New panhandling law up for consideration

CEDAR RAPIDS - A proposed ordinance to outlaw “aggressive” panhandling won the general backing Monday of the City Council's Public Safety Committee, though the committee wants to make sure “passive” requests for assistance such as asking for directions to shelters or meals programs isn't a crime.

Council member Chuck Swore said he supported the idea of a tougher anti-panhandling ordinance, but he said he was concerned that such an ordinance might fail to make a “legitimate distinction” for people looking for help.

“We sure don't want to turn our backs on them,” Swore said.

At the same time, he said panhandling for many is “their job,” and he added, “We don't want to condone that.”

The proposed ordinance focuses on two types of panhandlers - those who sit at intersections and at on- and off-ramps hoping to persuade motorists to give them money; and those who ask for money from people on the street.

The proposal defines “aggressive” conduct as likely to cause reasonable people to fear for their safety. Such behavior can include touching, impeding or following a person or standing within five feet of a person who has declined a request for money. Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Interim Police Chief Steve O'Konek told the council committee that many panhandlers at intersections, at on- and off-ramps, on downtown streets and in parking ramps are “professional panhandlers” who often intimidate pedestrians and motorists. Those at intersections and highway ramps become public safety hazards as they move in and out of traffic to get money offered to them by motorists, he said.

O'Konek said the proposed law will allow officers to better intercede with panhandlers and direct them to shelters and meals programs if they want the help.

The three-member council committee told O'Konek to include language in the proposed ordinance on “passive” panhandling, have the ordinance reviewed by the city attorney and return to the panel for its approval. The committee then will forward it on to the full nine-member council, members said.

Three years ago, the council approved much of what is in the proposed ordinance on the first of three readings before tabling it because it did not include exceptions for “worthy causes.”

The new proposal allows for worthy solicitations such as the “Fill-the-Boot” campaign conducted at intersections by Cedar Rapids firefighters for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.