After backlash from advocates for the homeless, Councilman Frank DiCicco this week agreed to change his proposed measure that he said is meant to curtail aggressive panhandling on city streets.
The City Council Streets and Services Committee approved the amended bill Tuesday; a full vote is expected June 16.
The original bill sought to eliminate the stipulation that police officers contact a social-service agency before citing or arresting someone for panhandling or lying or sitting on or obstructing a sidewalk.
The bill drew sharp criticism from some Philadelphians, who turned out in full force at Tuesday’s hearing.
After last-minute negotiations, DiCicco agreed to shelve the majority of his proposed measure and proceed only with a one-sentence amendment to the current Sidewalk Behavior legislation. The amendment clarifies that police need not wait for an outreach team from a social-service agency to take coercive action against an individual who is threatening or intimidating others or using obscene language.
Project H.O.M.E., one of the main opponents of the original bill, has indicated it supports the measure in its current form.
— Jen Colletta