Bellevue adopts repeat-offender enhancement for certain thefts, adds treatment alternative

The Bellevue City Council on Oct. 7 adopted Ordinance No. 6866, which adds a repeat-offender sentence enhancement for certain theft crimes and includes discretionary alternatives such as inpatient treatment and electronic-home monitoring.

The ordinance applies to third-degree theft offenses when the defendant is at least 18 years old and has two or more convictions for theft in Washington state within the prior two years. Under the ordinance’s enhancement, eligible repeat offenders would face a 30-day minimum custodial sentence unless a discretionary alternative is applied.

Discretionary provisions included in the adopted ordinance allow for: - Inpatient treatment alternatives for qualifying defendants (added per council direction); - Electronic home monitoring when the court finds a substantial risk of harm to the defendant; - Continued eligibility for diversion programs, including community court, where otherwise appropriate.

The city manager and city attorney’s office presented the ordinance after council direction at a prior meeting. A motion to adopt the ordinance was made and seconded; the council approved the measure on a recorded result of 6–1.

Why it matters: Councilmembers framed the ordinance as a response to repeat retail theft and public-disorder concerns raised by businesses and residents. The ordinance prescribes a narrow statutory definition for “repeat offender” and preserves judicial discretion via treatment, monitoring and diversion options.

What the ordinance does not specify in the council action: The adopted ordinance defines eligibility and the minimum enhancement but does not set implementation funding or identify dedicated city spending for treatment placements or monitoring; those operational details will be handled by city departments and the courts as cases arise.

Vote: Ordinance No. 6866 adopted by council vote, Yes: 6, No: 1 (individual votes not specified in the meeting record).