MARYSVILLE — “Whether it’s men in shiny white Cap’n Crunch outfits waving donation cans at 88th Street and State Avenue, or people brandishing cardboard signs at freeway ramps, panhandling is a growing social and public safety concern in Marysville and across the country,” said city of Marysville Community Information Officer Doug Buell. “The current sour economy has only raised panhandling’s visibility.”
Buell hopes to use recent complaints about panhandling as an opportunity to remind the city’s citizens about aggressive panhandling laws in Marysville, and about what they can and can’t do.
In 1997, based on a buildup of concerns raised by citizens and motorists, the Marysville City Council adopted “Pedestrian Interference” laws to address what was seen as an increasing problem with panhandling. Buell explained that the City Council, the city Attorney and key staff were careful to draft laws that would satisfy the concerns of constituents and survive constitutional challenges.
“In Marysville, it is unlawful for a person to aggressively beg or intentionally obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic in a public place by walking, standing, sitting, laying or placing an object in such a manner as to block passage by another person, or to cause a vehicle driver to take evasive action to avoid physical contact,” Buell said. He added that pedestrian interference is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 or six months in jail, or both.
“Where the law is less forceful is when a person someone perceives as a panhandler is simply sitting or standing away from a sidewalk, and making no effort to interfere with a citizen’s ability to walk or drive,” Buell said. “In these cases, and more traditional free speech-protected activities such as picketing, legally protesting or activities covered under a city permit, there is little that law enforcement can do.”
If a panhandler or donation-seeker steps out onto a street to request money, or approaches you or your vehicle in a manner that you find aggressive or intimidating, and which blocks your passage, Buell urges you to call 9-1-1. Visit the city of Marysville Web site to read the “Pedestrian Interference”laws for yourself.
