Montgomery County Lawmakers Examine Anti-Loitering Bill

Bill would be an alternative to teen curfew

On Tuessay, lawmakers in Montgomery County will examine an anti-loitering bill.

The loitering ban is an alternative to a teen curfew proposed by County Executive Ike Leggett.

Councilmember Phil Andrews introduced Bill 35-11, to establish a law prohibiting loitering or prowling.

Under the new bill, “loitering and prowling means to remain in a public place or establishment at a time or in a manner not usual for law-abiding persons under circumstances that warrant a justifiable and reasonable alarm or immediate concern for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity.”

In August, "flash mob" robberies locally and around the country led Montgomery County lawmakers to draw up the teen curfew legislation.  The curfew has sparked controversy, with teenagers petitioning the County Council not to adopt the bill.

The curfew would require teens 17 and under to be off the streets by midnight on weekends and 11 PM on weekdays.

The loitering bill targets people who "loiter or prowl" regardless of age.  The Montgomery County Council will hear public comment on the proposal Tuesday.

A council panel is scheduled to vote on the teen curfew bill on December 1st.

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