Rockford, IL Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

City Code Sec. 19-42 makes it unlawful to panhandle at all between sunset and sunrise, and during the day within 20 feet of an ATM, bank entrance, church, or a residential facility housing seniors or people with disabilities, plus at bus stops, in transit vehicles, parked cars, sidewalk cafes and parking garages. Separately, panhandling is aggressive and unlawful anywhere if the panhandler touches the person, blocks their path, follows them after they walk away, uses profane or abusive language, or panhandles as part of a group of two or more. Passive solicitation, like sitting with a sign or busking without a vocal ask, is exempt.