SAN ANTONIO – The city of San Antonio is preparing to issue new rules for people who feed the homeless.
City Council members will meet Wednesday to discuss rewriting city laws so charitable groups have an easier time feeding the homeless.
Currently city laws require charity meals served to the homeless to adhere to the same regulations as food trucks -- but many argue that is too much to be liable for.
The council is considering changes which include wanting volunteers to get a food handler's permit, making sure they properly dispose of trash, and to let the health department know within 24 hours of the event.
San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus said the police department will incorporate a new approach to help work with San Antonio's homeless community.
The new initiative will be called an "Impact Team".
Chief McManus said the new impact team is a blend of law enforcement and outreach.
The team will include professionals from SAPD's mental health team, a mental health specialist, an EMS person, and an outreach worker from somewhere such as Haven for Hope.