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 tools for juvenile safety amid rising youth-related violence. The proposed changes include adjusting curfew hours to 11 PM for July and August and extending curfew applicability to 17-year-olds. The Chief of Police will also have the authority to establish extended curfew zones, beginning at 7 PM for 15 days, with possible extensions. Bowser noted the urgency of the legislation due to recent incidents involving large groups of juveniles in commercial areas. The Metropolitan Police Department has struggled with limited tools to manage juvenile conduct effectively.

Community safety and youth engagement are central to this initiative, as highlighted by Councilmember Brooke Pinto. The legislation will be reviewed during the Council’s July 1 Legislative Meeting. This proactive approach seeks to balance youth safety with opportunities for positive engagement through summer programming.