Last week San Antonio Police Chief William McManus pitched city council an ordinance rewrite that would allow police to ticket people who give to panhandlers on San Antonio streets.
Support in council is divided on the proposal; some see it as a freedom of speech issue, while others note high complaints about panhandlers from constituents.
The city already has an anti-panhandling ordinance, which prohibits panhandlers from soliciting within 50' of -- among other things -- ATM's, banks, and bus stops. But now the SAPD, wants people to stop giving or risk a fine.
These kinds of ordinances have been tried in other cities and states. What has been the result?
Guest:
- Satinder Singh, staff attorney at the ACLU of Texas
*This is the second segment in the September 8 edition of The Source, which airs at 3 p.m. on KSTX 89.1 FM.
