PAN-HANDLING GOES ON IN MOST EVERY COMMUNITY. THEREFORE, MANY OF THOSE COMMUNITIES HAVE ENACTED ORDINANCES THAT RESTRICT OR OUTLAW THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR MONEY. THE ACLU OF NEW MEXICO IS NOW TAKING-ON SOME OF THOSE MUNICIPALITIES IN THE STATE, SAYING THOSE LAWS ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
ACLU ATTORNEY MARIA MARTINEZ SANCHEZ TELLS US SOME OF THE LAWS THEY’RE TARGETING INCLUDE RIO RANCHO AND SILVER CITY. SOME OF THE OTHER CITIES ON THE LIST ARE LAS CRUCES AND SANTA FE.
THE ALBUQUERQUE ORDINANCE IS ALSO ON THE ACLU’S RADAR BUT THERE IS AN AGREEMENT IN PLACE TO NOT ENFORCE THE ORDINANCE WHILE THE TWO SIDES WORK TO RESOLVE A LEGAL CHALLENGE BROUGHT ON BY THE ACLU.
