San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 bans aggressive solicitation involving touching, blocking pedestrians, persistent following, threatening conduct, or solicitation near ATMs and bus stops. Texas Penal Code Section 22.06 covers any offensive contact. Passive sign-holding remains protected speech.
San Antonio targets aggressive panhandling through SAMC Chapter 21 rather than a flat ban on begging, which the Fifth Circuit struck down in cases like Reynolds v. Middleton. The ordinance prohibits solicitation involving physical touching, blocking pedestrian or vehicle movement, persistent following after refusal, profane or threatening language, or asking for money near ATMs, banks, bus stops, gas pumps, and outdoor patios. Solicitation from a vehicle on the roadway is also restricted. Texas Penal Code Section 22.06 (offensive contact) and Section 42.072 (stalking) supplement enforcement. SAPD typically issues warnings before citing. The first violation is a Class C misdemeanor; threatening conduct can become Class B. Passive sign-holding remains constitutionally protected.
First violation is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500. Threatening conduct, repeat offenses, or assault upgrades the charge to Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days jail and $2,000 fine, plus possible Bexar County prosecution.
See how San Antonio's aggressive panhandling rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.