Mayor Bowser Announces Emergency Legislation to Amend Districts Juvenile Curfew Laws

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 to address juvenile behavior concerns in Washington, DC. The legislation proposes changing juvenile curfew hours to 11 PM during July and August and allows the Chief of Police to establish extended curfew zones beginning at 7 PM for up to 30 days. Councilmember Brooke Pinto highlighted the need for safe spaces for youth while also giving police tools to prevent violence. Recent incidents of large groups of juveniles engaging in criminal conduct prompted this emergency legislation. MPD has previously utilized various methods to manage juvenile conduct, but the current tools are limited.

This spring, MPD increased police presence to prevent disturbances and enforce public peace laws. The legislation is set for consideration by the Council of the District of Columbia on July 1. The District continues to support youth engagement through programs like the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.