This bill designates the District of Columbia Department of Corrections as the agency responsible for providing free public education to young adults with disabilities who are detained in its secure facilities. It specifically applies to individuals aged 18 through the end of their eligibility for special education services, covering the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The legislation mandates that these services be delivered in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and local District laws. As an emergency amendment, the bill is intended to take effect immediately upon approval and will remain in force for no longer than 90 days.
This bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally recognizes ANC Commissioner Harold Cunningham for his advocacy work on behalf of returning citizens and his efforts to restore educational programs at the District of Columbia Jail. The text highlights his personal journey from incarceration to becoming a community leader and details how he successfully lobbied for funding for the Lead Up! Lead Out! initiative to support rehabilitation and reentry services. The resolution expresses gratitude for his leadership and officially names the document the "ANC Commissioner Harold Cunningham Recognition Resolution of 2026," which takes effect immediately.
This resolution designates the District of Columbia Department of Corrections as the official agency responsible for providing free special education services to eligible incarcerated individuals aged 18 and older. It ensures that these individuals, who already have identified disabilities or individualized education plans, continue to receive required support without interruption after a previous contract with Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools expired. The bill authorizes the Department of Corrections to contract with the charter school to deliver these services during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. This emergency measure is intended to maintain compliance with federal and local education laws while a permanent version of the legislation undergoes congressional review.
This bill temporarily requires the District of Columbia Department of Corrections to provide free public education to young adults with disabilities who are in its custody. Specifically, it mandates that individuals aged 18 through the end of their eligibility for special education services receive instruction under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The legislation achieves this by adding new language to existing correctional codes, ensuring that secure facilities offer appropriate educational opportunities to this specific population. The provision is set to expire 225 days after the bill takes effect, making it a short-term measure rather than a permanent change.
This ceremonial resolution honors DC Central Kitchen for reaching a milestone of 2,500 graduates from its Culinary Job Training Program. The bill formally recognizes the organization's work since 1990 in providing free culinary and life skills training to District residents facing challenges such as homelessness, incarceration, and addiction. By celebrating this achievement, the Council acknowledges the program's partnerships with local businesses and its role in creating career pathways for returning citizens. The resolution does not alter laws or funding but serves to publicly acknowledge the program's impact and history.
This bill confirms Earnest Hanible as a public voting member of the Commission on Re-Entry and Returning Citizen Affairs in the District of Columbia. The resolution appoints him to fill a vacant seat on the commission, which advises the city on policies supporting individuals returning to society after incarceration, for the remainder of a term ending in August 2028. The confirmation process follows standard procedures, requiring the Council to formally approve the Mayor's nomination and transmit the resolution to both the nominee and the Mayor. This action is administrative and does not alter the commission's existing powers or responsibilities.
This ceremonial resolution officially designates April 2026 as Second Chance Month in the District of Columbia to honor returning citizens and their contributions to the community. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of the resilience and dignity of individuals reintegrating after incarceration. It highlights existing District policies and programs that support reentry, such as employment access and housing assistance initiatives. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges facing returning citizens and celebrate ongoing efforts to promote successful community reintegration.
This bill creates new criminal penalties for distributing AI-generated or digitally altered sexually explicit content that falsely depicts real people without their consent. It directly affects individuals who share such content, adding two offenses: a misdemeanor for standard cases and a felony for aggravated situations (like targeting minors, repeat offenses, or causing violence). Key provisions define "false sexual imagery" as AI-altered content a reasonable person would believe depicts a real person, and establish fines up to $25,000 or 2 years in prison for felony violations. The law closes gaps in current D.C. law, which previously only covered authentic non-consensual sexual images or obscene material, not AI-generated content.
This bill is a procedural resolution confirming Mayor Bowser's appointment of Talib Shakir as Executive Director of the Office on Returning Citizen Affairs. It does not create new policy but formalizes an existing appointment for a position established under D.C. Law 16-243 (2007). The Office on Returning Citizen Affairs supports individuals reentering society after incarceration, focusing on housing, employment, and community reintegration. The resolution requires the Council to formally approve Shakir's appointment to serve at the Mayor's pleasure.
The LEARNS Amendment Act of 2025 requires the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DOC) to evaluate incarcerated students for special education services if they weren't assessed before entering custody, and to continue services for those with existing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). It also sets specific qualifications for the contractor providing these services and mandates DOC to create a public online system tracking resident complaints and service requests, including resolution timelines and contact information for oversight bodies. This bill directly affects students in DC Jail who need special education services but previously lacked a pathway for evaluation while incarcerated. The legislation makes permanent changes previously implemented through temporary measures, ensuring all eligible incarcerated students can access appropriate educational support.
