Des Moines signs warn panhandlers at medians

Des Moines is adding signs at busy medians warning panhandlers they can't linger, the Register reports .

Why it matters: The signs come as the city considers banning camping in public spaces — a controversial proposal that elected officials say will address the rise in people experiencing homelessness.

Zoom in: The signs will read "Unlawful to Occupy Median."

Catch up quick: In 2019, Des Moines passed an ordinance banning people from loitering at 200 of the city's medians, citing safety concerns and risks of pedestrian deaths, according to the Register .

• Banned medians are less than six feet wide and are on roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or more.
• There is no fine for breaking the ordinance.

Reality check: Similar ordinances around the country have been deemed unconstitutional since medians are public spaces where freedom of speech is protected, a spokesperson for ACLU of Iowa told the Register.

The big picture: Other cities have passed similar laws, including Omaha, Nebraska and Jacksonville, Florida .

• In Richmond, officials installed signs telling drivers to stop giving money to panhandlers at intersections, Axios Richmond reported.