Mayor Bowser Announces Emergency Legislation to Amend Districts Juvenile Curfew Laws

Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025, aimed at enhancing public safety amid rising incidents of youth violence. The law extends curfew hours to 11 PM for juveniles during July and August and expands the curfew's applicability to include 17-year-olds. It grants the Chief of Police authority to create extended curfew zones starting at 7 PM, which can last for up to 30 days depending on public safety needs. Councilmember Brooke Pinto highlighted the importance of providing safe recreational spaces and programming for youth while empowering law enforcement to act in response to potential disturbances. These measures come in the wake of troubling trends observed in areas like the Wharf and U Street, where large groups of juveniles gathered and engaged in harmful behavior.

The Metropolitan Police Department has previously enforced laws to curb disturbances, but this legislation aims to provide more robust tools for prevention. The Council of the District of Columbia will consider the proposed legislation at its July 1 Legislative Meeting. This initiative reflects a commitment to balancing youth engagement with community safety.