HOUSTON – Following another large “teen takeover” event in downtown Houston over the weekend, some residents are asking why city leaders don’t simply impose a curfew to keep minors off the streets at night.
The answer is that Texas law currently prevents cities from enforcing juvenile curfews, even though Houston still has a curfew ordinance on its books.
RELATED: Houston police respond to ‘teen takeover’ at Discovery Green; shots fired, 2 detained with guns
In 2023, Texas lawmakers approved House Bill 1819, which eliminated the authority of local governments to adopt or enforce juvenile curfews. State lawmakers cited research suggesting curfews were ineffective at reducing crime.
The renewed discussion comes after Houston police responded to a teen takeover at Discovery Green on Saturday night that drew hundreds of young people to the area. During the incident, officers reported shots were fired and detained two individuals who were allegedly carrying guns.
Prior to the change in state law, Houston’s ordinance prohibited minors younger than 17 from being in public places during certain overnight hours unless they met specific exceptions. While the ordinance remains in the city’s code, it can no longer be enforced because of state law.
Some Texas communities have pushed for restoring local authority to enact juvenile curfews amid concerns about youth violence and large gatherings involving teenagers. Lawmakers have filed proposals that would allow cities to once again adopt curfew ordinances, but no changes have been approved.
Following the latest teen takeover, KPRC 2 asked Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s office whether the city planned to seek assistance from Gov. Greg Abbott or request a special order that could allow a curfew.
The Mayor’s Office responded:
“At this time, we are not going to contact the governor about this topic.”
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