Tucson, AZ Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

1 makes it unlawful to solicit money or things of value "in an aggressive manner in a public area," in any public transportation vehicle, bus, vantran or trolley station or stop, or within 15 feet of a bank, check-cashing business, or ATM entrance during its hours of operation without the owner's consent. It also bars soliciting on private property once the owner or occupant has told the solicitor not to, or has posted a no-soliciting sign, and bars soliciting anyone under 16 who is unaccompanied by an adult.

Section 11-33(e) defines "aggressive manner" to include intentionally touching the person solicited without consent; approaching or following the person if likely to cause a reasonable person to fear imminent bodily harm or a crime against their property, or to intimidate them into giving money; continuing to solicit within five feet of the person after a negative response, under the same fear/intimidation test; intentionally or recklessly blocking safe passage or forcing a pedestrian or driver to take evasive action; and using obscene or abusive language or gestures meant to instill fear or intimidate.

1(3) for emergencies, medical assistance, permitted sidewalk cafes, parades, rallies and demonstrations, agency-provided chairs or benches, and people waiting at a bus zone seat. The mayor and council's stated findings, in § 11-33(a)-(c), tie the ordinance to a rise in aggressive solicitation near banks, ATMs and transit stops and expressly preserve the constitutional right to solicit funds, picket, protest, or otherwise engage in protected speech; the ban targets the aggressive manner of the conduct, not solicitation itself.