B 26-0148 Legislature · 26th Council Period (2025-2026)

Consumer Protection Clarification Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill clarifies that the District of Columbia government and its agencies are not considered "merchants" under the District's consumer protection law, meaning the law generally does not apply to their regular business operations. However, it specifically maintains that the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) must still comply with the law when acting as a landlord in housing rental matters. The amendment adjusts the legal definition of "merchant" to exclude the District government while preserving tenant protections for DCHA housing. As an emergency measure, the bill takes effect immediately upon approval to resolve ambiguity in how the law applies to government activities.
Bill status signed all 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Council Passage
Mar 2025
Signed into Law
Mar 2025
Introduced Mar 3, 2025 Signed Mar 20, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction → Enrollment · 3 edits
MINOR
This bill clarifies that the District of Columbia government is not considered a 'merchant' under the District's consumer protection law, with one exception for the District of Columbia Housing Authority's landlord-tenant activities. The change was made on an emergency basis due to congressional review requirements. This ensures the District government is not subject to consumer protection merchant regulations while maintaining protections for tenants.
Scope change
The bill narrows the scope of who is considered a 'merchant' under the consumer protection law by explicitly excluding the District government, its agencies, and employees, while maintaining an exception for the District of Columbia Housing Authority's landlord-tenant activities.
DEFINITION

Added explicit language to the definition of 'merchant' to exclude the District of Columbia, its agencies, instrumentalities, and employees acting within the scope of official duties.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified subsection (e) to clarify that the District of Columbia Housing Authority remains subject to landlord-tenant provisions while the District government is otherwise exempt from merchant status.

TIMELINE

Maintained existing effective dates of June 12, 2007 for subsection (a) and November 3, 2022 for subsection (b) of the amendment.

Floor votes · Council Mar 4, 2025

How they voted

12–0
Passed
Total votes 12
Mar 4, 2025
D Democratic10
10 Yea
100% Yea
I Independent2
2 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
1
Committee
0
Mar 4, 2025
Council · Passed
Council Vote: pass (12-0)
council
Mar 3, 2025
Introduced
B26-0148 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary
legislature
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Phil Mendelson
Phil Mendelson
DDemocratic
DC
Chairman