WASHINGTON, D.C.—The teen curfew law up for a final vote in the D.C. Council on Tuesday would expire at the end of 2028, under a new amendment being proposed by Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, D-Ward 1.
A second amendment by Nadeau would prevent police from bringing teens detained solely for a curfew violation to a detention center.
“I have grave concerns about the law that is before the Council, because there is already evidence that curfews do not work,” Nadeau said. “I’ve heard my colleagues talk about the myriad programs they plan to implement to support our youth, programs that are by far the better approach to supporting our teens and encouraging positive behavior. A sunset to this law provides some urgency to getting those programs in place.”
One of the major factors leading to high youth recidivism rates is early contact at a young age with the criminal legal system. Evidence shows that youth curfew can increase the likelihood of young people becoming involved in the legal system for non-criminal, typical adolescent behaviors.
Her second amendment aims to end the current Metropolitan Police Department practice of bringing youth to the detention facility (Youth Services Center) for curfew-only violations. MPD currently detains or arrests youth as a means to bringing them into compliance with the curfew. Under the amendment, MPD would have to find alternatives, such as taking them home, or dropping them off at a Department of Parks and Recreation youth event or a 24/7 youth drop-in center. Youth charged with actual crimes would still be transported to a detention center, as current law provides. Violation of curfew is a status-based offense, not a criminal violation.
“A curfew violation is not a crime and should not be treated as such,” Nadeau said. “All evidence suggests that exposing children to a carceral environment and treating them like criminals can lead to actual criminal behavior that negatively impacts youth, their families and our community.”
The Council gave initial approval to the teen curfew law last month and is expected to take a final vote on the bill at its Legislative Meeting on Tuesday, after consideration of the two amendments.
View Amendment 1: Sunsets the curfew law December 31, 2028
View Amendment 2: Prohibition on transfer to detention facility