The curfew does not apply to minors who are missing school for a valid reason as outlined in Alabama Code 16-28-3 which includes: personal illness, hospitalization, emergency, religious holidays, court subpoena, death in the immediate family, or absence approved by the principal. Exceptional or unusual circumstances may be considered as well.
The curfew does not apply to students who are home-schooled or taking online classes, or to students while they are attending a dual-enrollment program or early college classes.
When a law enforcement officer encounters an unaccompanied minor in public during the curfew, the officer may make a phone call to the student’s parent or guardian and/or school administration to verify the reason for their absence. If the officer cannot verify a valid reason for the student’s absence, they may detain the minor until a parent or guardian can assist.
The municipal court judge has jurisdiction over these citations. In the majority of cases, the recommendation will be for the parent or guardian of the offending minor to attend the “Parent Academy” established by Tuscaloosa City Schools. If a fine is issued to a parent/guardian, it will be between $100 and $500 depending on the number of violations.
Involving parents/guardians in the process creates another layer of accountability for students. The City’s goal is to give parents more tools to help their children succeed in school and be college- or career-ready.
The City’s curfew ordinance prohibits minors (persons under the age of 18) from being in public places from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during which the Tuscaloosa City Schools are in session.
This amendment to the existing juvenile curfew law makes it illegal for a minor to be unaccompanied in public without a valid reason from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on any weekday during which the Tuscaloosa City Schools are in session.
