James Hurler knocks on doors on behalf of the solar-panel company that he works for, but a new proposal in Orangetown may mean that he will have to show his permit to solicit upon request to homeowners.

Under the town's current law, people who solicit business door to door already need a permit. In addition to potentially having to show those permits, another proposed amendment to the law gives residents the option to sign up for a "do-not-knock" registry.

The registry would apply to commercial solicitors only. Political campaigns, religious groups and social groups, such as the Girl Scouts, would be exempt. 

As always, police say residents have the right to keep their doors closed.

Hurler says he appreciates the potential change to the law because it would save him time by knowing which homes don't want to be bothered.