Overview

• The City Council approved the curfew measure on June 18, granting the police superintendent authority to impose citywide curfews with just 30 minutes’ notice when gatherings of 20 or more minors pose safety concerns.
• Mayor Brandon Johnson announced he will veto the ordinance, arguing it risks unfairly targeting minority youth and pulling resources away from proven community prevention and job programs.
• Sponsor Ald. Brian Hopkins and supporters say the tool is needed to deter so-called “teen takeovers” after a series of downtown gatherings ended in gunfire and property damage.
• Police Superintendent Larry Snelling’s stance remains mixed after he testified he would not use the 30-minute “snap” power, even as Hopkins insists Snelling has urged passage of the ordinance.
• An override of the mayoral veto would require 34 votes, but the council fell short with its 27-22 margin, making enactment unlikely without additional support.