As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Approaching, speaking to or following a person in a manner as
would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily harm or the commission
of a criminal act upon the person, or upon property in the person's
immediate possession; or
Touching another person without that person's consent in
the course of asking for alms; or
Continuing to ask, beg, or solicit alms from a person after
the person has made a negative response; or
Following the person solicited before, after or while asking,
begging or soliciting alms; or
Intentionally blocking or interfering with the safe or free
passage of a person or vehicle by any means, including unreasonably
causing a person or driver of a vehicle to take evasive action to
avoid physical contact; or
Directing abusive or profane language toward the person solicited,
either while asking, begging or soliciting alms, or following a refusal
by the person solicited.
Includes the spoken, written, or printed word or such other
act conducted for the purpose of obtaining an immediate donation of
money or thing of value.
Includes, but is not limited to, the asking, begging, or
soliciting of alms, including money and other things of value, through
utilization of any of the following representations:
Stating or expressing that the donation is needed to meet a
specific need, when no such need exists; or
Stating the fact that the solicitor is from out of town and
stranded, when that is not true; or
Wearing or displaying an indication of physical disability or
wearing a military uniform or other indication of military service,
when the solicitor does not suffer the disability indicated; or
Use of any makeup or device to simulate deformity; or
Stating that the solicitor is homeless when the solicitor is
not.
Anyone who asks, begs, or solicits alms, including money
and other things of value.
A.
No person may ask, beg or solicit alms, including money and other
things of value, in an aggressive manner in any place open to the
general public.
B.
No person may ask, beg, or solicit alms, including money and other
things of value, in a false or misleading manner.
C.
No person may ask, beg, or solicit alms in any public transportation
vehicle, or within 25 feet of any bus stop.
D.
No person may ask, beg, or solicit alms from any operator or occupant
of a motor vehicle that is in traffic on a public street, unless prior
approval is obtained from the Chief of Police.
A.
Whenever any police officer in the exercise of reasonable judgment
decides that a person is engaging in aggressive panhandling in a manner
and at a location that constitutes prohibited conduct as defined in
this article, he or she may, if deemed necessary for the preservation
of the public peace and safety, advise the person of the prohibited
conduct and order that person to cease and desist, thereby giving
the person an opportunity to comply with this article.
B.
Any person who continues to engage in such prohibited conduct after
being so advised by a police officer shall be guilty of violating
this article and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $99.
The passive display of a sign requesting donations without making
a vocal request will not be considered prohibited conduct under this
article provided such activity is conducted in a manner and at a location
which does not block or interfere with the safe and free movement
of individuals and vehicles along the public sidewalks and public
streets.
