Sioux Falls bans aggressive panhandling under Ch. 80 misdemeanor rules, prohibiting threatening behavior, blocking pedestrians, or soliciting near ATMs, bus stops, and outdoor cafes regardless of stated message.
Passive sign-holding remains protected speech, but Sioux Falls restricts conduct: touching a target, following after refusal, blocking sidewalks or building entrances, soliciting at an ATM, in a parked car, or within a posted distance of a bus stop, transit station, or outdoor dining patio. Nighttime solicitation may be further restricted. Enforcement is content-neutral; SFPD typically issues warnings, then citations under Ch. 80 misdemeanor sections. Unlike older statutes struck down on First Amendment grounds, the ordinance focuses on conduct rather than the act of asking for money.
Touching, blocking, or following targets after refusal, soliciting near ATMs or transit stops, or repeated nighttime solicitation can trigger SFPD citation, misdemeanor charges, and fines.
See how Sioux Falls's aggressive panhandling rules stack up against other locations.
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