FORT WORTH (1080 KRLD) - The debate over Fort Worth's long-standing teen curfew could end up being a moot point.
That's why the city will allow it to expire on February 13th.
The City Council had voted earlier this month to extend the teen curfew for just 30 days so that it could have more time to garner public input and further examine the issue.
This week, Republican State Senator Bryan Hughes, whose district encompasses the northwest corner of Texas, filed a bill (SB 603) that would prohibit cities and counties from imposing teen curfews.
With that development, Mayor Mattie Parker says it's best to table any further discussion and let the curfew lapse.
"We think it's most prudent to just allow it to sunset (and) over the next few months watch for trends that we may need to report to our legislative friends or here in Fort Worth, and make a decision after the end of session and when they sine die in late May," Mayor Parker tells KRLD news.
A community meeting had been scheduled for Wed., Feb. 1, but that's now on hold.
"When you know this is transpiring in Austin and you could be going through what could be a divisive issue at council, that didn't feel like it was necessary right now," says Mayor Parker.
Parker notes that this bill is one of the very few that has both Republican and Democratic think tanks on the same side.
Parker says it's too early to tell how all this will ultimately play out in Austin.
She says if the bill ultimately does become law, the city may look at other options.
"We don't want to penalize anybody," Parker says. "We just want to keep kids out of harm's way. And we know statistically more things happen late at night."
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD