Chicago Alderman Proposes Holding Parents Liable for Teen Criminal Acts

New ordinance could fine parents $1,000 if their children are involved in 'teen takeovers'

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Chicago Alderman Ray Lopez has introduced a new ordinance that would hold parents liable for the criminal actions of their children. The proposal would fine parents up to $1,000, require community service, and mandate family and parental counseling if their child is involved in a 'teen takeover' or other criminal acts. The ordinance has drawn mixed reactions from fellow aldermen, with some arguing parents shouldn't be punished for crimes they didn't commit themselves.

Why it matters

Teen takeovers have been an ongoing issue in Chicago, with groups of teenagers causing disturbances and committing crimes in the city. This proposal aims to make parents more accountable and engaged in monitoring their children's activities, in an effort to curb this problem. However, some see the ordinance as unfairly punishing parents for the actions of their kids.

The details

Alderman Lopez introduced the new ordinance in the Public Safety Committee, arguing that many parents are 'not paying attention to what their children are doing' and 'knowingly dismissing what those children are up to.' Under the proposal, if a child is involved in a teen takeover or other criminal act, their parent or legal guardian could face a $1,000 fine, community service, and court-mandated family and parental counseling. The ordinance failed to move out of committee with a 10-5 vote, but Lopez plans to revise it and bring it back.

  • On Tuesday, Ald. Ray Lopez (15th Ward) introduced the new ordinance in the Public Safety Committee.
  • In January, a new version of Ald. Brian Hopkins' (2nd Ward) curfew ordinance passed out of committee.

The players

Ald. Ray Lopez

Alderman of the 15th Ward who introduced the new ordinance that would hold parents liable for their children's criminal actions.

Ald. Chris Taliafero

29th Ward alderman who expressed concerns that the ordinance would punish parents as if they had committed the crime themselves.

Ald. Nicholas Sposato

38th Ward alderman who said parents could be somewhat responsible if they let their children out late at night to do something criminal.

Ald. Brian Hopkins

2nd Ward alderman who has proposed a new curfew ordinance that would allow police to issue dispersal orders at any time of day, rather than just during set curfew hours.

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What they’re saying

“Many of our parents are not paying attention to what their children are doing. We have teen takeovers because parents are simply not asking, 'What is my son or daughter doing out in the middle of the night?'”

— Ald. Ray Lopez (wgntv.com)

“Where I have a problem is that a parent or guardian can be subject to fines or imprisonment as if they had committed the crime themselves.”

— Ald. Chris Taliafero (wgntv.com)

“You're letting him go out late at night doing whatever something at 2 a.m. and he does something really bad, are you somewhat responsible? I would say yes.”

— Ald. Nicholas Sposato (wgntv.com)

What’s next

Alderman Lopez plans to revise the ordinance and bring it back for consideration. Alderman Hopkins' curfew ordinance, which would allow police to issue dispersal orders at any time, is also still in the mix and expected to be introduced to the full city council later this month or in April.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing 'teen takeovers' and youth crime in Chicago, with aldermen divided on whether holding parents accountable is an effective solution. The debate underscores the complexities of crafting policies that balance public safety, parental responsibility, and civil liberties.