Pasco could remove “curfew law” after state finds similar ordinances unconstitutional

Council members will look at taking a curfew law in Pasco off the books Monday night.

Captain Ken Roske with Pasco police says in 1994 the city past a rule which enacted a curfew for those under 17 to help prevent crime and gang activity. It was said to decrease crimes caused by youth and "increase parental control over juveniles."

The city ordinance penalized anyone under 17 years of age who were out between 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. without a valid excuse, such as an emergency like a house fire or car crash.

"State court rules, have found that and pieces of that unconstitutional, and it is actually a statute we have not enforced because of those rules," says Roske.

There have been at least three Washington court decisions that found city curfew laws unconstitutional.

The full ordinance is listed on the City of Pasco's website.