For Meeting of: July 20, 2021

ITEM TITLE: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
SUBMITTED BY:

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:
DescriptionUpload DateType
Ordinance - YMC 6.05 - redline7/8/2021Ordinance
Ordinance - YMC 6.05 - changes accepted7/8/2021Ordinance