Council enacts ballot measure for youth ombudsperson, tobacco enforcement and adopts multiple resolutions
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Summary
Philadelphia City Council adopted a package of measures including a ballot measure to make the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson permanent, a tobacco‑retailer enforcement ordinance, and several privileged resolutions; roll-call votes on the bills were unanimous.
Philadelphia City Council on Thursday approved a series of bills and resolutions that will appear on the city’s implementation calendar or on a special election ballot, and adopted several privilege resolutions honoring community organizations and leaders.
Ballot measure for youth oversight: Council approved bill 251098 (and accompanying resolution 251108) to place a charter amendment on the ballot that would create a permanent Office of the Youth Ombudsperson. Supporters including Children First and other child‑welfare advocates told council the office provides independent oversight for youth placed in congregate care and helps surface systemic problems. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who moved adoption of resolution 251108, described the office as “an independent entity to receive complaints” and cited investigatory reports and lawsuits that show the need for city-level protections. The clerk recorded a unanimous roll‑call for bill 251098 (ayes 15, nays 0).
Tobacco-retailer enforcement: Council passed ordinance 251097 to designate illegal sales of tobacco products to minors and unlicensed tobacco retailing as nuisance behaviors and to require department‑approved education and compliance training for retailers cited for violations. Councilmember Anthony Phillips said the measure is intended to protect young people and to require training, not only punitive fines. The bill passed by a 15–0 roll call.
Other actions: Council considered and adopted a number of privileged resolutions including recognition of Ukrainian organizations in Philadelphia, a resolution honoring the Philadelphia Gay News on its 50th anniversary, and a resolution honoring the life and leadership of Reverend Jesse Jackson. The body also adopted resolution 260097 expressing support for Jerome Richardson and First Amendment rights.
Amendment to 'resign to run' charter change: Council adopted an amendment to resolution 241070, which proposes a Home Rule Charter change to modify the city’s resign‑to‑run requirement. Council members stated that additional adjustments recommended by the Board of Ethics may require a subsequent ballot measure due to state law limiting simultaneous charter changes on the same topic.
Votes at a glance: The clerk conducted roll calls for several items. Reported final tallies included 15 ayes, 0 nays on bills 250989 (dog moratorium), 251097 (tobacco enforcement), and 251098 (youth ombudsperson ballot submission). Multiple privileged resolutions were adopted by voice or unanimous consent during the session.
What’s next: The ballot measure placement means the youth ombudsperson proposal will go to voters if council’s procedural and publishing requirements are satisfied. Implementation details and technical changes for other ordinances will be handled through the relevant city departments and further council action where necessary.