Madison MGO 24.12 prohibits aggressive solicitation: physical contact, blocking pedestrians, threatening language, or repeated requests after refusal. Passive panhandling and sign-holding remain protected First Amendment activity.
MGO 24.12 narrowly targets aggressive panhandling rather than all begging, complying with First Amendment limits set by federal courts after the 2015 Reed v. Town of Gilbert decision. The ordinance prohibits solicitation accompanied by physical contact, intimidating language, blocking sidewalk passage, following pedestrians, or persisting after a person declines. It also bans solicitation within set distances of ATMs, bus stops, sidewalk cafes, and parking pay stations. Passive sign-holding, asking once politely, and busking are not prohibited. Enforcement focuses on State Street and the Capitol Square. Officers prefer connection to social services first.
First-offense citations are usually $124-$200. Repeat violations can mean larger fines or, where assault occurs, separate state criminal charges; jail is rare for citations alone.
See how Madison's aggressive panhandling rules stack up against other locations.
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