What has the Supreme Court determined about ordinances requiring permits for charitable solicitation?

The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that laws and ordinances requiring permits for charitable solicitation may infringe upon free speech protected by the First Amendment. Charitable solicitation is considered a form of speech because it involves the communication of information about the organization’s purpose and the solicitation of funds to support that purpose.

In cases such as Village of Schaumburg v. Citizens for a Better Environment, the Court recognized that restrictions on the ability to solicit donations can have a chilling effect on the exercise of free speech. While the government may have legitimate interests in regulating such solicitations (for instance, to prevent fraud or to promote traffic safety), any restrictions must not be overly broad or burdensome.

Consequently, ordinances that impose requirements for permits must be carefully scrutinized to ensure they do not unduly limit the ability of charitable organizations to engage in their fundraising efforts. This underscores the balance that must be achieved between the government's interests and the protection of free speech.