Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to clarify and amend Section 2317.50 of the Columbus City Code, 1959, pertaining to Loitering in Aid of a Drug Offenses. In response to numerous lawsuits across the country, this ordinance amends Section 2317.50 to provide safety officers with a constitutional tool to combat illegal loitering. This legislation adds clarity to the definitions of the elements of prima facia evidence of Loitering in Aide of a Drug Offense. It improves on current language by differentiating between lawful activities and loitering in aid of drug offense or intent to participate in illegal activity. This ordinance increases the penalties for all Loitering in Aid of a Drug Offense violations from an M4 to an M1 and requires jail time without eligibility for work release if the violation takes place within 1,000 feet of specific community facilities, such as playgrounds and schools. Taken together, these changes will assist in more effective policing and prosecution of Loitering in Aid of a Drug Offense violations.
Title
To amend Section 2317.50 of the Columbus City Code 1959, pertaining to Loitering in Aid of Drug Offenses.
Body
WHEREAS, in response to numerous lawsuits across the country, this ordinance amends Section 2317.50 to provide safety officers with a constitutional tool to combat illegal loitering; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance adds clarity to the definitions of the elements of prima facia evidence of Loitering in Aide of a Drug Offense; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance improves on current language by differentiating between lawful activities and loitering in aid of drug offense or intent to participate in illegal activity; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance increases the penalties for all Loitering in Aid of a Drug Offense violations from an M4 to an M1 and requires jail time without eligibility for work release if the violation takes place within 1,000 feet of specific community facilities, such as playgrounds and s...
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