Police chiefs in Virginia could soon be allowed to set curfews during civil unrest under a bill on its way to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk.
The Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation Wednesday from Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment (R-James City) that would empower local law enforcement chiefs to impose curfews for up to 24 hours if there is “an imminent threat of any civil commotion or disturbance in the nature of a riot which constitutes a clear and present danger.”
Del. Keith Hodges (R-Middlesex) said on the House floor before the vote that the bill, which already passed out the Virginia Senate on a bipartisan 27-12 vote, would mainly impact Virginia cities and that mayors and city managers would have to agree with the imposed curfew, WRIC reports.
Police chiefs should specify the hours of the curfew and the area to which it applies, according to the bill. There should also be exceptions for those traveling to or from home, work, a place of worship, the press, military and medical personnel and others.
