Mayor vetoes Pandhandling law; offers compromise

type='html'>After vetoing on Tuesday changes to Atlanta’s Panhandling ordinance passed by City Council last week, Mayor Kasim Reed introduced his own version of a new panhandling ordinance that strikes a balance between tough enforcement and humane services for the homeless.

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Mayor Kasim Reed

The proposed law would make it illegal to monetarily solicit someone who is within 15 feet of a building entrance or exit, or is standing in line to enter a building or event facility. Panhandlers would be prohibited from continuing to ask for money after they have been told “no” and would not be permitted to touch people from whom they are asking for money.

The legislation does not stipulate special enforcement for downtown tourist area but applies equally throughout the city. It sets minimum penalties of 30 days in jail for a second conviction and 90 days after a third conviction.

The new plan will be considered by City Council on Monday.

Michael Julian Bond

Michael Julian Bond, chairman of the City Council’s public safety committee, called the new proposal sound policy. “Getting tough [on aggressive panhandlers] is something that is required,” he said. “It’s not something people enjoy doing. It’s not pretty, but I think we will send a strong message to deter and hopefully we won’t have to imprison people.”

The latest proposal was billed as a compromise between Reed and Bond, who had pushed for a crackdown on aggressive panhandlers, some of whom, Bond said, were not even homeless and had been emboldened by lax enforcement. Bond’s legislation would have allowed for sentences up to 180 days in jail following a conviction.

The city reports there have been no arrests or prosecutions under the commercial solicitation ordinance since it was passed in 2005, although panhandlers have been arrested for disorderly conduct.