District of Columbia expands city curfew after incidents of teen violence

The D.C. Council has unanimously approved Mayor Muriel Bowser’s newly proposed legislation to extend youth curfews during the summer months.

The legislation was approved Tuesday by the city's Democrat-controlled council. 

Under the new legislation, the curfew will begin at 11 p.m. and include 17-year-olds. Previously, the curfew was for children ages 16 and under and began at midnight.

If children are to remain on the streets, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Exceptions include travel to and from work or religious services, according to FOX 5 DC.

The new legislation also allows the creation of designated emergency curfew zones. In these areas, the curfew can start no earlier than 8 p.m. for up to four days– another change from the original legislation.  

Local news-radio station WTOP reported that council members created an amendment that made several changes to the original legislation – including one related to trying to stop large assemblies, like the brawls and wild parties recently in several nightlife areas. 

Originally, a group of three would have violated the law, but the lawmakers increased it to eight.

In response to the approval of her legislation and Council member Pinto’s new safety plans, Bowser posted on social media, “Both actions will make our city safer, keep crime trending down, and protect our youth. Thank you to the Council for advancing these important measures.”

The curfew took effect on Tuesday at midnight and will remain in place for 90 days.