Everett Redefining Aggressive Panhandling

Panhandling in Everett is not against the law though there is currently a little-enforced ordinance that deals with aggressive panhandling.

On Wednesday night the Everett City Council will get its first look at a revised aggressive panhandling ordinance being proposed by Mayor Ray Stephanson.

Under this ordinance people could still hold signs on street corners and near off-ramps, they can still ask one another for money but the definition of aggressive panhandling in Everett, WA would be expanded as follows in section “C”…

A person is guilty of aggressive begging if he or she:

• A.) Begs in a manner that hinders or obstructs the free passage of any person in a public place; or

• B). By physical action while in the act of begging, intentionally causes or attempts to cause another person reasonably to fear imminent bodily harm or the commission of a criminal act upon their person, or upon property in their immediate possession; or

• C). Begs in any public or private parking lot after sunset and before sunrise, or within 50 feet of any entrance to a bank, or within 50 feet of any ATM or an automated pay point such as at a gas pump at a service station, or within 50 feet of individuals standing in line or waiting to get into any movie theater, sports venue or other facility for any performance or event of any kind, or within 50 feet of a bus stop, or asks for a donation a second time after once asking and receiving a negative response.

The ordinance goes on to direct the Everett Police Department to work with business owners and make them aware of conduct that can be prohibited on their property.

The new law would also commit the city to a public education and outreach campaign that emphasizes alternatives to directly donating to panhandlers.

It would also ask business owners put up signs that discourage direct donations and point people to a dedicated fund to be used for services for people in Everett experiencing poverty.

You can click here to see the full ordinance as it is currently proposed.

A public hearing and vote on the ordinance is set for Wednesday October 28th. The Mayor has said that the ordinance is meant to address fears expressed by people in Everett who have been approached by aggressive panhandlers. He’s also acknowledged it is subject to change based on court decisions and legal challenges.