Council OKs Strict Panhandling Law

A divided Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved the nation’s toughest prohibition on aggressive solicitation that fines panhandlers $50 or even throws them in jail if they use profanity, come within three feet of people or touch them, or even ask twice.

On an 8-4 vote, the council gave final approval to the new law, despite arguments that it would criminalize the poor and is redundant because many of the targeted actions are illegal under state and federal law.

The ordinance outlaws panhandling on street medians and freeway offramps, in outdoor restaurant patios and public parking lots, near ATMs or stores and in a line of more than three people. It also prohibits beggars from sitting or leaning on public property.