The Youth Curfew Amendment Act of 2026 amends the Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995 to extend the curfew's applicability to individuals under the age of 18, replacing the term "juvenile" with "youth." The bill authorizes the Mayor and Chief of Police to designate extended youth curfew zones, establishes specific notice and signage requirements for these zones, and allows Advisory Neighborhood Commissions to petition for their creation. Additionally, the bill outlines the enforcement procedures for curfew violations, including the requirement for police to issue verbal warnings before making arrests and to provide reasonable time for minors to disperse.

Furthermore, the Act mandates the provision of positive youth programming during the periods when extended youth curfew zones are in effect, ensuring that minors have access to safe activities. The legislation includes provisions for the establishment of temporary extended youth curfew zones, detailing the criteria for their designation and the process for public notification. The Act is set to expire on December 31, 2028, and its provisions will take effect upon the inclusion of their fiscal impact in an approved budget.