ORDINANCE NO. 10-2025 CITY OF PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI REGARDING THE SAFE SOLICITATION ACT AND AMENDING CHAPTER 54, ARTICLE IV, DIVISION 1, SECTION 54-91 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WHEREAS, on July 1, 2025, the "Safe Solicitation Act" (HB 1197 (Reg. Session 2005)) requiring any person who desires to solicit to obtain a solicitation permit from the municipality in which the solicitation occurs took effect; and WHEREAS, the Safe Solicitation Act provides municipalities six months to opt out of the Act; and WHEREAS, on October 3, 2023, the Pascagoula City Council adopted Ordinance No. 08-2023, which addresses many of the same safety concerns addressed in the Safe Solicitation Act, rendering utilization of the Safe Solicitation Act redundant with existing regulations; and WHEREAS, the City also previously enacted Chapter 54, Article IV, Division 1, Section 54-91, which generally prohibits begging; and WHEREAS, the constitutionality of Section 54-91 is not clear, and repealing the same is in the City's best interests. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCAGOULA AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Chapter 54, Article IV, Division 1, Section 54-91 is hereby repealed. SECTION 2. The City of Pascagoula hereby opts out of the Safe Solicitation Act (HB 1197 (Reg. Session 2005)). SECTION 3. The amendments adopted herein shall become effective as provided by law. SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall not be codified, except to reflect the repeal of Chapter 54, Article IV, Division 1, Section 54-91. The above Ordinance was introduced in writing by Councilwoman Brandenstein, seconded for adoption by Councilwoman Young, and received the following vote: Mayor Willis voted "AYE", Councilman Stallworth voted "AYE", Councilman Fornett voted "ABSENT", Councilwoman Young voted "AYE", Councilman Parker "ABSENT", Councilman Blythe voted "AYE", and Councilwoman Brandenstein voted "AYE". Passed this the 2nd day of December, 2025. APPROVED: /s/ Jay WillisJay Willis, Mayor /s/ Karen Kennedy Karen Kennedy, City Clerk IPL0296132 Dec 7 2025