The City of Frisco has done away with its curfew ordinance for juveniles ahead of a new state law passed by the Texas Legislature.
In June, Gov. Greg Abbott signed HB 1819, which prohibits Texas’ “political subdivisions” from enforcing curfews on juveniles, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
An analysis of the bill reads:
“Research … indicates that juvenile curfew ordinances are an ineffective way to reduce crime and often lead to negative outcomes for youth in school and future interactions with the justice system. H.B. 1819 seeks to ensure that all young Texans have opportunities to succeed without the burden of a criminal record early in life by eliminating the authority of political subdivisions to adopt or enforce juvenile curfews.”
The law officially goes into effect on September 1.
According to the city’s curfew ordinance, which was passed in 2007, juveniles could not be out in public or at a commercial establishment between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. without a guardian. Violators could receive a fine of up to $500 for each offense.
The Frisco City Council repealed its curfew at its last meeting on August 15. City council documents note that repealing the ordinance was “necessary” to comply with the new state law.
Some Frisco officials expressed their disagreement with the law.
“It’s been an effective tool in our tool kit … to help juveniles sometimes when they’re in need of help,” said Mayor Jeff Cheney, according to Community Impact. “It’s a disappointment … that we’re being mandated from the state level on how we keep our citizens safe.”
Frisco Police Chief David Shilson said during the meeting that the curfew ordinance was also meant to ensure the safety of juveniles in the city.
“Beyond the curfew violation, the goal was to get these juveniles off the streets after hours and get them back home to prevent them from being victims of crime that take place in the late-night hours,” said Shilson, per Community Impact.
Shilson told the news outlet in an email that despite the department not favoring repeal of the ordinance, it intends to use other remaining statutes to continue protecting citizens.