This bill authorizes physical poker and blackjack gaming at designated locations in the District of Columbia, specifically at eligible establishments holding certain liquor licenses (like restaurants or hotels with Class C/H, D/H, or arena CX permits). It creates a regulatory framework where the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) and the Office of Lottery and Gaming will issue licenses, collect taxes, and enforce rules for these card games, while explicitly excluding online or electronically determined play. The law defines "card gaming" as wagering on physical games with real cards at authorized venues, requiring operators to follow specific rules set by the Chief Financial Officer. This change aims to generate revenue from local gambling activities currently drawing residents to Maryland and support tourism through events like poker tournaments.
The Displacement Prevention Amendment Act of 2025 increases the maximum amount of the District's Schedule H tax credit for renters and homeowners in four specific census tracts (73.04, 74.04, 98.04, and 104) that have high poverty rates and housing cost burdens. It allows eligible residents in these areas to claim a tax credit up to twice the current maximum, helping them offset housing costs. This targeted relief primarily affects low-income households in Ward 8 - where nearly 58% of residents are rent-burdened - and other high-risk neighborhoods. The bill aims to prevent displacement by providing immediate financial stability for residents most vulnerable to eviction.
This bill grants a 48-month extension to SOME, Inc. (the owner of 4111 Kansas Avenue NW) to meet nonprofit workforce housing certification requirements under District law. It also forgives and refunds all real property taxes assessed on that property from May 21, 2022, through the end of the 48-month extension period. The bill directly affects only this specific property and owner, providing relief from both recertification timelines and past tax liabilities. It does not create new policy or affect other properties.
This bill increases the maximum annual property tax credit for small retail businesses in Washington, D.C., from $10,000 to $20,000, effective for tax years ending December 31, 2026, and beyond. It directly affects small retailers with under $3 million in annual revenue, including neighborhood restaurants and shops struggling with rising costs. The key mechanism raises the credit amount in the tax code, allowing these businesses to reduce their property taxes or rent paid for property taxes. The change is automatic and applies annually with cost-of-living adjustments, without creating new requirements for businesses.
This bill establishes the Small and Local Business Credit Enhancement Program within DC's Department of Small and Local Business Development. It directly affects qualifying small and local businesses (over 98% of DC businesses) by providing rent guarantees to help them compete for commercial space. Key provisions include a 3-year rent guarantee: 100% coverage in year one, 50% in year two, and 25% in year three, contingent on businesses submitting required financial documents like tax returns and personal financial statements to qualify. The program aims to make small businesses more competitive with national chains and encourage developers to lease to local entrepreneurs.
This bill (B 26-0103) requires the Mayor to obtain public input and Council approval before entering into long-term exclusive leases of District-owned recreational property (like parks and sports fields) for three or more years. It directly affects District residents who use these public spaces and the Mayor’s office, closing a loophole where leases under $1 million could bypass review. Key mechanisms include mandating a public hearing with 30 days’ notice to neighborhood commissions and requiring the Council to approve a resolution detailing the lease terms, current public use, fair market value, and racial equity impacts. The bill ensures residents and Council representatives can review agreements before public access to these facilities is restricted.
The Equitable Access to Financial Services Act of 2025 requires the District of Columbia to contract only with financial institutions that have physical branches in at least five wards when providing prepaid debit cards for District employees and residents. It directs the District to prioritize banks with locations in low-income census tracts (median household income under $50,000). This addresses the current issue where unbanked residents - 8% of District households - spend significantly more annually on alternative financial services due to limited branch access. The bill aims to improve financial inclusion by connecting unbanked residents to traditional banking services through strategic contracting.
Re-Referred to Committee on Health
The Innovate DC Amendment Act of 2025 provides $2 million in matching grants to partnerships between DC universities, hospitals, tech incubators, and economic development organizations to build research commercialization infrastructure. It also establishes a University Proof to Product Research Grant to fund university researchers for proof-of-concept studies, market analysis, and prototype development. The bill directly targets DC’s research institutions to strengthen local innovation capacity and support tech industry growth, addressing gaps in commercialization facilities. These provisions aim to diversify the District’s economy beyond federal government reliance by incentivizing collaboration and technology development within existing local institutions.
This bill requires health insurers in the District of Columbia to cover elective egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) as a fertility treatment starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects DC residents who may want to proactively freeze eggs to address age-related fertility decline later in life. Key provisions mandate coverage for at least three egg retrievals, unlimited embryo transfers from those eggs (following medical guidelines), and 10 years of storage, for both large group and individual/small group health plans. The law amends existing coverage requirements to include this proactive fertility care option.
The Art Gallery Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2025 would allow non-profit art galleries and museums in Washington, D.C., to claim full property tax exemptions for their entire buildings, including office space and operational areas used to support their cultural mission. Currently, some small galleries (like Hillery Gallery and Heurich House) only received partial exemptions because existing law excluded space used for business operations, even when those activities supported their cultural work. The bill amends DC tax code §47-1002(6) to extend exemptions to all mission-related building space, as long as operations aren't "unrelated trade or business activities." This change directly benefits non-profit cultural institutions seeking consistent tax relief for their full facilities.
The Special Events Permit Process Simplification Act of 2025 creates a new Office of Special Events under the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development to streamline permits for events like festivals, parades, and neighborhood gatherings. It requires an online portal showing required permits and upfront costs, moves the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group to this office, and allows recurring Business Improvement District (BID) events to get multi-year approvals instead of annual reviews. The bill also establishes a Special Events Task Force to reduce permit costs and codifies a fund to cover city service costs for events. This directly affects event organizers, BIDs, and city agencies managing permits, aiming to make the process more transparent and less time-consuming.
