06-16-2020 Emergency Powers
City Council Meeting
Policy reasons for ordinance
Civil emergencies can create a need for quick action in
the form of legally enforceable orders to protect life
and property
The Federal Way Revised Code currently lacks an
emergency powers provision
Other cities have such provisions
Recent times have shown that emergencies can occur
unpredictably and develop rapidly
2
Summary of Revisions
Would add a new Chapter 2.09 to the Federal Way
Revised Code
Allows mayor to make temporary emergency
proclamations in case of civil emergencies
Civil emergencies include
natural disasters (earthquake, volcanic eruption)
civil unrest
terrorist attack
pandemics
3
Summary of Revisions
Orders could include:
curfews
exceptions for essential workers and activities
street closures
evacuation
requests for aid
closing of businesses
4
Summary of Revisions
Orders (cont’d):
ban sale of alcohol or gasoline
exception for gas tanks, heating oil tanks
ban on street weapons
stones, bricks, clubs, pry bars, Molotov cocktails
exception for lawful possession of firearms (state law pre-
emption)
Licensed CPL holders can still carry firearms
Citizens can still lawfully possess firearms in their home or business
5
Summary of Revisions
All orders would be subject to council ratification or
modification
Provides for succession in case mayor is incapacitated:
council president, then longest-serving council
member
Mayor is required to publicize the order through news
media and social media
6
Summary of Revisions
Violation of an order would be a misdemeanor
Consistent with mayor’s emergency powers in peer
cities
Allows lawful firearms possession and avoids conflict
with state law
7
Questions?
8