House Floor Leader Joseph N. Camacho, R-Saipan, said although the groups soliciting donations along roads are supporting worthy causes, there are public safety issues involved.
He proposes to fine $250 any person soliciting donations from persons or vehicles within 25-ft. of the center line of any public highway in the CNMI.
The parent or guardian of a child under 18 who willingly permits a child to participate in road solicitation will also be fined.
The House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations has already recommended the passage of H.B. 16-71.
In its report, the committee said public road solicitation drive is a common sight at many intersections in Saipan for charitable, religious, educational, benevolent or other projects.
The committee said although the right to solicit contributions is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, restrictions on time, place and manner on how this is conducted are allowed.
“Although the intent of such actions may be to support a worthy cause, it places the safety of the solicitors and the occupants of the motor vehicles at risk,” the committee chaired by Rep. Rosemond B. Santos, R-Saipan, said in its report.
“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,” it added.
The House of Representatives passed H.B. 16-71 during its last session. The bill now awaits the Senate’s action.
