H.B. 5472: An Act Concerning Exploitation of Children in Panhandling

Instead of providing families in need with tools to avoid resorting to begging, this bill would allow cities to punish children and parents who are trying to give their families a chance at survival. This bill is overbroad and constitutionally impermissible. It would impede well-established rights, including the right to beg, the right to distribute information and seek donations, and the right to be free from vague laws and discrimination on the basis of socioeconomic condition. Despite the fact that the proposed bill’s purpose is ostensibly to prevent child panhandling, its broad wording could also allow municipal prohibitions on children asking for contributions of any kind, in any public space.