1993
Akron City Council considers a law to put limits on panhandlers after receiving complaints from members of the community. Bus riders say beggars block exits until they’re given money, and female office workers say they feel threatened by some downtown panhandlers.
1994
City Council passes a law banning panhandling that is aggressive or threatening. The law also forbids beggars to solicit for money after dark or before 9 a.m., to beg at bus stops or in buses, to approach cars or to lie about why they need money. Opponents say the law will be ruled unconstitutional. Beggars who passively hold signs or cups asking for money are exempt; the law targets only beggars who verbally seek donations.
2006
Local merchants complain to City Council that they fear beggars are hurting their businesses. In response, council members update the city’s panhandling ordinance to allow police to “hassle” beggars. Panhandlers must register with police and panhandling is now banned within 20 feet of ATMs, banks, schools, churches, cafes, parks and theaters. Like the original law, those who passively hold signs or cups asking for money do not have to register.
2008
Panhandlers tell the Beacon Journal they’re registering with police even though they’re passively holding signs and cups. They say the registration badges provided by police make panhandlers look “more legal” because they had to get approval first. As a result, beggars say people may be more willing to give money.
2011
City Council considers banning panhandling within 100 feet of intersections over “safety concerns.” Council members back off from the legislation over fears that it would violate First Amendment free speech laws.
2012
Akron police declare they’ll begin more strictly enforcing laws already on the books in an effort to cut down on panhandling. For instance, panhandlers who step into the road to accept money from motorists and motorists who give money to beggars as a traffic light turns green could be charged with impeding the flow of traffic.
2016
Akron repeals its panhandling laws after the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sues the city, saying the laws violate First Amendment free speech protections.