Seattle drug-related crime in public places is the focus of new legislation

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison announced in a news release Friday, new public safety legislation aimed at stopping drug-related crime in public areas. The legislation, known as the Stay Out of Drug Area (SODA) ordinance, seeks to curb drug-related criminal activity in specified areas of Seattle.

The SODA ordinance authorizes courts to prohibit defendants from entering designated zones if they commit drug-related offenses within those areas. These orders can be issued as a condition of pre-trial release or as part of a sentence upon conviction. To view a map of the zones, visit the City of Seattle’s website.

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“The Stay Out of Drug Area legislation is a mechanism to reduce illegal drug use so our public spaces can be safer and more accessible for everyone,” Davison said. “It focuses on specific areas in the city where there is known, established drug-related activity.”

“We must address the safety needs of residents, visitors, and businesses – both their employees and customers – who live, shop, and work in zones that are overburdened with illegal, dangerous, public drug use and other criminal activity,” she continued.

The proposed ordinance identifies and designates two SODA zones in Seattle where persistent public drug-related criminal activity is concentrated. The boundaries of these zones have been carefully crafted to avoid locations that provide substance abuse treatment and permanent supportive housing.

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“This ordinance addresses a serious gap in existing law and the persistent public drug use in our City,” Davison added. “It is vital that illegal drug users get help. And it is also vital to protect our public spaces and the people who live, work, and visit these spaces.”

Several cities in Washington already have SODA ordinances enforced in municipal courts. If approved, Seattle’s ordinance would be enforced in Seattle Municipal Court.

The proposed ordinance, sponsored by Seattle City Council member Bob Kettle, was transmitted to the Seattle City Clerk’s Office on July 31.

The legislation will be introduced to the Seattle City Council’s Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. The committee will vote on whether to forward the legislation to the full city council or reject it.

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If it moves to the full council, a vote is likely to be taken in late August or early September. If approved, the law will require Mayor Bruce Harrell’s signature and would go into effect 30 days later.

“As we address the public safety impacts of the fentanyl crisis, I look forward to the legislative process that I believe will inform how this proposal can complement ongoing efforts to reduce street disorder, hold those causing the most harm accountable, identify breakdowns in the health system and help those in need access services and treatment to get well,” Harrell said in the news release.

Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here.