HB2925 would create a new criminal offense in West Virginia for certain forms of panhandling and solicitation. The bill defines “panhandling” broadly as an in-person request for an immediate donation of money, including transactions that are effectively donations because the item purchased is worth far less than the amount paid. It then prohibits panhandling in several locations, including bus stops, train stops, public transportation vehicles and facilities, vehicles on the street, and private property without written permission from the owner or occupant.
The bill also bars panhandling on streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, or other public property when the person soliciting blocks the path of the person approached, follows someone who walks away, or uses statements or gestures that knowingly make the other person believe physical harm may occur. A first violation would be a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine, while a second or subsequent violation would carry a misdemeanor fine of $250 to $1,000. The bill expressly exempts bona fide fire departments when they solicit donations to support their operations.
Impact
If enacted, HB2925 would add a new section to West Virginia Code §61-6-26 and expand the state’s criminal law governing solicitation in public spaces. It would create enforceable limits on where and how individuals may ask for money, and it would authorize misdemeanor penalties for violations. The bill would also carve out a specific exemption for fire departments, preserving their ability to solicit donations for operational support without being subject to the new restrictions.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill was introduced as a public-safety and public-order measure, with sponsors framing it as a statewide panhandling ban. Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the legislative record here. The bill text itself indicates a clear intent to restrict aggressive or location-specific solicitation while preserving a narrow exemption for fire departments.
Contention
The main points of contention likely center on the breadth of the panhandling ban and its effect on free expression, homelessness, and charitable solicitation. Critics would likely focus on the restrictions in transit areas, on sidewalks, and on private property, as well as the criminal penalties for conduct that may be nonviolent or poverty-related. Supporters would likely emphasize preventing harassment, blocking passage, and implied threats, and would point to the fire department exemption as evidence that the bill targets only certain solicitation practices rather than all fundraising activity.