Mayor Bowser Announces Emergency Legislation to Amend Districts Juvenile Curfew Laws

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 to strengthen juvenile curfew laws in Washington, D. C. The legislation seeks to address troubling trends in youth violence by changing curfew hours to 11 PM during July and August 2025 and extending the curfew to include 17-year-olds. It also authorizes the Chief of Police to designate extended curfew zones with stricter hours based on public safety considerations. Councilmember Brooke Pinto highlighted the need for safe recreational spaces for youth while ensuring community safety.

The legislation responds to recent incidents of large groups of juveniles engaging in harmful behavior in various neighborhoods, including the Wharf and Navy Yard. MPD has already increased police presence to prevent disturbances and enforce public peace laws. This emergency legislation is part of a broader effort to empower law enforcement and protect youth from violence. The Council of the District of Columbia will consider the proposal at its July 1 Legislative Meeting.