By Jim Foreman
In a significant move, the City Council of Friendswood, Texas, has repealed its local juvenile curfew ordinance in response to recent state legislation. The decision comes in the wake of House Bill 1819, which removed the authority of political subdivisions to adopt or enforce juvenile curfews.
The ordinance, titled Chapter 54 “Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions,” Article II “Curfew for Minors” of the Friendswood City Code, had set specific times during which minors were not allowed to be out in public places without a guardian or without a valid reason. With its repeal, the City of Friendswood aligns itself with the new state direction on the matter.
The repeal, which took effect September 1st, comes in the wake of Texas’ 86th Legislative Session where H.B. 1819 was authored by Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, who claimed “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.”
Any local laws or ordinances that are in conflict with this repeal will also be invalidated, ensuring consistency in the city’s legal codes. The measure also includes provisions for severability, meaning if any part of the ordinance is held invalid, the remainder will still be in effect.
Residents are reminded that even though the curfew has been repealed, other laws and regulations pertaining to minors remain unchanged and in effect. Parents and guardians are encouraged to be informed and exercise their discretion regarding their children’s activities during late hours.
