Teton County hears sharp opposition to juvenile curfew; prosecutors propose narrowed language and broader outreach
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Summary
After months of public concern, county prosecutors presented revised language narrowing how a juvenile curfew and related 'beyond parental control' provisions would be used. Community members urged expanded engagement, especially with Latino families and youth, before any enforcement tool is adopted.
TETON COUNTY, Idaho — Teton County prosecutors and the Board of County Commissioners spent a large portion of their Feb. 9 meeting discussing proposed changes to local juvenile enforcement rules, including a draft juvenile curfew ordinance and revisions to statutes covering runaways and juveniles “beyond parental control.”
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Godfrey said staff revised the county’s draft to add multiple exceptions and clarify intent after two community workshops that included school staff, juvenile probation, and youth advocates. He said the revisions add A–G exceptions — including camping on public lands, lawful employment, and transit to or from work — and a sidewalk exception for minors on sidewalks adjacent to their residence.
County commissioners and speakers at the meeting emphasized different priorities. Andrea Flores, a Victor resident who works with families and youth, told the board in public comment that young people and parents oppose a blanket curfew because they fear it will be used for harassment rather than welfare checks and noted barriers for families to file complaints. "I respectfully ask you to listen to the youth and families who have spoken clearly and to say no to this ordinance," Flores said.
Prosecutors and law‑enforcement supporters said the tools are narrow and intended to help officers identify potentially unsafe situations, not to trigger random stops. Godfrey described typical use cases: officers responding to a suspicious situation or a traffic stop where the presence of a juvenile with an adult raises questions about guardianship or safety. He said historical state provisions used for runaways and juveniles beyond parental control have been deployed for decades and that the county’s new draft tightens and clarifies those authorities.
Commissioners requested the revised draft be posted publicly and for staff to continue outreach. Commissioner Powers said the principal failure during the ordinance process was insufficient public engagement before adoption; he urged a broader community process, including students and Latino community organizations. Chairman Wolf directed staff to make the proposed language available for public review and to coordinate further meetings so commissioners and community members can comment before any final vote.
What happens next: County legal staff will publish the proposed language and convene additional outreach, and the board expects to revisit the proposals after commissioners and stakeholders have had an opportunity to review and comment.
