CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE extending the duration of the block-the-box and transit-only lane camera enforcement programs; amending Ordinance 126183; declaring an emergency; and establishing an immediate effective date; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
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WHEREAS, in 2020, the City Council passed Ordinance 126183, authorizing block-the-box and transit-only lane camera enforcement programs through June 30, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5974, Chapter 182, Laws of 2022, extended State authorization for block-the-box and transit-only lane camera enforcement programs from June 30, 2023 to June 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to extend authorization for block-the-box and transit-only camera enforcement to June 30, 2025 without a lapse in authority; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council finds and declares that:
A. Vehicles that block-the-box within busy intersections interfere with safe passage across intersections by pedestrians and bicyclists, including persons with disabilities.
B. Vehicles that utilize transit-only lanes interfere with the safe operations and movement of transit vehicles and their passengers.
C. It is not safe, practical, or desirable to utilize police officers to enforce block-the-box or transit-only lane prohibitions.
D. The City Council authorized block-the-box and transit-only lane camera enforcement programs until June 30, 2023 (Ordinance 126183), as authorized by Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1793, Chapter 224, Laws of 2020, which included a June 30, 2023 expiration date for State authorization of these programs.
E. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5974, Chapter 182, Laws of 2022, extended State authorization for block-the-box and transit-only lane camera enforcement programs from June 30, 2023 to June 30, 2025.
F. This ordinance is necessary to become effective immediately to protect the public peace and safety by allowing for the continued authorization of block-the-box and transit-only lane camera enforcement without a lapse in local authority.
Section 2. Section 3 of Ordinance 126183 is amended as follows:
Section 3. Sections 1 and 2 of this ordinance shall expire on June 30, ((2023)) 2025.
Section 3. Based on the findings of fact set forth in Section 1 of this ordinance, the Council finds and declares that this ordinance is a public emergency ordinance, which shall take effect immediately and is necessary for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare.
Section 4. By reason of the findings set out in Section 1, and the emergency that is hereby declared to exist, this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage by a 3/4 vote of the City Council and its approval by the Mayor, as provided by Article 4, subsection 1.I of the Charter of the City.
Passed by a 3/4 vote of all the members of the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2023, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this ________ day of _________________________, 2023.
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President ____________ of the City Council
Approved / returned unsigned / vetoed this _____ day of _________________, 2023.
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Bruce A. Harrell, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2023.
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Anne Frantilla, Interim City Clerk
(Seal)