The overview
In May, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 2012, which allows counties to curb roadside and parking lot soliciting, according to the Texas Legislature Online. The bill permits restrictions on people asking for money or selling food or merchandise, including animals, along roadways.
During Harris County Commissioner Court's Oct. 16 meeting, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey brought the motion to create new guidelines on roadside vendors. While no action was taken, commissioners and county staff said they will review data-driven analysis that includes consulting with other cities and their regulations leading up to the Nov. 13 Commissioners Court meeting.
At Ramsey’s request, the county attorney will work with court offices to draft an ordinance that could include the following:
- Clear prohibitions on panhandling that affects traffic lanes, medians and other areas that pose safety risks
- Improves traffic flow and quality of life by creating designated safety zones away from busy traffic
- Minimizes disruption to daily commutes
- Enhances the overall community environment in unincorporated areas
- Fosters a more orderly public space without impeding individual rights
“From reducing traffic hazard to reducing risk to motorists to reducing risk to pedestrians, I think we need to go ahead and implement ... [an] ordinance,” Ramsey said during the meeting.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said he’d like to conduct a study to have data on how much of a public safety problem panhandling is in the county.
“I’m worried about ... as we try to do something about unhoused people, that we’ll fill up [the county] jail quicker than we intended,” Ellis said. “I just want to make sure there’s no unintended consequences.”
Ramsey said the rules he’s proposing would prioritize warnings for offenders and would refer people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship to resources.
Some context
On Aug. 26, a ban on roadside vendors in unincorporated areas of Montgomery County was passed by county commissioners, as previously reported by Community Impact. According to Montgomery County’s ordinance, the goal is to address traffic and safety hazards caused when drivers engage with roadside solicitors.
The rules will also prevent puppy mills, and other live animal sellers, from operating at roadsides, Precinct 4 Chief of Staff Josh Pascua said via email Sept. 24.
