Education

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Sep 19, 2025

B 26-0204: Safe Passage Training and School Engagement Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires Safe Passage ambassadors - community workers supporting students traveling to school - to complete monthly training in de-escalation, conflict resolution, cultural competency, and recognizing signs of abuse or neglect. It also mandates bi-annual meetings between ambassadors and school administrators to coordinate support for students’ needs. The training focuses on practical interaction guidance (not diagnosis) for students with neurodivergence, special needs, or diverse backgrounds. The bill directly affects ambassadors, schools, and students in 12 designated "priority areas" across Washington, D.C., aiming to improve safety and engagement during school commutes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates training for Safe Passage ambassadors to support students with special needs and improve school engagement, enhancing student safety and accessibility within educational settings.95% confidence

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 9, 2026

B 26-0403: Education Continuity for Students in the Care of D.C. Amendment Act of 2025

This bill ensures students in DC's care system - such as those in foster care, group homes, or juvenile facilities - can maintain consistent education when moving between placements. It requires the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) to create a uniform course catalog, implement flexible graduation waivers for disrupted schooling, and standardize transcript evaluations to transfer credits smoothly. The Students in the Care of D.C. Coordinating Committee must regularly review the bill's impact on student outcomes. These changes aim to prevent educational gaps during transitions, directly affecting students, DCPS, and local education agencies.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill ensures educational continuity for vulnerable students via uniform course catalogs, flexible graduation waivers, and standardized credit transfers, directly advancing access and protecting educational stability.95% confidence

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signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Nov 28, 2025

PR 26-0355: Richard Wright Public Charter School Revenue Bonds Project Approval Resolution of 2025

This bill authorizes the District of Columbia to issue up to $22 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds to finance renovations, building improvements, and refinancing of existing debt for Richard Wright Public Charter School at 475 School St., SW. The bonds will be used directly by the school (the "Borrower") for facility upgrades, construction, and related costs, with the District having no financial liability or obligation to repay them. The resolution confirms the bonds are "without recourse to the District" and do not constitute a general obligation or pledge of the District's taxing power, as required by the Home Rule Act. The school, a 501(c)(3) charter school, will receive the bond proceeds as a loan from the District.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes $22M in bonds for school facility upgrades, directly funding infrastructure improvements at a public charter school.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

introduced · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 21, 2025

B 26-0434: Early Childhood Educator Pay Scales Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This bill temporarily amends the Day Care Policy Act to establish new minimum salary requirements for early childhood educators in District of Columbia child development facilities. Starting January 2026, facilities receiving funds from the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund must pay assistant and lead teachers at least the specified rates based on their credentials (e.g., $48,736/year for CDA-level assistant teachers). The bill requires annual salary reviews using the Chained CPI index and comparisons to regional salaries, with reports due to the Council by February 1 each year. It applies directly to child care facilities participating in the Pay Equity Program and affects over 1,000 early childhood educators in DC.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes minimum salaries for early childhood educators ($48,736+ for CDA-level) and mandates annual inflation-adjusted raises, directly strengthening teacher compensation and retention in early education.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes new minimum salary requirements for early childhood educators, directly increasing wage standards under Labor & Employment policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Teachers Employment Discrimination

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 4, 2025

B 26-0266: Special Education for Young Adults in the Custody of the Department of Corrections Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires the District of Columbia Department of Corrections to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) under federal special education law and District regulations to young adults with disabilities who are in its custody or detained in secure facilities. It specifically applies to individuals aged 18 and older during the 2024-2025 school year, covering their education until they reach the end of their eligibility under federal and District law. The bill amends two existing laws to add this requirement as a new provision, effective May 30, 2025, for one school year. This change directly affects incarcerated young adults with disabilities and the Department of Corrections' educational responsibilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides education for incarcerated young adults with disabilities, a rehabilitation measure supporting criminal justice reform to reduce recidivism.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates FAPE for incarcerated young adults with disabilities, expanding educational access for a vulnerable group under special education law95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 10, 2025

B 26-0410: Work-based Learning Amendment Act of 2025

The Work-based Learning Amendment Act of 2025 amends DC's education law to require the Deputy Mayor for Education to develop a plan making work-based learning (such as internships or job training) a graduation requirement for all DC public high school students by 2035. Within 12 months of the bill's effective date, the Deputy Mayor must submit a report evaluating current work-based learning definitions, proposing financial incentives for employers, and outlining challenges in coordinating these opportunities across the city. This bill directly affects DC public high school students and employers participating in work-based learning programs. It establishes a clear timeline (2035) and specific requirements for integrating work-based learning into graduation standards, without creating new funding or immediate mandates.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates work-based learning as graduation requirement, expanding student career pathways and practical education access per bill's explicit requirement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education

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signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jun 13, 2025

PR 26-0212: Special Education for Young Adults in the Custody of the Department of Corrections Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This is a procedural resolution (not a substantive bill) declaring an emergency to prevent a gap in special education services. It authorizes the Council of the District of Columbia to pass the "Special Education for Young Adults in the Custody of the Department of Corrections Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025" after a single reading, rather than through the standard process. The resolution addresses a timing gap between the expiration of an existing emergency special education law (D.C. Act 26-42) on July 10, 2025, and the effective date of a pending temporary law (Bill 26-211). It does not change educational requirements but ensures continuity of services for young adults in District Department of Corrections custody.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPrevents gap in special education services for incarcerated youth, maintaining existing protections without funding cuts or restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Apr 11, 2025

PR 26-0162: Special Education for Young Adults in the Custody of the Department of Corrections Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This emergency resolution designates the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DOC) as the agency responsible for providing free appropriate public education (FAPE) under federal and local law to eligible young adults (ages 18+ with prior special education needs) held in DOC custody. It extends a temporary arrangement allowing DOC to continue contracting with Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools for special education services through the 2024-2025 school year. The resolution addresses an immediate need to prevent disruption in services after the expiration of prior temporary legislation on April 12, 2025. It does not establish a permanent solution but ensures continuity while permanent bills (Bills 25-309 and 25-461) remain under review.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides special education services to young adults in DOC custody, enhancing rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnsures continued special education services for incarcerated young adults via DOC contracting, upholding FAPE requirements under federal/local law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 28, 2026

B 26-0419: Background Check Adjustment Amendment Act of 2025

This bill amends the 2004 "Criminal Background Checks for the Protection of Children Act" to allow approved youth service organizations (like after-school programs and youth centers) to conduct background checks on their own employees and volunteers. Previously, these checks required processing through the Mayor's office. The bill also streamlines cross-jurisdictional checks by requiring organizations to obtain consent for background checks needed in other areas. Authorized organizations must submit all background check results to the Mayor for compliance with the law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill streamlines background checks for youth organizations, improving efficiency in preventing individuals with criminal records from working with children. This advances public safety within the criminal justice system's prevention framework.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill streamlines background checks for after-school programs (exemplified in summary), enabling youth service organizations to operate more efficiently, thus supporting educational access for students outside school hours.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Feb 4, 2025

B 26-0068: Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires the District of Columbia to guarantee free or low-cost after-school and summer programs for all public school students (ages 21 or younger, or 22 for special education) by 2036. It directs the Office of Out of School Time to coordinate funding, track program data, and increase high-quality program seats by at least 10% annually to ensure equitable access - prioritizing underserved neighborhoods and at-risk youth. Community-based organizations providing these programs will be key partners in meeting the goal. The law also limits the Office’s overhead costs to 7% of its annual budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates government funding for universal after-school programs, increasing public service expenditures and prioritizing equitable access through annual budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates free/low-cost after-school programs, requires 10% annual program expansion, prioritizes underserved communities - directly funds and expands educational access beyond school hours.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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