Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced his support for a reworked panhandling law on Tuesday. The new plan softens the penalty, but supporters say there is still some bite to the law.
Under the amended plan, which was introduced by Councilmembers Keisha Lance Bottoms and Michael Julian Bond on Tuesday, first-offenders will have to perform community service. A second conviction for aggressive panhandling would mean a minimum of 30 days in jail. Upon the third conviction, the violator will serve a minimum of 90 days in jail.
"Getting tough, I think is something that is required," said Bond.
Bond said that he believes enforcement can work to deter aggressive panhandling. He cited an incident years ago when panhandlers were washing car windows as a way to ask for money. Once a repeat offender was locked up for six months, word spread and the problem was alleviated, according to Bond.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:56 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:56:14 GMT
Police are investigating a suspected rape at North Atlanta High School. Authorities say a male at the school raped a female student on campus during school hours.
Police are investigating a suspected rape at North Atlanta High School. Authorities say a male at the school raped a female student on campus during school hours.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:16 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:16:20 GMT
The owner of a proposed gun range squared off with some concerned residents at an Atlanta City Council meeting on Monday.
The owner of a proposed gun range squared off with some concerned residents at an Atlanta City Council meeting on Monday. The proposed gun range would be built in an old warehouse near Atlantic Station.
