Taylor, TX Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Section 19-13, enacted by Ordinance No. 2025-33 effective January 22, 2026, targets conduct rather than the act of asking for money. Subsection (a) defines "solicit" or "panhandle" broadly as requesting, by spoken, written or printed word or other communication, an immediate or future donation or transfer of money or anything of value, regardless of purpose. Subsection (b) makes it unlawful to aggressively panhandle or solicit in public streets, sidewalks or from street medians within the city limits. Subsection (c) lists six behaviors that make panhandling "aggressive": using violent or threatening gestures; continuing to solicit after a negative response; intentionally touching or making physical contact without consent; intentionally blocking or interfering with a pedestrian's or vehicle's safe passage, including forcing evasive action; soliciting anyone waiting in line for tickets, building entry, or another purpose; and an individual or group of two or more approaching or following a person to solicit in a manner intended or likely to cause a reasonable person to fear imminent bodily harm, property damage or loss, or to feel harassed or intimidated into giving money or property.

Because the rule reaches only these specific coercive tactics, ordinary passive requests for donations on a sidewalk are not covered. Section 19-13 was adopted the same day as Taylor's companion sit-lie, public-sleeping and sidewalk-obstruction ordinances, and shares the penalty provision that follows in section 19-15.