§ 32-58. Panhandling, begging and soliciting charitable donations of money or food to the poor.

(a)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Accosting means approaching or speaking to someone in such a manner as would cause a reasonable person to fear imminent bodily harm or the commission of a criminal act upon his person, or upon property in his immediate possession.

Ask, beg, panhandle and solicit, without limitation, means and includes the spoken, written or printed word or such other acts as are conducted in furtherance of the purpose of obtaining charitable donations of money or food to the poor.

Forcing oneself upon the company of another means continuing to request, beg or solicit alms from a person after that person has made a negative response, blocking the passage of the individual addressed or otherwise engaging in conduct which could reasonably be construed as intended to compel or force a person to accede to demands.

(b)

It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit money or other things of value:

(1)

On private property if the owner, tenant or lawful occupant has asked the person not to solicit on the property, or has posted a sign clearly indicating that solicitations are not welcome on the property;

(2)

In any public transportation vehicle, or within 15 feet of any bus stop or taxistand;

(3)

From any operator of a motor vehicle that is in traffic on a public street; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to services rendered in connection with emergency repairs requested by the owner or passengers of such vehicle;

(4)

From any persons who are waiting in line for entry to any building, public or private, including but not limited to, any residence, business or athletic facility; or

(5)

Within 15 feet of the entrance to or exit from a building, public or private, including but not limited to any residence, business or athletic facility.

(c)

It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit money or other things of value:

(1)

By accosting another; or

(2)

By forcing oneself upon the company of another.

(d)

The provisions of this section shall not apply to an organization which has obtained a permit from the parish to conduct charitable solicitations in accordance with chapter 6.

(Code 1985, § 15-21; Ord. No. 4404, 10-6-2005)

State law reference

Vagrancy, R.S. 14:107; parish authority to punish vagrancy, R.S. 33:4874.