Bothell council adopts narrower drug‑loitering rule after judge’s ruling; enforcement paused earlier this summer

The Bothell City Council voted 6‑0 to adopt an ordinance amending Bothell Municipal Code Chapter 9.04.070 on drug loitering, saying the changes respond to a judicial ruling and clarify when officers may charge someone with the offense. The motion was moved by Council member Kurt and seconded by Council member Mankie; Council member Zorns was absent and excused.

The ordinance updates three main elements of the code: the definition of “loiter,” the description of covered locations, and an intent requirement. City Deputy Chief Julie Beard told the council the changes respond to a pro tempore judge's ruling received June 5 that found two portions of the prior law unclear. Beard said the city immediately “ceased using the drug loitering BMC” after the ruling and that staff have “quashed every arrest warrant related to that case.”

Why it matters: Police said the drug‑loitering provision had been used mainly in public shopping areas such as grocery‑store parking lots and sometimes involved people sitting in vehicles. From May 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, Bothell Police recorded 73 drug‑loitering arrests involving 66 people; over the prior three years the department recorded 209 arrests. Beard…