Board asks staff to study buffer zones and other measures to curb predatory solicitation near DPSS offices

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday directed county staff to study creating a prohibited predatory-or-aggressive solicitation zone outside Department of Public Social Services offices and other county service sites and to return with options for enforcement and education.

Supervisor Janice Hahn, who introduced the motion, said vendors outside DPSS have been offering cash payments — sometimes as much as $200 — to recruit clients into filing claims or providing personal information. "These activities have primarily occurred outside social service offices and other county buildings where there is little to no oversight, making it easy for bad actors to approach at-risk residents," Hahn said.

The motion asks county legal counsel to analyze whether a narrowly tailored buffer zone can be designed to respect First Amendment protections while preventing predatory activity, coordinate potential enforcement with local cities and law enforcement, and expand client education about not sharing personal information. Board members also asked staff to evaluate whether signage saying "no solicitation" can be posted outside DPSS offices while legal analysis proceeds.

County staff noted the complexity of balancing free-speech rights with client protection and said they would return with options. Some public-comment callers stressed that long sidewalk queues and vendors can be disruptive; others warned against overly broad restrictions. Supervisor Horvath supported the motion and emphasized protecting residents’ dignity when accessing services.

The motion passed on a 3-0 roll call. Staff were directed to consult with county counsel, the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and local partners and to report back with implementation options, including education campaigns, signage and potential ordinance language.