Bellevue council directs staff to draft mandatory minimum for repeat theft offenders, adds treatment option

The Bellevue City Council on Sept. 23 directed staff to prepare an ordinance that would impose mandatory minimum jail time for repeat theft offenders while preserving treatment alternatives and a one‑year review. The motion, passed 6–1, asked staff to draft an ordinance imposing a 30‑day minimum sentence for qualifying repeat offenders and to include options for substance‑use and mental‑health treatment similar to Marysville’s approach, plus a 12‑month report back to the council.

The vote follows a months‑long council effort to respond to rising retail theft and organized shoplifting. Councilmember Andrew Neuwenhaus, who moved the direction, said the measure “makes Bellevue safer for residents, retail workers, business owners, and to support the outstanding work already being done by our police and prosecutor’s office.” He described the proposal as “firm but fair” and said it preserves diversion where appropriate.

City Attorney Trusna Tannis and Chief Prosecutor Steve Penner presented a narrowly written draft framework for council consideration. Under the direction the council approved, the ordinance staff will draft would target theft in the third degree and apply only to adults…