Dallas City Code Chapter 31 prohibits aggressive solicitation involving threats, blocking, or repeated demands after refusal. Texas Penal Code Section 22.06 covers assault by threat. Passive sign-holding remains protected First Amendment speech under Reed v. Town of Gilbert.
Dallas Chapter 31 makes it a Class C misdemeanor to solicit money in an aggressive manner, defined as touching the person solicited, blocking their path, following them after refusal, using profane or abusive language, or making threats causing reasonable fear. The ordinance also restricts solicitation near ATMs, bus stops, outdoor dining, and at night. Texas Penal Code Section 22.06 (assault by threat) reinforces the threat element. Following the Fifth Circuit's invalidation of broad anti-panhandling statutes after Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015), Dallas may not prohibit passive solicitation such as silent sign-holding. Officers must document specific aggressive conduct, not mere presence or asking. Enforcement focuses on conduct affecting public safety rather than speech.
Aggressive solicitation under Chapter 31 is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500. Repeat offenses or threats escalating to assault under TX Penal Code 22.01 become Class A or B misdemeanors with possible jail time.
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See how Dallas's aggressive panhandling rules stack up against other locations.
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