Mayor Bowser Announces Emergency Legislation to Amend Districts Juvenile Curfew Laws

The Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025, introduced by Mayor Muriel Bowser, aims to enhance public safety by extending juvenile curfew hours. Under the new law, curfews will change to 11 PM every day during July and August, and the Chief of Police can establish zones with earlier curfews starting at 7 PM. Councilmember Brooke Pinto highlighted the importance of providing safe spaces for youth while allowing law enforcement to act swiftly in response to disturbances. Previous efforts by the Metropolitan Police Department to address juvenile behavior have been hampered by limited enforcement tools. The legislation emerges in response to troubling trends in juvenile gatherings that have led to violence in various neighborhoods.

The proposed changes are scheduled for discussion at the Council's July 1 Legislative Meeting. Mayor Bowser emphasized the need to prevent violence before it occurs, reinforcing the commitment to community safety. The District will continue offering summer programs to engage youth positively.