By Linda Kor Although a federal judge ruled last November that Arizona’s law making it a crime to beg or panhandle in public places was unconstitutional, last week the House approved another bill that narrows down what aspects of panhandling would not be tolerated. Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, crafted HB 2024, which was passed by a 35-23 vote in the House March 5 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. The bill would make it illegal to solicit money or anything else of value within 15 feet of an automated teller machine or bank entrance. There would also be no panhandling allowed in any public transportation vehicle or within 10 feet of a sign designating a bus stop. If the bill becomes law it would also make it illegal for individuals panhandling to use abusive language, or to touch or follow someone in a way that would make a reasonable person feel threatened or concerned about bodily harm. The previous laws on solicitation were struck down after the American Civil Liberties Union brought a lawsuit against Flagstaff, which had been aggressively enforcing the state panhandling law.