(April 5, 2016) The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to prohibit panhandling from children, and within 50 feet of occupied bus stops and elementary school properties.
The vote amends OKC’s existing ordinance prohibiting aggressive panhandling. Panhandling from children under age 16 or within 50 feet of elementary schools and bus stops, including school bus stops, is now defined as aggressive and illegal.
The approved amendments leave the current limit for panhandling near ATMs, cafes and other areas unchanged at 20 feet.
The vote also replaces the word “unwanted” with “uninvited” in the aggressive panhandling ordinance, giving property owners, tenants and others the flexibility to invite solicitors inside the 20- or 50-feet buffer zones.
The amended ordinance was introduced Jan. 19 and had a public hearing Jan. 26. A final hearing was set for Feb. 9 but deferred to March 8, March 15, March 29 and today.
The change is effective May 6.
Media Contact: Kristy Yager
(405) 297-2550 or (405) 863-2831
kristy.yager@okc.gov
