File photo
File photo
Creating a criminal offense and penalty for aggressive solicitation in a public area is among eight propositions that will be voted on during special elections held by the Austin City Council on May 1.
A City of Austin news release states the solicitation proposition is part of a proposed amendment to the city code that would also make it a criminal offense and impose a penalty on any individual sitting or lying down on a public sidewalk or sleeping outdoors in and near the downtown area and the area around the University of Texas campus.
Penalties would also apply to anyone camping in any public area not specially designated by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Other propositions include changing the city to strong mayor-council form of government; helping ensure transparency and accountability in the police department; adopting a voluntary public campaign finance program; and changing the date of mayoral elections to coincide with presidential elections.
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