The Juvenile Curfew Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025 aims to address rising concerns regarding juvenile delinquency and public safety in the District of Columbia. The resolution proposes amendments to the Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995, allowing the Mayor to extend curfew hours when necessary to protect public safety and property. Specifically, it seeks to start juvenile curfew hours at 11 p.m. during the summer months of June, July, and August 2025, and to extend the curfew's applicability to 17-year-olds. This legislative action is prompted by an increase in unruly behavior among juveniles, including violent incidents and criminal activities reported in various neighborhoods.
The resolution emphasizes the need for immediate action due to the recent surge in juvenile-related disturbances, which have included fights, robberies, and shootings. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has been actively working to mitigate these issues but has found its current tools insufficient. By granting the MPD greater flexibility in enforcing curfew regulations, the resolution aims to enhance the safety of both minors and the general public during the summer months, when such incidents are expected to rise. The Council has determined that these circumstances warrant emergency legislation to be adopted swiftly.