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Soda Springs council adopts standardized juvenile curfew ordinance
Summary
The council approved Ordinance 720 to standardize curfew hours and add a limited 'beyond parental control' infraction, creating a $150 penalty and non‑custodial shelter‑care option for minors causing imminent danger. Council voted to read the ordinance by title and adopt it.
The Soda Springs City Council on June 3 adopted Ordinance 720, standardizing juvenile curfew hours and adding a narrow "beyond parental control" infraction intended to give families a legal tool to address minors whose behavior poses a danger to themselves or others.
Police leadership told the council the ordinance sets a consistent curfew (midnight–5 a.m. on weekdays rather than later weekend hours) and creates a $150 infraction penalty. "We have gotten to a conclusion," the police chief said when introducing the measure, noting the change standardizes enforcement and helps juveniles and parents understand expectations. The chief emphasized that the ordinance does not authorize juvenile detention: "It does not allow us to take them into custody as in we cannot take them to a juvenile detention center. We can however under juvenile rules take them to a shelter care facility which Idaho Falls is the nearest one." Attorney Smith reviewed the draft and confirmed it was prepared for final consideration.
Council moved to dispense with multiple readings and adopt the ordinance by title; the motion passed after a roll call. The ordinance amends chapter 9.08 (minors/juveniles), adds sections on exemptions and "beyond parental control," and establishes a violation penalty. The council and staff said enforcement will prioritize working with families and using the ordinance as a tool rather than relying on citations.
