PR 26-0710 Legislature · 26th Council Period (2025-2026)

Commission on Human Rights Reverend Thomas Bowen Confirmation Resolution of 2026

This bill confirms Rev. Thomas Bowen as a new member of the District of Columbia Commission on Human Rights to fill a vacant seat left by Lauren Lowery. The resolution officially appoints him for the remainder of the current term ending in December 2026 and begins a new term that will end in December 2029. Rev. Bowen, a former Director of the Mayor's Office of Religious Affairs, will join the commission to help oversee human rights issues in the district. The measure is a procedural confirmation that does not change any existing laws or policies.

Bill status signed all 4 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2026

Committee Review

Jun 2026

Council Passage

Jun 2026

Signed into Law

Jun 2026

Introduced May 15, 2026 Signed Jun 30, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction → Enrollment · 3 edits

MINOR

The document was converted from a Mayor's nomination letter to a formal Council Resolution. The substantive policy change is the removal of a specific provision stating that the appointment fills a 'vacant seat formerly held by Lauren Lowery,' while retaining the confirmation of Reverend Thomas Bowen for the specified terms.

Scope change

The scope of the document changed from a nomination letter to a formal legislative resolution, but the scope of the appointment itself remains focused on confirming Reverend Thomas Bowen to the Commission on Human Rights.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the specific language stating the appointment fills a vacant seat formerly held by Lauren Lowery.

TECHNICAL

Added formal resolution text, including a citation title and structured sections for confirmation and transmission of the resolution.

Replaced the nomination letter format with a standard Council Resolution format, including sections for the resolution title, confirmation details, and effective date.

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 22, 2026

Legislature · Passed

Committee Mark-up of PR26-0710 by the Public Works and Operations Committee

legislature

May 19, 2026

Committee

Referred to Committee on Public Works and Operations

legislature

May 15, 2026

Introduced

PR26-0710 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary

legislature

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors