FORNEY, TX — Teen curfews were once a routine part of city law across Texas. For decades, local governments relied on them to limit late-night activity by minors, aiming to reduce crime and keep young people safe.
However, that is no longer the case. Many Texans are surprised to learn that teen curfews are now outlawed in the state. A change in state law has eliminated the ability of cities to adopt or enforce juvenile curfews, marking a significant shift in how communities like Forney approach public safety and youth regulation.
The Law Behind the Change
In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1819, fundamentally changing the legal landscape regarding juvenile curfews.
The law is now codified in Texas Local Government Code § 370.008, which states that cities and other political subdivisions may not adopt or enforce a curfew for individuals under 18.
This statute took effect on September 1, 2023, and applies statewide. In practical terms, this means that any local curfew ordinance—whether previously enforced or not—is now unenforceable under Texas law.
A Policy That Defined the 1990s
Juvenile curfews became widespread in the 1990s as part of broader efforts to address crime and public disorder. Cities across Texas adopted ordinances restricting minors from being in public places during overnight hours, often with exceptions for work, school activities, or emergencies.
For years, these laws were considered a standard tool of municipal governance. However, they eventually drew increasing scrutiny.
Legal Concerns and Growing Pressure
Critics argued that curfew laws raised serious constitutional issues, including restrictions on freedom of movement and unequal treatment of minors. Legal challenges across the country—and in Texas—forced cities to reconsider whether these ordinances could withstand court review. As scrutiny increased, so did the risk of litigation.
Rather than leaving the issue to the courts, lawmakers ultimately stepped in and removed the authority to enforce such curfews altogether.
Guidance from the Texas Municipal League
The Texas Municipal League has acknowledged that juvenile curfews became increasingly difficult to defend legally as court challenges evolved. The organization has advised cities that state law now clearly prohibits curfew ordinances, reinforcing that municipalities no longer have the authority to enforce them.
What It Means for Forney
For cities like Forney, the impact is straightforward: juvenile curfews are no longer an available policy option.
Instead, local officials and law enforcement must rely on other approaches to address youth-related concerns, including:
Enforcing existing criminal laws
Expanding community policing efforts
Supporting youth programs and outreach
Encouraging parental involvement
This shift reflects a broader move away from blanket restrictions and toward more targeted strategies.
The Bottom Line
Teen curfews in Texas weren’t phased out gradually—they were eliminated by state law. After nearly three decades as a common municipal tool, curfews are no longer permitted, and cities across the state—including Forney—are adapting to a new legal reality.
