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H 1770

An Act relative to aggressive panhandling on or adjacent to public ways

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Hunt

Prohibits aggressive panhandling within 20 feet of a public way if disorderly or profane; violators face up to 3 months in a Massachusetts house of correction.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1770

Summary: H.1770 — An Act relative to aggressive panhandling on or adjacent to public ways

Overview

H.1770, introduced February 27, 2025, seeks to prohibit certain aggressive panhandling and disorderly begging on or near public ways in Massachusetts. The bill is currently scheduled for a Judiciary Committee hearing on May 6, 2025 (A-2), with additional hearing listings noted for the same date.

Purpose and Intent

  • To curb aggressive or disruptive begging (panhandling) that occurs near public ways.
  • To provide a clear numerical distance and behavioral standard for prohibited conduct, with penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

  • Insertion of new Section 67A into Chapter 272 of the General Laws, positioned after Section 67.
  • Prohibited conduct:
    • A person begging or panhandling to receive funds or alms within 20 feet of a public way.
    • Begging/panhandling conducted in a manner that is disorderly or disturbing, or that involves profane, obscene, or indecent language or behavior.
  • penalties:
    • Violations may be punished by up to 3 months in the house of correction.

Scope and Definitions

  • Applies to individuals who beg or panhandle to obtain funds or alms.
  • Proximity requirement: within 20 feet of a public way.
  • Behavioral standard: conduct that is disorderly/disturbing or includes profane/obscene/indecent language or behavior.

Penalties and Enforcement

  • Maximum penalty: up to 3 months in a Massachusetts house of correction.
  • Enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in the text provided, but would be carried out under standard criminal process for violations of General Laws.

Procedural/Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: The Judiciary (February 27, 2025).
  • Status/Actions:
    • Hearing scheduled for May 6, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (A-2) [note: multiple listings indicate a hearing on May 6 with related time frames].
    • Additional hearing listing: May 6, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (A-2).
  • Related legislative activity:
    • Similar matter previously filed in the prior session as House Bill 1563 (2023-2024).
    • Related to HD 1061 (replaces).

Affected Parties and Potential Impacts

  • Individuals who panhandle within 20 feet of public ways and engage in disorderly or profane/obscene/indecent behavior could face criminal penalties.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors would apply the 3-month penalty for violations.
  • The bill may impact vulnerable populations who rely on panhandling for income, and it could influence public space safety and interactions around transit, sidewalks, and street-frontages.

Notes

  • As of the provided information, the bill is in committee with a scheduled public hearing. If enacted, the statute would add a defined prohibition and a specific penalty to Chapter 272.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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