It appears that a new city ordinance aimed at stopping aggressive panhandling hasn't had much of an effect yet.
The legislation, which had been pushed by Mayor Kasim Reed, was passed unanimously by city council last week.
The new ordinance outlaws asking for money more than once and also forbids asking for money within 15 feet of a building entrance.
Most of the people FOX 5 News spoke with on Wednesday said that they hadn't heard about the new legislation. In fact, FOX 5 reporter Julia Reynolds said that she encountered more aggressive panhandlers than last month.
The mayor's office says there's a 30-day notification period before it will be enforced.
Under the new law, 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.
Rick Barron will take over next month as Fulton County's new elections chief, as the department continues to deal with a state investigation into problems at the polls.
Rick Barron will take over next month as Fulton County's new elections chief, as the department continues to deal with a state investigation into problems at the polls.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:17 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:17:55 GMT
The state rested its case on Thursday in the trial of Michael Parson. He's accused of shooting his wife eight times in April 2011 outside their Sandy Springs apartment.
The state rested its case on Thursday in the trial of Michael Parson. He's accused of shooting his wife eight times in April 2011 outside their Sandy Springs apartment.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:55:29 GMT
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy.
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy. They say he was approached by a man as he got off his school bus on Wednesday, and that man pulled him into a pickup truck. He was able to escape, but the suspect is still on the loose.
