Panhandling Ordinance Passes Commision | Video

Joel Porter | 10/9/2012

People asking for money in some parts of Bismarck will now be cited by police.

On Tuesday evening, the Bismarck city commission passed an ordinance to discourage panhandling.

The new law states that people asking for money could face a $50 fine if they violate any of the following:
-Within 20 feet of a bus stop
-Within 20 feet of a crosswalk
-On any median in a city street
-On any bridge or tunnel located on or across a public roadway
-Within 20 feet of a public restroom
-In a city park
-Anywhere in downtown Bismarck
-Within 100 feet of a school or playground when children are present
-Within 20 feet of an outdoor dining or shopping area
-Within 20 feet of an ATM
-Panhandling on private property after being asked to leave

Those who aggressively panhandle by threatening or intimidating people will be arrested on a Class B misdemeanor.

Although commissioners unanimously passed the reading, they say they are sympathetic to the plight of people who are jobless or homeless.

"We can`t judge the human condition. We don`t know what`s prompting people to be in the street asking for help. Some of them legitimately need a hand from somebody," commissioner Mike Seminary said.

Panhandlers are not allowed in city parks or downtown.

Bismarck police officers say they`ll enforce the law on a complaint basis.

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