NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) - The Newport City Council has rejected a proposal to restrict panhandling by banning exchanges between motorists and people on the side of the road.
The proposed ordinance sponsored by Councilman John Florez failed in a 4-3 vote taken at Wednesday night’s council meeting.
The Newport Daily News (https://bit.ly/1hsJ3Zv ) reports that tensions were high when Florez and Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano engaged in a loud verbal confrontation toward the end of the session.
Napolitano apologized to those who remained in the council chamber following the outburst.
Florez said at the meeting that 80 percent of the community wants something done about panhandling.
Opponents of the legislation pointed to how it could affect firefighters passing around boots for charity and others who are likewise seeking donations.
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Information from: The Newport Daily News.
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