This resolution confirms Mayor Muriel Bowser's appointment of Rev. Thomas Bowen to the Commission on Human Rights, filling a vacant seat for the remainder of the current term (ending December 31, 2026) and a subsequent term (ending December 31, 2029). The Commission enforces anti-discrimination laws and promotes human rights in the District of Columbia. The bill is procedural, requiring Council approval to finalize the appointment, and does not create new policy. It directly affects the Commission's membership and the District's human rights enforcement structure.
This bill, known as the CLEAN Amendment Act of 2026, would prevent the District of Columbia from issuing new licenses or permits to individuals or businesses that owe $1,000 or more in unpaid fines from building code violations. The law directly affects applicants for various permits by adding unpaid building fines to the list of financial obligations that can block licensing. Under the proposed changes, the Department of Buildings would be unable to process a license application if the applicant has outstanding penalties under the Civil Infractions Act. This measure aims to ensure that those who fail to pay for past building violations cannot obtain new permits until their debts are settled.
This bill amends an existing law to grant a ten-year real property tax exemption for the 603-unit Gale Eckington apartment complex in Ward 5, aiming to help the building owner invest in necessary repairs and maintain affordable housing. The tax break, which begins in 2031 and is capped at $21 million, is conditional on the owner first resolving all outstanding building code violations and fines issued before October 2031. During the exemption period, the owner must continue to make ongoing capital improvements, upgrade unit fixtures, and promptly address maintenance requests to keep the property safe and functional. The legislation also requires annual compliance checks by the Department of Buildings to ensure the owner meets these maintenance obligations while the tax exemption is in effect.
This bill, the Smoke-Free Residential Environments Amendment Act of 2026, prohibits indoor smoking in multifamily housing (buildings with two or more dwelling units) and smoking within 25 feet of entrances or windows when others are present. It directly affects residents and landlords in such buildings by requiring landlords to include smoke-free notices in new leases and inform existing tenants. Key mechanisms include mandating uniform smoke-free standards across all multifamily properties, addressing health risks from secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposure through shared walls and ventilation systems. The law closes a gap in DC’s existing smoking restrictions, which previously did not cover residential buildings despite documented health impacts like asthma and cancer.
This bill confirms the reappointment of Ted Trabue, Jr. to the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia for a term ending June 30, 2030. The resolution formally approves his continued service on the three-member panel that regulates local utilities to ensure safe, affordable, and reliable energy services. By adopting this confirmation, the Council of the District of Columbia completes the appointment process initiated by the Mayor.
This bill removes hair braiding from the District of Columbia's cosmetology licensing requirements, meaning individuals who only braid hair will no longer need a state license to work. By redefining hair braiding as a practice that excludes cutting hair or using chemical dyes, the legislation excludes it from the regulatory authority of the Board of Barber and Cosmetology. The changes aim to align local laws with those of neighboring states like Virginia and Maryland, which do not require licenses for this specific service. Ultimately, the act seeks to reduce barriers for hair braiders while maintaining oversight for other cosmetology services that involve different health and safety considerations.
This bill, known as the Protecting Victims Amendment Act of 2026, aims to strengthen safety measures for victims of domestic violence and improve accountability for offenders in the District of Columbia. It introduces stricter penalties for repeated violations of protection orders, expands pretrial detention options for individuals with a history of domestic violence, and clarifies laws regarding kidnapping and burglary to close existing legal gaps. Additionally, the legislation updates statutes to address crimes committed in the presence of children and restricts the Metropolitan Police Department from publicly releasing identifying information about victims and witnesses. These changes collectively seek to enhance community safety by ensuring more consistent enforcement of court orders and providing clearer tools for the justice system to handle intrafamily offenses.
This bill confirms Joslyn Williams as the organized labor member of the Washington Convention and Sports Authority Board of Directors. The resolution formally approves his appointment to fill a vacant seat created by the previous departure of John Boardman, serving for the remainder of the term until May 16, 2029. This action allows the Council to complete the Mayor's nomination process and ensures the board maintains its required representation for labor interests. The measure is a procedural confirmation that relies on existing laws governing the authority's board composition.
This resolution reappoints Whitney Miller as a member of the Citizen Review Panel for a three-year term ending April 11, 2029. The Citizen Review Panel, established under the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act, reviews complaints and investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect in the District of Columbia. The Council of the District of Columbia will formally appoint Miller and send copies of the resolution to the appointee, the panel chairperson, and the Mayor's office. This action continues Miller's role in the panel's oversight function without altering the panel's existing structure or responsibilities.
This resolution reappoints Carolyn Woods to the Citizen Review Panel, a body established under the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act to oversee investigations into complaints against child welfare services. The appointment extends her term until April 11, 2029, and requires the Council to send copies of the resolution to Woods, the panel chair, and the Mayor's office. Woods brings experience as a former foster parent and social worker, having served on the Parent Advisory Committee during her tenure with DC Child and Family Services. The measure is administrative in nature and does not create new policies or alter existing regulations.
This resolution appoints Brad Belzak to the Board of Directors of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission for a four-year term ending in February 2030, replacing Christopher A. Hart. The appointment is based on existing laws governing the commission and requires the Council to send a copy of the resolution to the appointee, the Commission, and the Mayor. Belzak, a Ward 2 resident with extensive experience in government operations and risk management, will serve on the regulatory body that oversees safety incidents and enterprise risk for the multi-jurisdictional transit authority. The measure takes effect immediately upon adoption and does not alter the commission's structure or authority, only the membership composition.
This bill amends how District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) calculate individual school budgets by adding "average position cost" as a factor. This cost includes salary for school-based educators, specifically referencing Washington Teacher Union members. The key change requires adjusting each school's budget for the next fiscal year based on the projected increase in this average cost. The amendment modifies existing budgeting law (D.C. Code § 38-2851.01 et seq.) to incorporate this new factor. It directly affects DCPS school budget calculations and educator funding levels.
