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HB 460

St. Mary's County - Vehicle Laws - Prohibition on Roadway Solicitations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Crosby and 2 co-sponsors

HB 460 bans roadside solicitation in St. Mary's County, raising free speech concerns while targeting panhandling activity that creates traffic and safety issues.

Second Reading Passed with Amendments
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 460

Legislative bill overview

HB 460 prohibits individuals from soliciting money, services, or goods from vehicle occupants on roadways in St. Mary's County, Maryland. The bill establishes penalties for violations and appears designed to address panhandling and roadside solicitation activities that occur at intersections and along public roads.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a visible public concern in St. Mary's County where roadside solicitation may create traffic safety issues, driver distractions, or quality-of-life concerns for residents. The outcome will affect both vulnerable populations who engage in solicitation and communities seeking to regulate street-level activity, while potentially setting precedent for similar local restrictions across Maryland.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Solicitation, including panhandling, is often constitutionally protected speech; courts have invalidated similar bans in other jurisdictions, raising enforceability questions
  • Impact on vulnerable populations: The prohibition may criminalize survival activities by homeless or economically disadvantaged individuals without addressing underlying causes
  • Enforcement disparities: Vague definitions of "solicitation" could lead to inconsistent or discriminatory enforcement against certain groups or locations
  • Feasibility of alternatives: No mention of social services, outreach programs, or designated assistance zones that some jurisdictions use instead of blanket prohibitions

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

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