District of Columbia Bills

The Tree Preservation Enhancement Amendment Act of 2025 updates Washington, D.C.'s tree protection rules by lowering the size threshold for protected trees and adjusting fees. It reduces the minimum trunk size for a "Special Tree" from 44 inches to 25 inches, expanding the number of trees requiring removal permits. The bill increases fees for removing Special Trees (to $55-$100 per inch of trunk size) and introduces new fees for Heritage Trees ($350 per inch or $250 per inch plus a conservation easement). Additionally, it limits the Tree Fund's use for public property plantings to 25% of the fund's average annual receipts.

This bill (B 26-0364) formally renames Brent Elementary School in Ward 6 as "Gardner Bishop Elementary School." It directly affects the school community, students, staff, and families by changing the official name to honor Gardner Bishop, a civil rights activist who fought for school desegregation in the 1940s-50s. The key mechanism is a Council designation under the Street and Alley Closing and Acquisition Procedures Act, specifying the school’s location (Lot 33 in Square 792, bounded by North Carolina Ave SE, 4th St SE, D St SE, and 3rd St SE). The change follows community input, including a survey and vote, to replace the previous namesake linked to discriminatory "Black Codes."

This bill would require the District of Columbia to create and issue specialty license plates specifically for Purple Heart Award recipients and their surviving spouses or children. It establishes a one-time $10 application fee and an annual $10 display fee, both deposited into the Office of Veterans Affairs Fund. Applicants must provide documentation proving they received the Purple Heart Award, which recognizes military personnel wounded or killed by enemy action. The legislation addresses a current gap where District residents cannot access a dedicated Purple Heart plate, unlike most states.

The PrEP DC Act of 2025 prohibits health insurers in Washington, D.C., from: (1) using prescription history to set premiums or deny coverage, (2) delaying or restricting HIV prevention drugs like PrEP/PEP, and (3) charging copays, deductibles, or other costs for these medications. It directly affects D.C. residents at high risk of HIV - particularly those in Wards 5, 7, and 8, and young adults aged 18-24, who accounted for 22% of new HIV diagnoses in 2023. The bill aims to remove financial and administrative barriers to HIV prevention by requiring insurers to cover PrEP/PEP without cost-sharing. This aligns with D.C. Health’s existing PREP DAP program but expands protections to all insurers, not just specific programs.

This bill confirms Brianna Jones as a member of the District of Columbia Board of Nursing to fill a vacant seat for the remainder of an unexpired term ending in July 2027. The resolution authorizes the Council to officially approve her appointment as a licensed administrator for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home health care services in the District. The confirmation process follows existing laws requiring the Council to review the nominee's qualifications before finalizing the appointment. This procedural measure does not create new regulations or policies but rather validates an administrative appointment made by the Mayor.

This bill is a confirmation resolution that officially appoints Tia Minor, a resident of Ward 8, to the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. The appointment fills a vacant seat previously held by Dana King and is for the remainder of the unexpired term ending on July 20, 2028. Tia Minor brings relevant experience in community relations, women's policy, and health equity from her previous roles with organizations like MedStar Family Choice DC and the Mayor's Office on Women's Policy. The resolution confirms her nomination by the Mayor and directs the Council to transmit a copy of the adopted document to both the nominee and the Mayor.

This bill confirms Monica Jahan Bose as a public member of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community Development in the District of Columbia. The resolution fills a vacant seat previously held by John Tinpe and appoints Bose for a term ending April 17, 2028. The confirmation process follows established procedures under the Confirmation Act of 1978 and the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs Establishment Act of 2001. Once adopted, the Council will send a copy of the resolution to both the nominee and the Mayor, and the measure takes effect immediately upon passage.

This bill confirms David Inoue as a public member of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community Development in the District of Columbia. The resolution officially appoints him to fill a vacant seat on the commission for a term ending in April 2029. Inoue, a former executive director of the Japanese American Citizens League and elected ANC commissioner, will serve alongside other members to advise on community development issues affecting Asian and Pacific Islander residents. The legislation requires the Council to send a copy of the resolution to both the nominee and the Mayor once adopted.

This bill confirms the reappointment of Sina Uipi as a public member of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community Development in the District of Columbia. The resolution formally approves her nomination by Mayor Muriel Bowser for a two-year term ending in April 2028. This action allows Uipi to continue serving on the advisory body that supports the development and needs of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the district. The document also includes a brief biography highlighting her background in policy and advocacy for Pacific Islander organizations.