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Board tables panhandling ordinance after debate over enforcement, ATM buffer and legal thresholds
Summary
A proposed ordinance targeting aggressive panhandling was tabled after aldermen and the police chief discussed enforceability under state law, distinctions between disorderly conduct/assault and city‑level fines, and whether the 20‑foot ATM buffer should be increased.
The Board considered a first reading of an ordinance to amend Title 9 (business, peddlers, solicitors) to address panhandling (proposed 2025‑O‑7). Aldermen discussed distinctions between charitable solicitation and aggressive or intimidating panhandling and sought clarity on enforcement and appropriate penalties.
Chief Jones and other speakers said many aggressive behaviors could already be addressed under state criminal statutes (disorderly conduct,…
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