District of Columbia Bills

This bill orders the closure of a 10-foot-wide public alley in Square 3701, which borders specific lots in Ward 5. The act transfers ownership of the closed land to the adjacent property owners, contingent on those owners first securing necessary public approvals for parking and loading access. Once the closing is finalized, the title to the land will vest as depicted on the official surveyor's plat. The legislation becomes effective after receiving final approval from the Mayor and completing the required congressional review period.

This bill updates the District of Columbia's medical cannabis laws to clarify how fines are handled and to expand the list of protected locations and individuals. It directs the first $100,000 in fines levied against unlicensed medical cannabis businesses to a specific litigation fund and redefines delinquent debt to include unpaid cannabis-related fines. The legislation also adds new definitions for terms like "affected neighborhood commission" and "daycare center" while extending protections to include non-parent guardians who have been arrested or convicted. Additionally, the act allows medical cannabis cards to be issued to non-residents and broadens the list of qualifying medical conditions to include dental treatment.

This bill symbolically names the 200 block of 37th Place, SE, in Washington, D.C., as Pearl B. Settles Way to honor an individual. The legislation uses existing street designation laws to officially assign this new name to the specific address without altering any physical infrastructure or imposing costs. Once approved by the Mayor and passed through the required congressional review period, the street will carry the new title in official records.

This bill officially designates a specific stretch of 15th Street NW in Washington, DC, as "Alma Thomas Way" to honor the artist Alma Thomas. The change applies to the section of the street located between Church Street NW and Q Street NW. By renaming the road, the legislation creates a permanent public tribute to Thomas's legacy without altering traffic rules or requiring new funding. The act takes effect after receiving final approval from the Mayor and the Council.

This bill requires property owners, contractors, or permit applicants to secure insurance that covers adjacent property owners for any damage caused by construction work. It specifically applies to permits involving work near property lines, such as additions, demolitions, excavations, and foundation projects, ensuring that neighbors within 30 feet are protected. The law mandates that the insurance policy must explicitly insure these neighboring properties against losses arising from the proposed construction. This measure aims to provide financial protection for nearby residents and businesses without changing the underlying construction codes.

This bill extends a real property tax abatement for the United Negro College Fund in Washington, D.C., allowing the organization to avoid paying taxes on its property for ten years starting October 1, 2024. The legislation updates the specific tax exemption amount to $515,000 for the 2025 tax year and removes previous conditions that have since expired. By amending the District's official code, the act ensures the nonprofit continues to receive financial relief on its property taxes without altering its operational status.

This bill reduces the required setback distance for buildings along the southern side of Fern Street NW in Square 2950 from 15 feet to 9.5 feet. The change specifically applies to several designated lots in that area, allowing structures to be built closer to the street line than previously permitted. Once enacted, property owners in these specific locations will have more space available for construction, while the rest of the city's zoning rules remain unchanged.

This bill removes a specific section of Congress Street from the official plan for the District of Columbia's permanent highway system. It also eliminates a 15-foot-wide building restriction line on the west side of that street segment located on Lot 9 in Square 5914. These changes allow the land to be used for purposes other than a public roadway and permit construction within the area previously reserved for the street. The legislation applies only to this specific plot and does not alter broader zoning or highway planning rules elsewhere.

This bill temporarily extends the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency's Reverse Mortgage Insurance and Tax Payment Program through 225 days after its effective date. The amendment allows the program to use financial assistance not only for property taxes and insurance but also for condominium and homeowners association fees. Additionally, the maximum amount of assistance an eligible senior homeowner can receive is increased from $25,000 to $40,000. These changes apply specifically to seniors using reverse mortgages in the District of Columbia and give the Housing Finance Agency more flexibility in issuing aid.

This bill updates the District of Columbia's existing prostate cancer screening laws to ensure that all health insurers cover one prostate-specific antigen test and digital rectal exam per year at no cost to the patient. The legislation specifically prohibits insurers from charging deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for these screenings, with a narrow exception only if full coverage would disqualify someone from a high-deductible health plan. By mandating free access to these specific tests, the act aims to remove financial barriers for residents seeking routine prostate cancer screening.

This bill officially designates a specific park in Square 3376N as the Ronald "Ron" Austin Memorial Park. The legislation formally names the public space to honor Ronald Austin, a former District of Columbia Council member. By amending existing street and alley closing laws, the act ensures that this commemorative designation is legally recognized within the District's code. The measure requires approval by the Mayor and a 30-day congressional review period before it becomes effective.