HOUSTON – Did you know that Houston has a curfew for juveniles? Many residents had no clue there was even a curfew, but there is a reason for that.
In 2007, the Houston city council approved a Juvenile Curfew ordinance where it was unlawful for any minor under the age of 17 years to remain, walk, run, drive or ride about, in or upon any public place in the city between certain hours of the day.
(Click to read hours and times here)
The ordinance also states that it is unlawful for the parent or guardian, having legal custody of a minor under the age of 17 years of to knowingly allow the minor to violate these curfew hours.
But, in 2023, local governments in Texas are no longer allowed to enforce this curfew on juveniles due to Texas House Bill 1819.
The bill was passed after research showed that curfews for teens were ineffective at reducing crime.
Texas lawmakers from both political parties said the minor curfews were not the best policy, as Black and Hispanic juveniles were often disproportionately targeted, according to a report.