WRONGS CHILDREN-PANHANDLING

104th Regular Session Introduced by Angie Guerrero-Cuellar

HB 3308 makes it unlawful for under-18s to panhandle or sell items in public unless they represent a qualifying nonprofit, with minor offenses only.

Referred to Rules Committee

Purpose / Intent

HB 3308 amends the Wrongs to Children Act to make it unlawful for children under 18 to engage in “panhandling,” defines that term, creates narrow exceptions, and establishes that a minor who panhandles commits a petty offense. The bill distinguishes the conduct of minors themselves from existing provisions that criminalize adults who exploit young children for begging or similar activities.

Key provisions

Adds to 720 ILCS 150/1 a prohibition: a child under 18 years of age may not engage in “panhandling” unless the child is representing a nonprofit organization.

Defines “panhandling” to include:

selling food products or other items; or
begging for money or asking for monetary donations,
(but only when not representing a nonprofit organization).

Establishes exclusions so that “panhandling” does not include solicitations made on behalf of:

Religious organizations (church, mosque, temple, etc.);
Recognized charities or organizations exempt under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code; or
A friend or family member, either in person or via the Internet.

Amends 720 ILCS 150/5 to add: any person under 18 who engages in panhandling is guilty of a petty offense.

Existing provisions in the Act that criminalize exhibiting, using, or employing children under 14 for begging, peddling, or other dangerous or immoral occupations remain in place; penalties for persons convicted under those provisions (Class A misdemeanor first offense; Class 4 felony for repeat offenses) are retained for those adult offenders.

Who would be affected

Children and youth under 18 who solicit money, sell items, or otherwise beg in public (except when representing an eligible nonprofit or covered exception).

Homeless and street‑active youths, youth participating in informal fundraising or sales, and organizers of youth solicitation activities.

Nonprofits, religious organizations, and families — the bill permits child solicitation when children represent qualifying organizations or assist family/friends.

Law enforcement and local governments tasked with enforcing the statutory prohibition.

Procedural / timeline status

Introduced Feb 18, 2025 by Rep. Angelica Guerrero‑Cuellar (filed Feb 25, 2025).

Passed the House: May 2, 2025 (readings, votes, engrossment).

Sent to the Senate: received May 5, 2025; referred to State Affairs (and other committee referrals appear in the bill history).

Current status as of the last legislative actions: in the Senate committee process (referred to State Affairs / Rules Committee).

Notes and considerations

The bill’s definition of “panhandling” includes selling items, which may create practical questions about routine youth sales (lemonade stands, bake sales) unless clearly tied to an exempt organization or family/friend solicitation; implementation and enforcement guidance would be needed.

Designating minor panhandling as a petty offense shifts consequences away from more serious criminal penalties but could still subject youths to fines or other juvenile processing depending on local practice.

There may be constitutional and policy questions (e.g., free speech, public‑safety responses, and impacts on vulnerable youth) that could arise during implementation or judicial review.

Bill