BREAKING NEWS – Montgomery, Alabama – Republican Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill into law that makes panhandling and loitering on state roads a class C misdemeanor, with advocates arguing the bill will benefit public safety, according to a report from WSFA.
The bill was signed over the objections of advocates for the state’s homeless population, who worry the law will criminalize homelessness. However, supporters pointed out that police officers will have discretion on whether to arrest an offender. First-time offenders can be found guilty of the misdemeanor, while subsequent offenses could lead to fines or months behind bars.
“This is one of the most insensitive laws I have ever heard of!” stated Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “This is blatant discrimination against hobos, disoriented winos, and several other variations of worthless bums!”