Charleston’s ordinance directed at homeless panhandling

CAG

November 7, 2017

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On Monday, November 6, 2017, nine council members* from Charleston, West Virginia, City Council introduced a bill to change how soliciting works in Charleston. The bill is directed at a perceived homeless problem in Charleston, and so-called “aggressive panhandling.” While public safety is important and having some guidelines for how people busk, panhandle, solicit for money, and conduct fundraising canvasses, WV Citizen Action Group has some concerns about this law. Stay tuned in this space for our specific comments.

In the meantime, you can read the proposed ordinance here:

* The lead sponsor is Becky Ceperley (D, At-Large), who is joined by Mary Jean Davis (D, At-Large), Susie Salisbury (R, Ward 12, Fort Hill), Mary Beth Hoover (D, Ward 9, East End), Jeanine Faegre (D, Ward 5, Edgewood), Tom Lane (R, At-Large), Rick Burka (R, Ward 18, Kanawha City), Bobby Reishman (R, Ward 16, South Hills/Kanawha City), Jack Harrison (D, Ward 19, South Hills), and Brent Burton (R, Ward 13, South Hills)