Act A26-0335 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008198, Expires on Aug 27, 2026
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.
Act A26-0340 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008211, Expires on Aug 27, 2026
This bill allows residents of Washington, D.C. with nonapparent disabilities - such as developmental, intellectual, or immunodeficiency conditions - to voluntarily mark their driver's licenses or ID cards with a butterfly symbol to indicate their condition. It requires the District Department of Transportation to add this notation without charging extra fees and prohibits the department from sharing this information except in specific circumstances. The legislation also mandates that the Metropolitan Police Department train officers on how to interact appropriately with individuals who have hidden disabilities. By amending the District of Columbia Traffic Act, the bill aims to improve accessibility and dignity for approximately 77,000 residents with disabilities in the city.
This bill strengthens DC's air pollution permitting system to directly benefit communities near industrial facilities, particularly Ward 5 residents who live adjacent to asphalt and concrete plants. It requires the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to process permits within 6 months, address complaints within 60 days, and include new requirements like emissions limits for facility vehicles, community engagement plans, and operational hours. The bill also creates penalties such as 6-month contract bans for facilities with two violations in a year and directs fines toward environmental remediation in heavily impacted neighborhoods. These changes aim to reduce delays, improve enforcement, and prioritize community health in air quality management.
This bill requires the District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to issue a $200,000 grant for a study assessing the total costs of greenhouse gas emissions in the District from 1995 to 2024. The study must analyze how emissions impacted public health, infrastructure, housing, flood safety, and other systems, and calculate both past and projected adaptation costs. It will also examine whether fossil fuel companies with significant emissions history should compensate the District for adaptation and recovery expenses. The resulting report, due within 18 months, will guide city agencies in prioritizing infrastructure projects and inform public and private sector planning for climate resilience.
This bill is a procedural confirmation resolution that formally approves Monika Nemeth as a new member of the District of Columbia's Commission on Human Rights. The measure fills a vacant seat previously held by Motoko Aizawa and grants Nemeth an unexpired term ending December 31, 2028. By passing this resolution, the Council completes the appointment process initiated by Mayor Muriel Bowser, allowing Nemeth to begin her service on the commission. The document does not alter any laws or policies but serves solely to validate the nominee's selection for the existing board.
This bill confirms the reappointment of Erin C. Golding as a member of the District of Columbia's Child Support Guideline Commission. The resolution officially appoints her for a term ending in August 2030 to serve as an expert in family law and child support. Golding, a licensed attorney with extensive experience in custody and support disputes, will join the commission to help review and update guidelines used to calculate child support payments. This procedural measure does not change any laws or policies but ensures the commission has the necessary expertise to perform its duties.
This bill confirms Niranjan Adhikari as a member of the District of Columbia Commission on Human Rights to fill a vacant seat for the remainder of a term ending in December 2027. The resolution formally approves Adhikari's appointment, which was nominated by Mayor Muriel Bowser under existing confirmation procedures. Once adopted, the Council will send copies of the resolution to both the nominee and the Mayor, and the measure takes effect immediately.
This bill amends existing laws to update reporting deadlines for the District of Columbia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. It requires the council to submit pretrial detention reports by September 30, 2026, and ensures future reports cover two specific prior safety initiatives. The changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2025, and are set to expire within 90 days after the mayor's approval.
This bill allows the D.C. Clemency Board to waive the standard five-year waiting period for pardon applicants under specific conditions. The key provision permits the Board to grant this waiver only if the U.S. Pardon Attorney or the President has already approved a similar waiver for the applicant, while also prohibiting waivers for individuals currently on probation, parole, or supervised release. The legislation requires the Board to request supporting information from applicants, potentially including a meeting, and mandates that applications be paused until a decision is made. This emergency measure is designed to remain in effect for no longer than 90 days after the Mayor's approval or a veto override.
