Establishes the offense of solicitation on an interstate highway or in a public right-of-way
Summary
HB 2376 would create a new criminal offense in Missouri for intentionally soliciting, begging, panhandling, or otherwise requesting anything of value on an interstate highway, in a public right-of-way, or on the entrance or exit ramps of an interstate highway. The bill defines “anything of value” as cash, currency, coin, or other financial instruments given to a person.
The proposal places this conduct in a new section of Chapter 574, RSMo, and classifies the offense as a Class B misdemeanor. It also includes an explicit exemption for organizations authorized to solicit charitable contributions under existing law, so the prohibition would not apply to permitted charitable fundraising activities.
Impact
If enacted, HB 2376 would add section 574.136 to Missouri’s criminal code and expand the list of offenses related to conduct on highways and public rights-of-way. It would give law enforcement and prosecutors a specific misdemeanor charge for roadside solicitation and panhandling in the covered locations, while preserving existing authority for authorized charitable solicitation under section 67.304. The bill would primarily affect individuals who solicit money in highway-adjacent areas and organizations engaged in roadside fundraising, though the latter are exempt if properly authorized.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded votes, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be framed as a public-safety and traffic-management restriction on solicitation in high-risk roadway locations. Because the bill was referred to the Emerging Issues committee and no further action is shown here, its overall reception cannot be determined from the provided history alone.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the balance between roadway safety and free-expression or anti-poverty concerns. Supporters would likely view the bill as a way to reduce distractions and hazards on interstates and ramps, while critics may argue it targets panhandling and people experiencing homelessness. Another likely issue is whether the exemption for authorized charitable organizations is sufficient and whether the law could be enforced consistently without sweeping in protected or noncommercial speech.