I have mixed feelings as to what exactly this law is trying to address. I know from living in Buffalo, El Paso and Boston (to name a few) how "annoying" panhandling can be. But that was 15-20 years ago, when the necessity didn't seem as great. Now, I am not so sure given the current state of the economy and the fact that I was homeless for a time though working a full-time job. Years ago I never gave, now if asked I do.
Besides the obvious, what caught my eye in this article: ",,,various court rulings that the First Amendment protects people’s right to ask others for money,,,." Something I will have to do some reading on as I did not know that there is First Amendment issues involved.
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If you are poor, live in Louisiana, and have the audacity ask someone else for help, be prepared to spend up to six months in jail.
A new bill to outlaw panhandling is quickly moving its way through the Louisiana legislature. HB 1158 would criminalize solicitation, making it a misdemeanor punishable with a maximum fine of $200 and up to six months in jail. The bill is targeted not just at panhandlers, but hitchhikers and those engaged in prostitution as well.
The bill passed the Louisiana House last week by a vote of 89-0. There was no floor debate. It is now being taken up by the Senate, where it will be acted on Tuesday.
Louisiana About to Make it Illegal for Homeless People to Beg for Money | NationofChange
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