County solicitor ordinances authorized

Counties can issue ordinances regulating panhandling under a bill passed by the Legislature May 29.

LB577, introduced by Gretna Sen. John Murante, authorizes counties to regulate the operation and conduct of peddlers, hawkers and solicitors on public and private commercial property through the imposition of fees, issuance of a permit or both.

Any ordinance established under the bill will apply to all areas of a county’s jurisdiction, except where a similar city ordinance is in place. Counties are prohibited from charging a fee for such permits.

The bill passed on a 45-1 vote.