Mayor Bowser Announces Emergency Legislation to Amend Districts Juvenile Curfew Laws

Mayor Muriel Bowser introduced the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 to enhance public safety by modifying juvenile curfew laws. The act proposes changing curfew hours to 11 PM during July and August and extending its applicability to 17-year-olds. Councilmember Brooke Pinto highlighted the importance of providing safe recreational spaces while empowering police to manage large gatherings effectively. The Chief of Police will be authorized to create extended curfew zones, similar to those established in the Secure DC Omnibus bill. This initiative aims to address recent incidents of violence involving youth in areas like the Wharf and Dupont Circle.

It includes provisions for emergency curfews based on public safety needs. The Metropolitan Police Department has already increased its presence in neighborhoods to mitigate negative behaviors. The Council of the District of Columbia will review the legislation during its upcoming July 1 meeting.