District of Columbia Bills

This bill amends the District of Columbia's Certified Business Enterprise Program to clarify eligibility requirements and strengthen enforcement procedures. It requires businesses seeking certification to be independently owned and operated, meaning they must manage their own daily operations without external control. The legislation also updates performance rules for joint ventures, mandating that certified partners complete work proportional to their ownership stake and ensuring at least 35% of subcontracted work goes to other certified businesses. Additionally, the bill establishes a formal complaint process that includes a hotline for informal complaints and creates specific rules for investigating and documenting violations. These changes aim to make the certification process clearer and provide the Department with more structured tools to enforce compliance.

This bill amends the Volunteers Services Act to clarify that the District of Columbia Attorney General has the authority to create rules for using volunteers. The change specifically adds the Attorney General to the list of entities authorized to promulgate regulations under the existing law. This update applies retroactively to April 15, 2026, and is designated as an emergency measure that will remain in effect for up to 90 days.

This emergency bill updates the rules for abbreviated probate proceedings in the District of Columbia to clarify how estates are handled and to expand the methods for notifying interested parties. It allows the Register of Wills to refer cases to the Court if additional proof is needed to appoint a personal representative or admit a will, while also clarifying that the 2024 probate reforms apply only to estates where the person died on or after March 21, 2025. Additionally, the legislation broadens the options for public notice by permitting announcements in newspapers of general circulation, not just legal periodicals, and sets the effective date for these changes to May 14, 2026.

This bill confirms Michelle Pourciau as a member of the Board of Zoning Adjustment in the District of Columbia, filling a vacant seat left by Carl Blake until September 30, 2028. The legislation formally approves her appointment to this body, which is responsible for reviewing and approving zoning changes that fall outside standard regulations. By passing this resolution, the Council validates Pourciau's role in overseeing decisions related to building locations, heights, and land use within the district. The text does not alter existing zoning laws but rather establishes the official membership of the board that enforces them.

This bill confirms Paul Goldstein as a public member of the District of Columbia's Board of Zoning Adjustment, filling the seat previously held by Fred Hill. The resolution appoints him for the remainder of the current term ending in September 2026 and for a new term extending to September 2029. Goldstein, a resident of Ward 3, brings extensive experience in zoning administration and land use planning from his roles at the Department of Buildings and other agencies. The confirmation process follows established procedures for appointing members to this board, which oversees zoning regulations and building standards in the District.

This bill confirms the reappointment of Janice Kim, a resident of Ward 3, to the Commission on the Arts and Humanities for a term ending June 30, 2029. The resolution formally approves her nomination by the Mayor and establishes her official membership on the commission, which advises the District on arts and humanities policy. Kim brings experience from board roles at The Washington Ballet and Transformer Gallery, along with a background in nonprofit governance and financial management. The Council's adoption of this resolution completes the confirmation process required by the District's confirmation laws.

This bill confirms the reappointment of Hector Torres as a member of the Commission on the Arts and Humanities for the District of Columbia, serving a term ending June 30, 2029. The resolution is a procedural measure that formally approves Torres' nomination by the Mayor and completes the confirmation process required by the District's confirmation laws. Once adopted, the Council will send copies of the resolution to both the nominee and the Mayor, and the measure takes effect immediately upon adoption.

This bill confirms the reappointment of Carla Sims as a member of the District of Columbia's Commission on the Arts and Humanities for a term ending June 30, 2029. The resolution authorizes the Council to officially recognize Sims, a communications expert and former Army Reserve Major, for her role on the commission that supports arts and humanities initiatives in the District. By confirming her appointment, the Council enables Sims to continue serving on the board that advises on cultural policy and programs for the community.

This bill (B 26-0576) temporarily amends the Department of Transportation Establishment Act to allow the Director to issue a grant to "Friends of Wangari Gardens." The grant would fund the assessment, design, and installation of a water meter and potable water source with a spigot directly on Wangari Gardens property for gardeners' free use. It affects gardeners at Wangari Gardens by providing direct water access and the Department of Transportation Director through the grant process. The amendment expires 225 days after enactment.

This bill temporarily reduces the minimum required long-term lease term from 10 years to 5 years for projects approved under the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development's authority. It specifically requires that any new lease must have at least 3 years remaining on an existing lease as of the application deadline. The change directly affects the Deputy Mayor's office when reviewing and approving long-term development leases. The amendment expires 225 days after it takes effect.