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Cracking Down On Beggars: Michigan City Approves New Regulations For Panhandling

BAY CITY, Mich. (WWJ/AP) -  Officials in Bay City, Michigan have approved a new set of regulations targeting beggars in the streets.

The Bay City Times reports the City Commission this week approved an ordinance amendment defining panhandling and locations where it's illegal. The measure comes after the Bay City authorities saw an increase in panhandling in the past year.

City Manager Rick Finn says: "I wouldn't say that we have a big problem with panhandling right now, but we're not happy with it."

The regulations ban panhandling between sunset and sunrise. So-called aggressive panhandling also is prohibited, including:

• Touching the solicited person without their consent;

• Panhandling people in line for a commercial establishment;

• Blocking the path of a person being solicited;

• Following behind, ahead or alongside a person who walks away from the panhandler;

• Using profane or abusive language;

• Panhandling in a group of two or more people;

• Conduct which is intended or is likely to cause a reasonable person to fear immediate bodily harm to oneself or to another or damage to or loss of property.

Commissioner Andrew Niedzinski voted against the regulations, saying he wanted the city to include a way to assist people who are panhandling.

In 2012, new panhandling ordinances in Detroit and across the state drew criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).  A federal judge that same year ruled that a state law outright banning panhandling in public places was unconstitutional, as it violated First Amendment protections for free speech and the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. In 2013, an appeals court upheld that ruling.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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