Bill > B26-0459

This bill amends the Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995 to expand and modify juvenile curfew regulations in the District of Columbia. The key changes include setting a standard curfew time of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for all juveniles under 18 years old, and granting the Mayor and the Chief of Police additional authority to establish extended curfew hours in specific circumstances to protect public safety or property. The Mayor can temporarily extend curfew hours citywide through an administrative order, which must specify the location, duration, and reasoning for the extension, with limitations that curfew cannot start before 8:00 p.m. or extend past 6:00 a.m., and cannot last more than 4 consecutive days without subsequent orders. Similarly, the Chief of Police can designate specific "extended juvenile curfew hour zones" based on recent crime reports, intelligence about potential gatherings, and other safety considerations. When enforcing these extended curfew rules, police are required to first issue verbal warnings, provide time for juveniles to disperse, and document interactions using body-worn cameras. The bill also allows local entities like Advisory Neighborhood Commissions to petition the Chief of Police to establish extended curfew zones, though final approval remains at the police chief's discretion. The emergency act will remain in effect for up to 90 days.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0459