Tired of Aggressive Panhandlers? Arizona Working on New Law to Protect Citizens

• Previous laws to curb panhandling in Arizona have been overturned
• Senate Bill 1094 would make aggressive panhandling a petty offense and impose a fine of up to $300
• Opponents believe this law would punish people living in poverty and homelessness

Arizona’s Aggressive Panhandling Dilemma

It's hard to pass someone on the street with their hand out. It's human nature to want to help whenever possible, but panhandling has become an increasing problem in our state.

Panhandling, or asking strangers for money or other things of value, is an increasingly common sight in many cities and towns across Arizona.

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Many of us sympathize with the plight of panhandlers. Others are annoyed or intimidated and often feel bullied into handing over cash. There's a strong urge to help, but it's hard to know if the money will be used for food and welfare, or if you're funding a darker problem.

Arizona's Previous Laws Intended to Curb Panhandling

The Arizona state legislature is trying to find a balance. They want to protect the rights of panhandlers, but they also should protect the public from aggressive pleas for cash.

It's a tough road, though. According to the Phoenix New Times, Arizona passed a law back in 2013 prohibiting panhandling in any public place. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stepped in, and a federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional.

The judge ruled begging was protected as free speech under the First Amendment. The law was deemed "too broad and vague" to serve a legitimate government interest.

In 2015, Arizona lawmakers returned to the drawing board, crafting a new bill to outlaw "aggressive" panhandling. Under the new bill, panhandlers who engaged individuals through touching, following, threatening, or blocking a person being solicited would be in violation of the law.

The Arizona Governor at the time, Jan Brewer, vetoed the bill, saying she was worried about the potential impact on the homeless population.

Arizona Senate Bill 1094: Banning Aggressive Panhandling

Arizona lawmakers are trying to pass a variation on this concept again this year.

Senate Bill 1094 would make aggressive panhandling a petty offense and impose a fine of up to $300. If passed, the bill would ban panhandling within fifteen feet of a bank, ATM, or check-cashing business without the owner's permission.

The bill would protect the public from harassment and intimidation by panhandlers and would address only the most extreme and troublesome forms of solicitation.

Will the Bill Pass in Arizona?

The new bill has passed the House Rules Committee in Arizona, but will it become law in Arizona?

As history has shown, passing a bill of this nature is controversial and complex. If it passes, it will surely face pushback across a panoply of groups in Arizona.