Vendors, advocates urge Prince George’s County Council to reject steep fines in vending bill

Public commenters urged the Prince George’s County Council to oppose a proposed illegal-vending enforcement bill that advocates say would disproportionately harm immigrant and low-income vendors. “This current bill language has not been made available to the public until this morning,” said Aden Aron, a policy analyst with CASA, adding the draft “increases the fines tenfold, takes it from about, like, 200 to 2,000.”

Vendors and community organizers asked the council to create accessible permitting and pilot programs instead of punitive sanctions. Sarah, a Langley Park vendor and single mother, described vending as a lifeline: “We are only asking for the opportunity to continue working and build a future for our families.” Council members and staff said several vending-related measures were before committees: CB 003 (penalties/removal of goods) had committee amendments under discussion, and CB 13 would create a street-vending pilot and require the Office of Homeland Security and other agencies to develop a simplified regulatory program.

Advocates asked the council to pair any enforcement with a clear, realistic permitting path and community outreach. CASA and Somo Casa speakers also requested time for meaningful notice and collaboration before enforcement changes take effect; one speaker said the draft language had been released to the public the morning of the meeting. Council amendments to penalty levels were discussed in committee; one amendment described a phased fine structure and a six-month implementation window.