B 25-0982 District of Columbia · 25th Council Period (2023-2024)

Fidelity in Access to Government Communications Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024

This bill clarifies that electronic communications, such as messages sent through apps like WhatsApp or Slack, must be kept as official government records in the District of Columbia. It updates existing laws to ensure that any electronic messages created or received during official business are subject to standard record-keeping rules, even if device settings are configured to automatically delete them. The legislation directly affects government agencies and employees by requiring them to manage and retain these digital communications properly. As an emergency measure, the law will remain in effect for up to 90 days after the mayor's approval.
Bill status signed all 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2024
Committee Review
Council Passage
Oct 2024
Signed into Law
Oct 2024
Introduced Sep 30, 2024 Signed Oct 30, 2024
Floor votes · Council Oct 1, 2024

How they voted

11–0
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 13
Oct 1, 2024
D Democratic11
10 Yea 1
90% Yea
I Independent2
1 Yea 1
50% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
1
Committee
0
Oct 1, 2024
Council · Passed
Council Vote: pass (11-0-2)
council
Sep 30, 2024
Introduced
B25-0982 Introduced by Councilmember Bonds at Office of the Secretary
legislature
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Anita Bonds
Anita Bonds
DDemocratic
DC
At-Large