Norwalk, CT Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Chapter 72A, adopted by the Common Council on 12-14-2004, defines 'aggressive manner' in § 72A-2 to include intentionally touching or following a person soliciting money, continuing to solicit within five feet after a negative response, blocking someone's path or forcing evasive action, using obscene or abusive language meant to intimidate, or approaching in a way likely to cause fear of imminent harm. Section 72A-3 then bans solicitation of money or sales in that aggressive manner anywhere in a public area, on a public transportation vehicle or within 25 feet of a bus or train stop, inside any public garage, within 25 feet of a bank, check-cashing business or automated teller machine, on private property after the owner or occupant has objected or posted a no-solicitation sign, and from the operator of a vehicle or bicycle stopped in traffic, such as unsolicited windshield washing or offers to find or hold a parking space, unless it's an emergency repair.

A companion loitering ban in § 72A-4 covers standing around or lingering in a way that obstructs streets, sidewalks, crosswalks or park walks, interferes with school operations, or continues after being ordered off private property. The chapter states in § 72A-6 that it doesn't restrict constitutionally protected speech or asking for payment for services actually rendered.