Prohibits solicitation of money or other donations while an individual is standing or sitting in a crosswalk, intersection or safety zone.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would make it illegal for anyone to ask for money or donations while standing or sitting in a crosswalk, intersection, or safety zone in Rhode Island. In practical terms, this would prohibit the common practice of panhandling or soliciting charitable contributions at street corners and crosswalks — places where people often approach stopped cars to ask drivers for money. Violating this rule would be treated as a traffic or vehicle-related offense under Rhode Island law.

The bill would primarily affect individuals who currently solicit donations in these high-traffic areas, including both homeless individuals seeking spare change and representatives of charitable organizations who sometimes collect donations at intersections. It would also affect drivers, who would no longer encounter solicitors in crosswalks or intersections. Supporters of similar laws in other states often point to safety concerns, since standing in or near traffic can be dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers.

Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study — meaning lawmakers are not moving it forward right away and are still evaluating it. No final vote has been taken. It remains to be seen whether the bill will advance, as laws restricting solicitation in public spaces have faced legal challenges in other states related to free speech protections.