District of Columbia Bills

The Housing is Maternal Health Amendment Act of 2024 expands access to emergency housing services for pregnant women in Washington, D.C., by changing the definition of "family" under the Homeless Services Reform Act. Currently, expecting mothers only qualify for priority placement in family shelters during their third trimester; this bill extends that eligibility to begin in the second trimester. The change ensures that pregnant women in their second trimester receive the same interim eligibility and shelter placement options as other families with minor or dependent children. This legislative update aims to address housing insecurity earlier in pregnancy, recognizing its impact on maternal and fetal health without altering the core requirements for accessing these services.

This bill requires the Public Charter School Board to provide free training for new and returning members of public charter school boards in Washington, D.C. The training must cover essential topics like financial management, school operations, and legal responsibilities and must be completed within 90 days of a member taking office, with annual refreshers required thereafter. By mandating this education, the legislation aims to ensure that board members have the necessary knowledge to govern effectively and maintain financial accountability. The program is set to begin during the 2025-2026 school year.

This resolution expands the District of Columbia's Supermarket Tax Incentive Program to include downtown areas and specific neighborhoods in the Northeast, such as Woodridge and North Michigan Park. The bill allows grocery stores locating in these new zones to receive tax and fee exemptions, aiming to encourage more food retailers to open shops where residents currently lack easy access to fresh groceries. By broadening the program's geographic reach, the measure seeks to support housing development goals in downtown and improve food availability in underserved Northeast communities. The change takes effect immediately upon approval by the Council.

This resolution appoints Yvonne Garces as a nonvoting community advisory member representing Ward 8 to the District of Columbia's Commission on Health Equity. The appointment replaces Maranda Ward and takes effect immediately, with the Council notifying the appointee, the commission chair, and the Mayor upon adoption. Garces, a social worker with extensive experience in family services and crisis intervention, will serve at the pleasure of the Council to provide community input on health equity initiatives.

This bill extends the ban on cashless retailers in Washington, D.C., from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. It directly affects businesses that currently operate without accepting cash, requiring them to continue offering cash payment options for an additional year. The law is temporary and will automatically expire 225 days after it takes effect, regardless of whether it is renewed.

This resolution declares an emergency to extend penalties for crimes against election workers in the District of Columbia before current protections expire in January. It aims to address rising threats, such as harassment and property damage, faced by officials and volunteers during and after the 2024 presidential election. By increasing legal consequences for these offenses, the bill seeks to deter future attacks and ensure the safety of election staff. The measure applies immediately and serves as a temporary safeguard until permanent legislation can be passed.

This resolution declares an emergency to extend a ban on cashless retailers in Washington, D.C., until January 1, 2026. The measure prevents businesses from refusing cash payments, posting signs that they do not accept cash, or charging higher prices for cash transactions. The bill cites recent crime statistics and business surveys as reasons for the extension, noting that most retailers still accept cash and that those who do not have faced high rates of robbery. By adopting this change after a single reading, the Council aims to provide continued protection for businesses and staff who handle physical cash reserves.

This bill amends the District of Columbia Election Code to address a specific federal requirement for filling vacancies in the office of Delegate. It mandates that if the Speaker of the House declares extraordinary circumstances, defined as more than 100 vacancies in the House of Representatives, the Board of Elections must hold a special election for the Delegate within 49 days. Under normal conditions where this federal threshold is not met, the existing local laws regarding appointment or special election timelines will remain in effect. The legislation clarifies that the federal rule applies only during these specific extraordinary circumstances rather than replacing all current vacancy procedures.

This bill establishes the Youth Advisory Council on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation to include young people in District of Columbia climate policy discussions. The council will consist of 17 voting members representing middle school, high school, and college students, who will advise city leaders on environmental issues and monitor existing climate programs. To join, applicants must be District residents for at least two years and demonstrate an interest in climate action and resiliency. The council will provide recommendations on how to better protect youth from climate impacts and improve environmental education opportunities.

This bill updates the District of Columbia's streatery program to allow businesses at the Washington Convention and Sports Authority to apply for outdoor dining permits. It requires alcohol sellers to obtain a three-year streatery endorsement starting in 2025 and mandates a 45-day public comment period for all new applications. The legislation also clarifies definitions for stateries and ensures that existing businesses can continue operating while their new applications are reviewed.

This bill updates the District of Columbia's streatery program to include locations under the Washington Convention and Sports Authority that have street frontage. It requires alcohol businesses to obtain a three-year streatery endorsement from the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board starting in 2025 and mandates a 45-day public comment period for all new applications. Additionally, the legislation ensures that businesses currently operating streateries can continue doing so until their new applications are reviewed, preventing immediate disruption of existing outdoor dining services.