RALEIGH COUNTY, W.Va. –Raleigh County is the latest county to pass an ordinance addressing panhandling.
“The County Commission passed the ordinance during its Tuesday meeting. Raleigh County joins Monongalia County, which recently approved a similar measure addressing panhandling. The City of Wheeling in Ohio County has also enacted an ordinance.
Commissioner Daniel Hall appeared on MetroNews Midday Thursday to discuss what the ordinance requires.
“Hall said individuals will be required to apply for a permit in person at the sheriff’s office. Applicants must present a photo ID, and the permit, issued free of charge, will be valid for a specific location on a specific day. If asked by any law enforcement officer, the individual must present the permit
Hall explained the ordinance limits the permits to two every six months.
He said that violations of the ordinance will follow a tiered system. A first offense will result in a verbal warning, a second offense will lead to a written warning, and a third offense could result in a $100 fine.
Hall emphasized that the ordinance is about more than just penalizing those who panhandle.
“What we’re trying to do is trying to make the streets safer, not only for those people, but also for the citizens and drivers, but we want to get these people some help, so we’re not just going to say move along, we’re going to say what do you need, can we take you up the road here to the Salvation Army and get you some assistance,” he said.
The ordinance also blocks individuals from blocking or interfering with the safe passage of a person or vehicle while panhandling.
Hall said the ordinance will also apply to groups such as Little Leagues raising funds and the local Future Farmers of America chapter at Liberty High School. He emphasized that the goal is not to stop them from fundraising but to ensure their safety while doing so. He recommended that, if organizers inform authorities in advance, a police officer could be present to help slow down traffic during their activities.
According to Hall, most of the reactions have been positive, although some individuals have expressed criticism.
“We’ve had a few people push back, there saying that we’re just punishing people who don’t have any money to begin with in a lot of case, or some people have even said you’re infringing on first amendment rights by prohibiting that,” Hall said.
He encouraged individuals to support local nonprofits that help ensure people who panhandle receive the assistance they need.
“Obviously, every non-profit needs money, that need will never be met I’m sure, but I suggest volunteering a little but, if you don’t have the money to donate go spend some time and volunteer at some of these groups, I know they probably need the manpower more than they need the money a lot of the time,” Hall said.