Panhandling Restrictions To Be Considered By Fairfax County Board

FAIRFAX, VA — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to direct staff to draft an ordinance addressing panhandlers collecting money at intersections. Staff will work on an ordinance to ban "curb to curb" panhandling with cars while in medians or intersections.

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity introduced the motion with Braddock District Supervisor John Cook. Herrity told the board the county has been an increase in panhandling at intersections and medians within the last two years. He cited over 2,100 calls to Fairfax County Police in 2017 about traffic issues related to panhandling and concerns about panhandlers' safety.

While asking for money is protected under the First Amendment, police can get involved if panhandlers commit traffic offenses or other violations.

Chairman Sharon Bulova raised the concern about Fairfax County Fire and Rescue's annual Fill the Boot campaign, which relies on personnel collecting donations from vehicles. According to WTOP, Fairfax County's Fill the Boot effort collected the most in the U.S. for the Muscular Dystrophy Association last year.

Fairfax County published guidelines on responding to panhandling in 2017. The county advised residents not to give money to panhandlers, which could encourage more panhandling and doesn't solve the underlying issues. Instead, residents are asked to provide panhandlers with the county's human services hotline: 703-222-0880, or make a donation to a nonprofit.

"It is vitally important that we connect those in need with the right services and disincentivize panhandling," Herrity told the board.

The Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee will discuss the matter on Sept. 17.