Mayor Bowser Announces Emergency Legislation to Amend Districts Juvenile Curfew Laws

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025, aimed at enhancing public safety through stricter juvenile curfew laws. The legislation extends curfew hours to 11 PM for July and August and applies to 17-year-olds. It grants the Metropolitan Police Department the authority to establish curfew zones that can begin at 7 PM, with the possibility of extending these zones based on safety assessments. Councilmember Brooke Pinto highlighted the need for safe recreational spaces while empowering police to address violence proactively. This emergency measure responds to recent disturbances involving large groups of juveniles in commercial areas across the District.

The legislation will be reviewed by the Council of the District of Columbia during the July 1 meeting. MPD has previously attempted various measures, including enhanced enforcement of disturbance laws. The city continues to support youth with positive programming like the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.