At the Oct.3 City Council meeting, City Council members unanimously approved a bill to amend the Issaquah Municipal Code. The new section will criminalize vehicle trespass and will adopt by reference state laws criminalizing the making or possession of motor vehicle theft tools. Unfortunately, due to limited resources, not all motor vehicle theft and felony theft of motor vehicle parts cases can be prosecuted by King County. Accordingly, the Administration feels that these additional regulations are necessary to provide the Issaquah Police Department and City Prosecutor with the tools they need to combat the growing number of motor vehicle related crimes.
Agenda Bill Details
This proposal had previously been presented to, and been approved by, the Services, Safety & Parks Committee on Sept. 20, 2022. Following their unanimous recommendation for approval, it was sent to the City Council.
Approved at the Oct. 3 City Council meeting, the new law will amend Chapter 9.40 of the Issaquah Municipal Code (IMC), "Property, Crimes Relating To," to adopt state law criminalizing the making and possession of motor vehicle theft tools, as well as add a new provision to the IMC prohibiting individuals from entering or remaining unlawfully in motor vehicles that do not belong to them. Learn more.
Council Meeting Outcome
This motion carried 7-0 at the Oct. 3 meeting. Chapter 9.40 of the IMC will be amended.