Solar Energy - Construction of Generating Stations in Priority Preservation Areas and Study
HB0460 amends Maryland transportation law to create a specific prohibition in St. Mary’s County against roadway solicitations conducted in an aggressive manner. The bill bars a person from standing in a roadway, median divider, or intersection to solicit money or donations from the occupant of a vehicle when the solicitation is aggressive, and it defines “aggressive manner” to include intentionally blocking or interfering with safe passage or using violent or threatening gestures.
The bill builds on existing law that already prohibits roadway solicitation in several Maryland counties by adding St. Mary’s County to the list and by creating a separate, county-specific section that clarifies the conduct covered. The measure is scheduled to take effect October 1, 2025, and it would be codified in the Transportation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
HB0460 changes the Transportation Article by expanding and clarifying restrictions on roadside solicitation in St. Mary’s County. It adds St. Mary’s County to the existing county list in Section 21-507 and creates new Section 21-507.1 to define “aggressive manner” and prohibit aggressive solicitation in roadways, medians, and intersections. The practical effect is to give law enforcement and local authorities a clearer statutory basis to address panhandling or donation solicitation that interferes with traffic or pedestrian safety in that county.
The available legislative history suggests the bill moved forward without recorded opposition in the materials provided. The House committee reported it favorably with amendments, and the House adopted the committee report, indicating general support for the measure. No vote breakdowns or transcript comments were provided, so the overall sentiment appears to be broadly favorable and focused on safety concerns.
The main policy issue underlying the bill is the balance between roadway safety and solicitation activity. Supporters likely view the measure as a traffic and public safety response to aggressive behavior at intersections and medians, while any potential concern would center on restricting expressive or charitable solicitation in public spaces. Because no committee transcript or vote details are included, there is no evidence of significant recorded controversy in the provided materials.