(PHILADELPHIA) June 14, 2021 – Today, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson’s bill reforming Philadelphia’s minor curfew law passed out of Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Public Safety. The bill simplifies the minor curfew law by making the times easier to understand. It also makes the law less punitive by removing all fines and changing the requirements that young people must be taken to a police district. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson has been working closely with the Administration to establish evening resource centers, safe spaces where minors who violate curfew can be taken to be connected to support services.
“Young people are being caught up in gun violence and other dangerous activity, and we need to help keep them safe without penalizing families or connecting them to the justice system,” said Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large). “Reforming the curfew law balances these needs. It makes it simpler, less punitive, and gives the Administration the flexibility it needs to establish evening resources centers. Creating a network of community-based evening resource centers allows us to create safe spaces where young people can find support, which is what many young people who violate curfew really need. I want to thank my colleagues for their support for this legislation today and the Administration for their continued collaboration.”
Bill No. 210503 is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Johnson, Parker, Quiñones Sánchez, Brooks, Domb, Gym, Bass, and Thomas.
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