This ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0016) declares March 2025 as "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month" in the District of Columbia. It recognizes the contributions of people with developmental disabilities to shaping public policy, advocating for change, and enriching communities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding; it is a symbolic gesture honoring their role, aligning with the 39th anniversary of advocacy efforts and the 2025 theme "We're Here All Year: Impacting Lives, Influencing Change."
This ceremonial resolution designates February 8, 2025, as "Reverend Doctor Wallace Charles Smith Day" in the District of Columbia to honor his 33 years of service as Senior Minister of Shiloh Baptist Church, one of Washington, D.C.'s oldest and most influential African American Baptist churches. It recognizes his leadership in advancing women's roles in church ministry, community engagement through initiatives like the Clergy for Community Wealth and Preservation, and his historical connection to Shiloh's founding in 1863. The resolution has no binding legal effect but formally celebrates his contributions to D.C.'s religious and civic life.
This ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0020) honors first responders and supporting agencies for their actions following the January 29, 2025, midair collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. It specifically recognizes the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and EMS, WMATA, Virginia and Maryland emergency teams, and federal agencies like the NTSB for their coordination during the search and recovery operation. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition of their service during this tragedy.
This is a ceremonial resolution (CER) honoring Charles C. "Sandy" Wilkes for his civic leadership. It formally recognizes Wilkes as the founding Chairman of the D.C. Policy Center and acknowledges his broader contributions to Washington, D.C., including roles with community organizations, the National Theatre Foundation, and the D.C. Policy Center's research on housing, education, and economic policy. The resolution has no binding legal effect or policy changes; it solely serves as a symbolic tribute. It was introduced by Chairman Phil Mendelson and takes effect immediately upon adoption.
This bill approves specific agreements for the redevelopment of Washington, D.C.'s downtown arena, directly affecting the District government (as the property owner) and DC Arena L.P. (the developer). It authorizes the Mayor to implement a Development and Financing Agreement, Amended Lease, and Purchase and Sale Agreement for the arena project, while continuing property tax abatements and deed transfer tax exemptions. Key mechanisms include granting easements over the arena property, authorizing airspace leases for the developer, and waiving certain public space rental requirements to expedite the project. The "emergency" designation reflects its purpose to fast-track congressional review of these agreements.
This bill clarifies that the District of Columbia government and its agencies are not considered "merchants" under the District's consumer protection law, meaning the law generally does not apply to their regular business operations. However, it specifically maintains that the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) must still comply with the law when acting as a landlord in housing rental matters. The amendment adjusts the legal definition of "merchant" to exclude the District government while preserving tenant protections for DCHA housing. As an emergency measure, the bill takes effect immediately upon approval to resolve ambiguity in how the law applies to government activities.
This emergency bill (B 26-0122) approves a $85 million contract with law firm Edelson PC to assist the District of Columbia Attorney General's office. The contract authorizes Edelson PC to investigate and potentially litigate against companies alleged to have violated laws regarding lead water pipe marketing, selling, and installation. The firm will only receive payment if the District secures monetary recovery (via settlement or judgment), with the $85 million representing the maximum possible payment over five years. This is a procedural authorization for an existing contract, not a new policy.
This is a ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0021), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes the Friends of Mitchell Park for their 20 years of volunteer work preserving Mitchell Park in Washington, D.C.'s Sheridan-Kalorama neighborhood. The resolution highlights their role in restoring the park (reopening in 2004), planting nearly 25,000 plants, hosting community events, and maintaining the park's historic status. It has no legal effect or funding impact - it simply honors the group's service as recorded in the Council's official records.
This bill approves three contract modifications for printing and mailing services provided to the District of Columbia Access System (DCAS) by Immediate Mailing Services, Inc. It authorizes payment of up to $1,168,486.05 for services covering the 2024-2025 fiscal year (October 2024-September 2025). The contract supports the delivery of social services notices, forms, and invoices to District residents through programs managed by the Department of Health Care Finance. As a procedural measure, it does not alter the services provided but ensures timely payment for existing contract work.
This emergency bill allows the District of Columbia's Clemency Board to grant waivers of the five-year waiting period for pardon applicants, aligning with a federal process used by the Department of Justice. It directly affects individuals who have received a waiver of the five-year requirement from the DOJ's Office of the Pardon Attorney but would otherwise be ineligible under current District law. The Board may grant a waiver only if it receives written notice of a DOJ waiver, cannot approve requests for those on probation/parole, and may still deny requests even with DOJ notice. The change ensures District applicants with federal waivers aren't automatically rejected, with the bill effective for 90 days as an emergency measure.
This bill approves four contract modifications (M02-M05) to an existing waste collection agreement (Contract DCAM-24-NC-RFP-0003A) with Jerome L. Taylor Trucking, Inc. It authorizes the District government to pay $4,113,054.36 for citywide waste collection and disposal services under the contract's option year one. The modifications extend the contractor's service period and adjust payment terms for existing services, with no new policy changes or direct impact on residents or businesses. This is a routine administrative approval for an ongoing municipal service contract.
This bill requires all companies testing autonomous vehicles (AVs) on District of Columbia roads to obtain a specific AV testing permit before conducting driverless testing. It also mandates that entities testing AVs without a permit must have a trained test operator physically present in the vehicle, comply with all local/federal laws, and provide the District Department of Transportation with 10 days' advance notice - including vehicle details, locations, and testing dates. The law amends the 2012 Autonomous Vehicle Act to enforce these requirements, repealing previous sections that allowed permit-free testing under certain conditions. This emergency measure applies immediately and remains in effect for 90 days.
