CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A newly introduced bill in the West Virginia Legislature would place tighter rules on panhandling and in-person solicitation, including permit requirements, location restrictions, and misdemeanor penalties for violations.
House Bill 5206, introduced during the 2026 regular session, creates a new section of state code making certain types of panhandling and solicitation unlawful while outlining where and when it may legally occur.
Under the proposal, anyone who wants to panhandle would be required to obtain a state license or county permit through their local sheriff’s office. Applicants would need to present valid identification and keep both their ID and permit with them while soliciting.
The bill defines panhandling broadly as in-person requests — by sign, gesture, or speech — for immediate donations of money, goods, food, favors, or other items for personal benefit. It also includes situations where someone sells an item for far more than its value when the transaction is effectively a donation.
Where Panhandling Would Be Banned
If approved, the measure would prohibit panhandling in a number of locations, including:
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Bus and train stops and public transportation facilities
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Inside vehicles on streets
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Private property without written permission from the owner
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Within set distances of highways, banks, ATMs, schools, crosswalks, and business entrances
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Municipal parking buildings, parks, golf courses, and playgrounds
The bill also bans certain behaviors while soliciting, such as blocking someone’s path, following people who walk away, touching them, or making threatening gestures. Panhandling would only be allowed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. under the proposal.
Penalties and Exemptions
Violations would be charged as misdemeanors. A first offense would carry a $100 fine. Second or later offenses could bring fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. A third offense could lead to permit revocation and exposure to additional harassment-related charges under state or local law.
The bill specifically exempts bona fide fire departments, school extracurricular organizations, and registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits from the permit requirement when they are soliciting donations for their operations.
Lawmakers have referred the bill to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
