Mayor Bowser Announces Emergency Legislation to Amend Districts Juvenile Curfew Laws

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 to enhance public safety and extend juvenile curfew hours. The legislation establishes a new curfew of 11 PM for juveniles during July and August and allows for earlier curfews in certain areas under the authority of the Chief of Police. Bowser noted, "Most of our young people are doing the right thing... but we continue to see troubling trends," highlighting the urgency of the situation. The MPD will have the power to create extended curfew zones for 15 days, with the possibility of extension based on public safety needs.

The act aims to address recent incidents of violence and disorder among youth, particularly in areas like the Wharf and Navy Yard. The District has previously employed various strategies to manage juvenile behavior, but the tools available were deemed insufficient. This emergency legislation will be reviewed by the Council of the District of Columbia on July 1, aiming to bolster community safety while also supporting positive youth engagement through summer programming. The Mayor's commitment to youth programs, such as the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, complements these new measures.