Bill would criminalize roadside solicitation in Wicomico County

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. –  A new bill in Maryland would criminalize those who stand on the side of the road, in response to an increasing number of injuries and road-side incidents.

Senator Mary Beth Carozza introduced a bill that would give police the power through county code to remove those in the roadway, shoulder, or median, but she says the bill is not just targeted at homeless panhandlers.

‘Sports teams, kids getting enthusiastic for their fundraiser or school, this is a safety issue,” Senator Carozza said. “This issue is brought to me by a police officer from the Salisbury police department. And he pointed out that they had received several complaints of concern about the safety of those who were literally in that median in the roadway that, you know, are either soliciting for money, whether it be someone that’s homeless or it could be even a student.”

She tells 47ABC that other counties already have this as part of their code, and the measure would bring Wicomico County inline with the rest of the state.

The bill is set to have its first hearing on Wednesday.