This bill confirms the appointment of Zufan Tarekegn as a public member of the Commission on African Affairs in the District of Columbia. The resolution fills a vacant seat previously held by Kate Okoye for the remainder of the term ending on October 27, 2027. Ms. Tarekegn, a resident of Ward 2, brings experience in nonprofit leadership, education, and community advocacy to the commission. The confirmation process follows existing laws governing the appointment of public members to this commission.
This bill confirms the appointment of Tina Zewde as a public member of the District of Columbia's Commission on African Affairs. The resolution validates the Mayor's nomination for Zewde to fill a vacant seat on the commission until the term ends in October 2028. Once the Council adopts this resolution, it will be sent to the nominee and the Mayor to finalize the appointment.
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 bill confirms the appointment of Karla Styles, a visual artist and muralist from Ward 7, to serve as the District-based visual artist member of the Commission on Nightlife and Culture. The resolution fills a vacant seat previously held by Maggie O'Neill for the remainder of the unexpired term, which ends on March 15, 2028. By adopting this confirmation, the Council of the District of Columbia formally approves Styles' nomination by Mayor Muriel Bowser under existing laws governing the commission. The document also includes a brief biography highlighting Styles' experience in public art, community workshops, and creative direction.
This bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors the life and legacy of Romaine B. Thomas, a District of Columbia resident who passed away in 2026. It formally recognizes her contributions to education, civic engagement, and advocacy for seniors and people with disabilities throughout her career. The measure does not establish new laws or funding but serves as an official acknowledgment of her service and expresses condolences to her family.
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 extends the temporary authority for the District of Columbia's juvenile curfew and curfew zones by removing their scheduled expiration dates. It directly affects the Chief of Police and the Mayor, allowing them to continue enforcing curfew rules for minors in designated areas. The legislation repeals the sunset provisions from two previous 2025 acts that were set to expire in early 2026 and late 2025 respectively. Once enacted, this measure will remain in effect for up to 90 days following approval by the Mayor or a council veto override.
