City Council Panhandling Law Sparks Debate SEATTLE, WA (KPLU) - A measure that would target aggressive panhandlers has touched off an intense debate among Seattle residents.

The proposal is part of City Councilman Tim Burgess's plan to crack down on crime.

It drew fire and praise at a packed public safety committee meeting at council chambers on Tuesday.

So many people wanted to weigh in on the proposal that some of them didn't get a turn -- even after nearly 2 hours of public comments.

On one side of the debate are business owners and neighborhood associations that say hostile panhandlers scare people away from the city.

Leslie Smith, director of the Pioneer Square Community Association, says that hurts business.

"It hurts the restaurant business," she says. "It hurts the retail business. It hurts my property owners and my property managers who cannot rent their spaces to people because of uncivil behavior on the streets."

Burgess hopes his ordinance will fix the problem by making it illegal for panhandlers to use intimidating gestures and abusive language.

Offenders could get a $50 ticket.

Police officers could also fine people who ask for handouts within 15 feet of an ATM or pay parking station.

Flo Beaumon, associate director of Catholic Community Services, says the law doesn't address the real issue.

"We need public safety against very real violence and threats of violence," she says. "But folks who are poor and panhandling next to an ATM or pay station, that's not the threat."

Homeless advocates also worry that the law gives police too much discretion in defining "intimidating" and "aggressive" behavior.

The public safety and education committee could cast its vote on the ordinance during its next meeting on April 7th.


Click here to read the proposed ordinance.

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