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Council begins review of door-to-door solicitation ordinance amid First Amendment cautions
Summary
Legal counsel warned council that restrictions on door-to-door solicitation raise First Amendment issues; members favored limiting commercial solicitors (solar, roofing) while preserving youth fundraisers and political/religious activity, and discussed photo-ID permits and a non-solicitation registry.
The Washington City Council held an initial discussion about a proposed door-to-door solicitation ordinance after legal counsel told members the subject raises substantial First Amendment and recent-case-law concerns.
The city attorney urged the council to be comprehensive and careful in drafting, noting the proposal runs “the gamut” from commercial salespeople to political solicitations and that recent court decisions, particularly involving panhandling, complicate enforcement. The attorney said the draft is broad and that staff could provide alternatives and implementation options.
Several alderpersons told the council they…
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