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Bill eyes ban on roadside solicitations
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Posted on Jun 16 2008
Soliciting donations along the roads and at intersections will banned if a bill passes into law.
A measure before the Legislature proposes to prohibit solicitations within 25 feet of the centerline of any public highway in the Commonwealth. The proponents of the bill said the ban is reasonable because it will ensure the safety of the solicitors and the motorists.
It is common for charitable, religious, educational and other groups to approach vehicles on the highway to ask for donations. The House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations, which recommended passage of the bill, said that while the solicitation may be for a worthy cause, it puts the safety of the solicitors and the motorists at risk.
The committee also said the ban is not a violation of the First Amendment, which provides for the people’s right to solicit contributions.
“The restriction imposed by House Bill 16-71 is tailored for the safety of the CNMI residents, without reference to the content of the regulated speech, and leaves open ample alternative channels for communication of the information. This restriction, therefore, does not violate a person’s First Amendment rights,” the committee said.
Rep. Joseph Camacho sponsored the bill.
