THE ALBUQUERQUE CITY COUNCIL TAKES FINAL ACTION AND APPROVES ON A PROPOSAL TO LIMIT WHERE PANHANDLING CAN HAPPEN IN THE CITY. THE ORDINANCE BANS THE PRACTICE IN ROADSIDE AREAS AND BUSY MEDIANS. DRIVERS COULD EVEN BE TICKETED IF THEY HOLD UP TRAFFIC WHILE GIVING MONEY TO A PANHANDLER.
THE ACLU HAS COME OUT IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSAL…SAYING PEOPLE HAVE A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO ASK FOR MONEY. THE ORDINANCE WAS SPONSORED BY COUNCILOR TRUDY JONES, WHO EXPECTS TO BE SUED OVER IT.
THE ORDINANCE ALSO APPLIES TO THOSE BOOT BRIGADES SEEN SOLICITING FUNDS AT INTERSECTIONS FOR FIREFIGHTERS.
