The Seattle City Council’s Public Safety Committee approved two bills aimed at disrupting drug and prostitution activity in the city. Despite over an hour of public comments, largely against the proposals, the committee heard compelling testimony from two survivors of sex trafficking on Aurora Avenue North.
The first bill, CB 120836, sponsored by Councilmember Cathy Moore, would create Stay Out of Area of Prostitution (SOAP) zones, targeting individuals involved in promoting or purchasing prostitution. It also emphasizes providing additional support for victims of the sex trade.
The second bill, CB 120835, introduced by Committee Chair Bob Kettle, creates legal authority for the City to establish Stay Out of Drug Area (SODA) zones. Originally designating two zones, one in the Chinatown-International District and one downtown near 3rd and Pine, The Committee approved amendments to create additional SODA zones in Belltown, Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill, University District, and expand the Chinatown-International District zone. Another amendment from Councilmember Rob Saka, and drafted by Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison, requires judges to consider an offender’s residence, employment, and service locations when issuing SODA orders.
Both bills were unanimously approved (5-0) and will go to the full Council on September 17. WR expressed strong support for both pieces of legislation in a letter to the committee.
