This bill establishes a permanent Tax and Revenue Commission in the District of Columbia to provide expert recommendations on tax code revisions and non-tax revenue policies. The Commission will analyze the tax system’s fairness, efficiency, economic impact, and racial equity implications, then propose changes to the Mayor and Council. Key duties include broadening the tax base, modernizing tax administration, assessing fees/fines, and identifying unused tax credits. The Commission will operate with a director appointed by the Council and consult an Advisory Group composed of tax experts, government officials, and community/business representatives. It directly affects District tax policy decisions and government revenue planning.
This bill amends the Clean Hands Act to exempt occupational and business licenses from certification requirements starting October 1, 2025, directly affecting businesses seeking licenses under specific District code sections (e.g., §§ 47-2801-47-2853.224). It also increases the debt threshold from $100 to $2,500 for Clean Hands Act applicability, meaning larger debt obligations no longer trigger the certification process. The key changes simplify licensing for small businesses and reduce administrative barriers for debt-related compliance. These provisions aim to reduce regulatory burdens on local economic activity without altering the Act’s core purpose.
This bill establishes the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABCA) to regulate cannabis in Washington, D.C., directly affecting cannabis businesses, social equity applicants, and residents. Key provisions include creating specific license categories (e.g., cultivator, retailer, microbusiness), requiring 25% of licenses for Social Equity Applicants (businesses owned by people from communities harmed by past cannabis laws), and setting up a Cannabis Equity and Opportunity Fund for grants and loans. It bans sales within 400 feet of schools/daycares, mandates a seed-to-sale tracking system, restricts advertising, and prohibits sales to minors or in residential areas. The ABCA will enforce rules, collect excise taxes on cannabis sales, and manage licensing fees and protests.
This bill requires the District of Columbia to create a grant fund to support business improvement districts and Main Streets in providing and maintaining public restrooms, and mandates that all new or substantially renovated parks of one acre or more include gender-neutral public restrooms. It directly affects residents and visitors who rely on public restrooms, including people experiencing homelessness, pregnant individuals, those with medical conditions, and young children. The law specifies that restrooms must be free, accessible 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and maintained by the District or contracted providers. It aims to address current scarcity by increasing restroom availability in high-use areas and public parks.
This bill would remove the District of Columbia sales tax on HIV in-home tests, making these tests more affordable for District residents. Currently, these tests cost $40-$70, and the tax exemption would lower the effective price at the point of sale. The key provision amends the District’s tax code (section 47-2005) to add a specific exemption for HIV in-home tests. The change would apply once the bill is approved and the fiscal impact is included in the budget, as required by law.
This bill prohibits insurance companies in Washington, D.C., from considering the use of HIV prevention medication (PrEP) when making decisions about disability, life, or long-term care insurance. It directly affects people using PrEP - such as daily pills (Truvada, Descovy) or the injection (Apretude) - who might otherwise face higher premiums, denied coverage, or limited benefits. The key provision amends existing anti-discrimination law to ban insurers from using PrEP use as a factor in underwriting, renewing, or pricing these policies. This aims to remove barriers to PrEP uptake and reduce stigma, supporting D.C.'s goal to lower new HIV diagnoses to under 130 annually by 2030.
This bill waives all city fees for services related to the Capital Pride Parade, Festival, and Block Party, including permits, police and fire support, health inspections, and cleanup costs. It directly affects Capital Pride event organizers by reducing their administrative expenses. The key provision, added to D.C. Code §47-2826, requires the Mayor to waive these fees to maintain the event's free admission for attendees. This policy change ensures the festival remains accessible while supporting its significant economic impact on the District.
The Fair Taxation of Municipal Bonds Amendment Act of 2025 would maintain the tax exemption for interest earned on out-of-state municipal bonds purchased before January 1, 2025. This directly protects District of Columbia residents, particularly retirees on fixed incomes, who had relied on this exemption when making investment decisions. The bill amends the tax code to explicitly exclude interest from such pre-2025 bonds from taxable income calculations. This change prevents unexpected tax bills on bonds held under prior tax rules, aligning with similar approaches in other states like Utah.
The Industrial Revenue Bond Forward Commitment Program Amendment Act of 2025 removes a $850 million cap on the total value of industrial revenue bonds the District can issue and shortens application review times from 30 to 10 days. It also broadens the program to cover more types of development projects, including those authorized under the Home Rule Act. These changes aim to help businesses and developers in the District secure financing faster for industrial, commercial, and other eligible projects. The bill directly affects organizations seeking bond-funded development and streamlines the District's revenue bond approval process.
This bill creates a streamlined process for property owners to change their tax classification to residential when a building permit is issued for residential use. Owners must apply for the classification change with the Chief Financial Officer, providing documentation, and tax rates apply for the entire tax year if the application is submitted between October 1 and March 31, or only for the second half of the year if submitted between April 1 and September 30. If the property isn't used for residential purposes within three years (or by the date of a certificate of occupancy), the classification reverts, and owners must pay back taxes plus penalties. Property owners can appeal denied applications within 45 days.
The HIRE Amendment Act of 2025 creates a tax incentive program in Washington, D.C., for businesses that hire returning citizens (formerly incarcerated individuals) in full-time roles. It provides a $5,000 annual tax credit per employee for businesses that retain these workers for at least 90 days. The Department of Employment Services will manage the program, ensuring compliance and distributing credits. This law directly affects D.C. employers and over 2,000 returning citizens who reenter the city annually, aiming to reduce employment barriers and recidivism through financial support for hiring.
This bill waives property taxes for 20 years on qualifying housing developments at Washington Metro stations in the District. To qualify, developments must be part of a WMATA joint development agreement requiring at least half the project to be housing and 75% to be new construction or substantial rehabilitation. The exemption applies to properties currently generating no tax revenue for the District, aiming to unlock transit-oriented development at stations like Congress Heights and Deanwood. It takes effect January 1, 2026, to encourage mixed-use projects that increase housing density near transit hubs.
