An ordinance for black outs and air raid protection authorizing Mayor Leo C. Williamson to promulgate necessary orders, rules and regulations was passed on final reading yesterday by Williamsport City Council at a special meeting.

This legislation was rushed through yesterday to afford the city legal protection during the test blackout scheduled for this evening from 9 to 9:15.

Any person, firm or corporation violating the ordinance or order will be declared guilty of a misdemeanor.

The first section of the ordinance sets forth that the city regards blackouts as a governmental function to protect life and property in the city from enemy action, the mayor is authorized and directed to carry out blackouts and protections at such periods as authorized by the Army and Navy and to promulgate such orders, regulations as may be necessary for the success of the blackouts and to protect life and property during such periods.

The ordinance was passed several weeks ago and delayed pending action by state legislation. Yesterday City Solicitor Charles Bidelspacher informed council that there are bills before the state Senate and House of Representatives at Harrisburg.

The question of the city’s responsibility in case streetlights and traffic lights are turned off was brought to the attention of the council. After some discussion it was decided that a blackout ordinance should be rushed through and should be made city law before Tuesday’s blackout.

Solicitor Bidelspacher drafted the ordinance from a model ordinance drawn from the National Association of Municipal Law Officers.