FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Officials in Fort Worth want to crack down on what they say are increasing cases of aggressive panhandling and one proposal under consideration is to make it illegal to give money to panhandlers.
The city council is scheduled to vote Tuesday evening on adopting stricter language that curtails panhandling. For instance, a person couldn’t beg near ATM machines.
Councilman Cary Moon tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that city attorneys have informed him they’re still drafting a provision making it illegal to give to panhandlers. That proposal will be heard later by the council.
Moon argues the action is reasonable in light of how cities govern other behavior such as speeding and smoking.
A report by city staff contends an increase in aggressive panhandling has heightened fear among the public.