El Paso prohibits aggressive panhandling, which includes intimidating gestures, blocking pedestrians, or following people after a refusal, while protecting passive solicitation as constitutionally protected speech under the First Amendment.
El Paso Municipal Code Chapter 9.92 (peace and good order) restricts aggressive solicitation defined to include physical contact, blocking paths, repeated requests after refusal, or solicitation near ATMs, transit stops, and outdoor dining areas. Following the Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) and 5th Circuit decisions striking content-based bans, El Paso narrowed its rules to time, place, and manner. Passive sign-holding from a sidewalk remains protected speech. EPPD typically issues warnings before citations.
Aggressive panhandling can be cited as a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500; repeat offenses or assaultive contact can escalate to higher-class charges under Texas Penal Code.
See how El Paso's aggressive panhandling rules stack up against other locations.
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