Resolution 26-17

A resolution granting the Sheriff of Hickman County authority to enforce regulations against unauthorized solicitation at public roadway stops, adjacent sidewalks, and intersections.

WHEREAS, the safety and orderly flow of vehicular traffic on public roads and pedestrian traffic on adjacent sidewalks and at intersections within Hickman County is a matter of public safety and concern; and

WHEREAS, the unauthorized solicitation of donations at public roadway stops, adjacent sidewalks and at intersections can obstruct traffic, create dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians, and encourage unsafe behavior; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-307 prohibits the intentional or reckless obstruction of public roadways, adjacent sidewalks, and intersections, and TCA § 39-17-313 prohibits aggressive panhandling; and

WHEREAS, there is currently no local law or ordinance permitting the solicitation of money or other goods from individuals at public roadway stops, adjacent sidewalks and at intersections within Hickman County;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE HICKMAN COUNTY LEGISLATIVE BODY HEREBY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE SOLICITATION OF DONATIONS AT PUBLIC ROADWAY STOPS, ADJACENT SIDEWALKS, AND INTERSECTIONS:

1. Permitting Process: No individual or group may solicit donations at public roadway stops, adjacent sidewalks, or intersections without prior written approval of the Hickman County Sheriff or the Hickman County Legislative Body.

2. Authority Granted to the Sheriff: The Sheriff of Hickman County, or his/her designee, is hereby authorized to fine and/or arrest any individual or group found soliciting money or goods at public roadway stops, adjacent sidewalks, and intersections without prior written approval from the Hickman County Sheriff or the Hickman County Legislative Body.

3. Penalties: Violation of this resolution may result in fines and/or potential imprisonment as provided by TCA §§ 39-17-307 and 39-17-313.

4. Enforcement: This resolution shall be enforced by the Hickman County Sheriff's Office, with the full authority to issue citations, make arrests, and take other necessary actions to uphold the provisions of this resolution, consistent with TCA §§ 39-17-307 and 39-17-313.

Sponsors: Danny Clark, 2nd District Commissioner; Dusty Jordan, 5th District Commissioner.

Motion and vote: Passed with a majority of the full membership (12 yes, 2 absent) on May 26, 2026. Moved by Danny Clark, seconded by Dusty Jordan.

Yes: Matthew Barnhill, Claude Callicott, Clay Chessor, Danny Clark, Steve Gianakos, Jim Herron, Dusty Jordan, Devin Pickard, Ricky Murray, Keith Nash, Ron Puckett, Wayne Thomasson.

Absent: Todd Collins, Ron Mayberry.

Adopted: Keith Nash, Chairman. Attest: Casey Dorton, County Clerk.

Approved: Jim Bates, County Mayor (May 27, 2026).