New Virginia Law Gives Police Chiefs Authority to Set Curfews During Civil Unrest, Sparking Controversy
RICHMOND, Va. — Starting this summer, a new state law will grant police chiefs across Virginia the authority to set curfews during times of civil unrest. However, the legislation, known as Senate Bill 1455 or the “curfew bill,” has already drawn criticism and concern, particularly from civil rights groups.
The bill, recently signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin, allows police chiefs to impose curfews for up to 24 hours in the event of an “imminent threat of any civil commotion or disturbance in the nature of a riot which constitutes a clear and present danger.” The law will take effect on July 1.
While supporters of the bill argue that it provides law enforcement with the tools needed to maintain public safety, the Virginia NAACP has voiced serious concerns about its potential impact, particularly on communities of color.
Lack of Clarity Sparks Concerns
Robert Barnette, president of the Virginia NAACP, criticized the language of the legislation, arguing that terms like “civil commotion” and “imminent threat” are too vague and open to interpretation.
“The bill lacks definition of a civil commotion or disturbance,” Barnette said. “We stipulated that to the governor, but he chose to sign it anyway.”
The organization fears that without clearer guidelines, the law could be disproportionately enforced against Black and Brown communities, continuing what Barnette described as a “pipeline to prison.”
Calls for Greater Transparency
The Virginia NAACP has expressed disappointment with the legislative process, stating that their concerns were not adequately addressed before the bill’s passage.
“We could have had more discussions on the issues and how they would impact Black and Brown communities,” Barnette said. “We don’t think they were received well at all.”
The group had urged Governor Youngkin to veto the bill, advocating for a more defined framework to ensure fair and equitable enforcement.
Enforcement Questions Remain
8News reached out to several police agencies in Virginia to understand how the law will be implemented, but as of now, no department has provided details about the curfew execution process.
The NAACP remains skeptical about the potential outcomes, emphasizing the need for more clarity and collaboration to prevent unintended consequences.
“We have to define imminent threat and civil commotion or disturbance so everybody would be on the same page,” Barnette said. “It just puts people in a situation to be caught up in the criminal justice system.”
As the July 1 effective date approaches, the debate over the curfew bill continues, with advocates and opponents watching closely to see how the new law will shape public safety and civil rights in Virginia.
Reference News :- NAACP voices concern over new Virginia curfew bill set to go into effect in July
