St. Louis measure would outlaw panhandling

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis aldermen are considering a measure that would make panhandling a crime.

Aggressive panhandling -- people who walk up to a person and aggressively ask for money -- could lead to a fine or even jail time. Supporters say they're fed up with people who do not appear to be homeless coming into the city and taking advantage of visitors attending conferences and sports events.

But those who do homeless outreach at the St. Patrick's Center say panhandling should not be criminalized. Instead, they prefer an education campaign.

Rather than give money to panhandlers, St. Patrick's officials suggest referring them to places they can go for help.

Aldermen could pass the measure within the next two weeks.

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Information from: KSDK-TV, http://www.ksdk.com