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THE PROTEST AND ASSEMBLY ACT
SAN ANDREAS 2025
SAPCER
THE PROTEST AND ASSEMBLY ACT
SAN ANDREAS 2025
- WHEREAS, the State of San Andreas recognizes the importance of the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and assembly; and
WHEREAS, the State seeks to promote and protect public safety, order, and the rights of its citizens by establishing a designated area for peaceful gatherings and demonstrations; and
WHEREAS, the State intends to balance the rights of individuals to express their views with the State's responsibility to maintain public order and safety in its public spaces;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS FOLLOWS:
- SECTION 1. TITLE
- This Act shall be known as the "Protest and Assembly Act."
- The purpose of this Act is to establish clear procedures for citizens to apply and practice their rights in a safe and controlled environment, and establish a designated area within Pershing Square where individuals may engage in peaceful gatherings and expressive activities without the need for a permit, subject to the regulations set forth herein.
- (a) Location: A Free Speech Zone is hereby established within Pershing Square, specifically in the central area around the fountain and in the parking lot, not exceeding further than the surrounding fence, and on the surrounding sidewalks and roadways.
(b) Capacity: The Free Speech Zone shall accommodate no more than twenty-five (25) individuals at any given time for the purpose of peaceful gathering and expression without requiring a permit from the City.
- (a) Permitted Activities: Individuals or groups of no more than twenty-five (25) people may gather in the Free Speech Zone to engage in peaceful speech, assembly, distribution of literature, and other expressive activities.
(b) Prohibited Activities: The following activities are prohibited within the Free Speech Zone:- The use of amplified sound equipment without prior written approval from the City.
- Engaging in commercial activities, including sales of goods or services.
- Obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic in or around Pershing Square.
- Defacing, damaging, or otherwise harming any public or private property.
- Engaging in violent, disorderly, or unlawful conduct.
(d) Clean-Up Requirement: Participants are responsible for removing all litter and debris associated with their gathering and restoring the area to its original condition.
- Gatherings of more than twenty-five (25) individuals, or those wishing to use amplified sound or other special equipment, must obtain a permit from the City in accordance with established municipal procedures.
- (a) Enforcement: The Los Santos Police Department and other designated City officials are responsible for enforcing the provisions of this Act.
(b) Penalties: Any person or group found to be in violation of this Act may be subject to a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2000) and/or removal from the area.
- If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Act is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Act.
- (a) Application Submission:
- Where to Apply: Applicants must submit a permit application through the City's official online portal.
- When to Apply: Applications must be submitted no less than three (3) days before the proposed date of the gathering. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but approval is not guaranteed.
- Application Content: The application must include:
- Name and contact information of the applicant or responsible person.
- Date, time, and duration of the proposed gathering.
- Expected number of participants.
- Detailed description of the planned activities.
- Request for the use of any amplified sound equipment or other special equipment, if applicable.
- A site plan showing any temporary structures or setups, if any.
- Initial Review: Upon receipt, the Code Enforcement Bureau will review the application for completeness. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant with a request for additional information.
- Interdepartmental Review: The application will be forwarded to relevant City departments, including the Los Santos Police Department, Department of Public Works, and any other applicable agencies, for review and recommendations.
- Public Safety Evaluation: Responsible agencies will assess the potential impact on public safety, including crowd control, traffic management, and emergency access.
- Public Works Evaluation: The Department of Public Works will evaluate the potential impact on public infrastructure, including park maintenance and sanitation.
- A permit will be granted if the following criteria are met:
- The proposed gathering does not present a significant risk to public safety or health.
- The gathering will not unreasonably interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- The proposed activities are consistent with the intended use of public space.
- The applicant has agreed to comply with all relevant City regulations and requirements, including those regarding noise, litter, and the restoration of the area.
- The applicant has provided a sufficient plan for crowd management, if necessary.
- Permit Approval: If the application meets all criteria, a permit will be issued, detailing the specific terms and conditions of the gathering, including any restrictions or requirements.
- Notification: The applicant will be notified of the approval or denial of the permit within twenty-four (24) hours after submission. If denied, the applicant will receive a written explanation and may revise and resubmit the application.
- Compliance: The permit holder must comply with all terms and conditions specified in the permit. Non-compliance may result in revocation of the permit and/or penalties as outlined in Section 6 of this Ordinance.
- Insurance and Liability: The City may require the applicant to provide proof of liability insurance, naming the City of Los Santos as an additional insured, depending on the size and nature of the event.
- Fees: A non-refundable application processing fee may be required, with the amount determined by the City Council. Additional fees may apply for required city services such as sanitation, security, or street closures.
- Right to Appeal: If a permit is denied or if the applicant objects to any conditions imposed, the applicant may appeal the decision to the City Council within five (5) days of receiving the denial or conditional approval.
- Council Review: The City Council will review the appeal and may uphold, modify, or overturn the original decision. The Council's decision will be final.
- Waiver Provision: In cases of spontaneous gatherings responding to unforeseeable events, the requirement for a three (3) day application period may be waived, subject to the discretion of the City Manager or designee.
- Expedited Process: An expedited permit application process will be available for such emergency situations, with applications reviewed as quickly as possible.
Signed by,
Jackson Bennet
SECRETARY OF STATE
State of San Andreas
SPACER