Students enter the Hermiston High School building for the first day of school Aug. 30, 2023. The Hermiston City Council at its meeting Nov. 25, 2024, passed an ordinance establishing a daytime curfew to promote school attendance.

HERMISTON — The Hermiston City Council approved an ordinance at its regular meeting Nov. 25 to introduce a daytime curfew aimed at promoting school attendance.

The ordinance, which amends Chapter 133 of the Hermiston Municipal Code, is the result of discussions with the Hermiston School District to encourage class attendance and allow police officers to have positive interactions with youth who are in public places during regular school hours.

The new provisions make it unlawful for minors 7 to 18 who have not completed the 12th grade to be in public places during school hours, except under specific exemptions. These exemptions include:

• The minor being accompanied by a parent or authorized adult.

• Participation in lawful activities authorized by a parent or school official.

• Traveling directly between home and school or to a location as approved by the parent or school.

• Emancipation or exemption from compulsory school attendance as outlined in state law.

The ordinance is to address truancy, offering a path for police officers to work with schools, students and families. Violations will be met with progressive consequences, ranging from a return home or to school for first offenses to referrals to juvenile services and potential parental citations for repeated offenses.

“This ordinance reflects our commitment to student success and family support,” City Manager Byron Smith said. “By working hand-in-hand with the Hermiston School District, we’re taking an important step to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive.”

Similar ordinances are in place in Pendleton and Boardman and create an additional pathway to truancy enforcement with participation from Umatilla County and the circuit court.

The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption. Members of the council said the measure will foster a stronger educational foundation in Hermiston.