Erie, PA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Article 743, adopted by Ordinance No. 43-2018, defines panhandling broadly as any personal solicitation in a public place for an immediate donation of money or anything of value, whether spoken, written, through gestures, signs, music or street performance, and it expressly excludes passively sitting or standing with a sign without addressing anyone directly. 02 prohibits panhandling only in two circumstances. 01(d) as intentionally blocking or interfering with the orderly flow of vehicles or pedestrians, intentionally causing a pedestrian or driver to take evasive action, or panhandling in a way that violates traffic laws applicable to pedestrians or vehicles.

01(b) through five specific behaviors: following a person for more than 25 feet before, during or after soliciting in a way likely to cause fear of harm or intimidate them into giving; continuing to solicit after the person has given a negative response or walked away; intentionally touching the person without consent; using profane or abusive language or speaking at an unreasonably loud volume, or making statements or gestures that would cause a reasonable person to feel fearful or compelled; or directing violent or threatening gestures at the person.

'Public place' is defined to include alleys, bridges, buildings, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, sidewalks, streets, and building entrances and doorways open to the public.