B 26-0712 Legislature · 26th Council Period (2025-2026)

Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Technical Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

This bill expands the Police Complaints Board in Washington, D.C., by increasing its membership from five to nine members to include representatives from each city ward and an at-large member, while removing the requirement that board members have current law enforcement affiliations. It also grants the Office of Police Complaints' Executive Director the authority to file their own complaints against officers if they discover evidence of misconduct, such as excessive force or failure to intervene, that was not originally reported. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that certain legal provisions regarding sexual assault and related offenses apply specifically to victims under the age of 18. These changes are designed to enhance oversight and accountability within the Metropolitan Police Department through structural and procedural adjustments.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics: Policing Law Enforcement Violent Crime

Bill status signed all 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jun 2026

Committee Review

Council Passage

Jun 2026

Signed into Law

Jul 2026

Introduced Jun 29, 2026 Signed Jul 22, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction → Enrollment · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill expands the Police Complaints Board from five to nine members, ensuring representation from each of Washington's wards plus an at-large member, while removing the requirement for a current police officer on the board. It also grants the Office of Police Complaints Executive Director the authority to independently file complaints when they discover evidence of police misconduct, such as excessive force or failure to intervene, that was not originally alleged by a victim. Additionally, the bill clarifies that specific provisions regarding the reporting of sexual assault and other crimes apply only to victims under the age of 18.

Scope change

The bill applies to the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department and the Office of Police Complaints, with new eligibility criteria for board members and expanded authority for the Executive Director to initiate investigations.

REQUIREMENT

The Police Complaints Board membership was increased from five to nine members to include one representative from each of the eight wards and one at-large member, while removing the requirement for a current police officer.

ENFORCEMENT

The Executive Director of the Office of Police Complaints can now initiate their own complaints if they discover evidence of police abuse or misuse of power, such as excessive force or failure to intervene, that was not originally alleged by a complainant.

ELIGIBILITY

Specific legal provisions regarding the reporting of sexual assault and other crimes were amended to explicitly apply only to victims under the age of 18.

DEFINITION

A new definition was added to clarify that 'MPD' refers to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Floor votes · Council Jun 30, 2026

How they voted

12–0

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 13

Jun 30, 2026

D Democratic11

10 Yea 1

90% Yea

I Independent2

2 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 30, 2026

Council · Passed

Council Vote: pass (12-0-1)

council

Jun 29, 2026

Introduced

B26-0712 Introduced by Councilmember Allen at Office of the Secretary

legislature

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors