SALISBURY, Md. - In Annapolis, a proposed bill aims to outlaw soliciting money from drivers on roads, medians, and intersections specifically within Wicomico County. The legislation is being proposed by Senators Mary Beth Carozza and Johnny Mautz.
Senator Mautz said the bill's primary goal is enhancing public safety, noting that "In a couple of locations it's become a situation where public safety is definitely in question."
The bill, however, has faced criticism from individuals like John Heater, who says he is homeless and depends on panhandling as a source of income. Heater contends that the legislation unfairly targets homeless people, stating, "I'm truly homeless, there's truly homeless people out here there's people out here that abuse it. I live in a tent right now because I can't find a place."
Despite such criticisms, Senator Mautz clarified that the bill does not seek to prohibit panhandling entirely. "There are ways to get around it if people have the desire they can get permits and things like that to do things on the roadside but it's become a situation in different instances where law enforcement has seen the potential for something bad to happen," Mautz explained.
The bill's passage depends on support from the Wicomico County Council, with Council President John Cannon indicating that the council would consider a letter of support for the legislation later in the month.
Should the bill be enacted, Wicomico County would join Carroll, Charles, Harford, and Washington Counties in prohibiting such forms of solicitation. These counties, all located on Maryland's Western Shore, have implemented similar bans in efforts to address safety concerns related to roadside solicitation. The proposed legislation is slated to take effect on October 1st of this year, pending approval.
