Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Alabama council pushes stricter penalties for panhandling

City of Montgomery

 

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama city council has approved an ordinance to strengthen enforcement against panhandlers.

News outlets report the Montgomery City Council passed the ordinance proposed by Councilman Arch Lee unanimously by a vote of 9-0 Tuesday.

Lee says aggressive panhandling is a problem plaguing every district of the city.

The ordinance is separate from a state law that's already in place. It defines panhandling and includes city streets and public places the state law doesn't include.

First offenses will be met with a fine and a minimum of two days in jail, unless suspended by a judge. Subsequent sentences cannot be suspended and jail time increases with each violation.

City officials say it will likely be a few weeks before the ordinance is enforced.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.