Kansas City, MO Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

City Code § 50-8.5 outlaws panhandling in an "aggressive manner" anywhere in a public area, defining that as threatening approaches, following someone who walks away, physical contact, continuing after a refusal, verbal threats, or blocking sidewalks and streets. Separately, panhandling of any kind, aggressive or passive, is unlawful within the 18th & Vine, Central Business District, Country Club Plaza, Westport, and Zona Rosa areas unless it is purely passive (a sign, no vocal request) and kept 20 feet clear of building entrances, outdoor dining, and homes. It is also banned within 20 feet of an ATM or bank teller window, on public transit or transit stops, on posted private property, and toward drivers or vehicle windshield washers in traffic.