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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This bill temporarily requires the District of Columbia Department of Corrections to provide special education services (under IDEA and DC law) to young adults with disabilities aged 18-21 who are held in its secure facilities during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. It amends two existing laws to add this obligation as a new duty for the Corrections Department during these specific school terms. The requirement expires 225 days after the bill takes effect, making it a short-term measure.
The "Disconnect Act of 2025" requires District of Columbia public schools to adopt a policy banning students from using personal wireless devices (such as cell phones, smartwatches, and gaming devices) during the school day. Exceptions include using devices for educational purposes with teacher permission, during health emergencies, or as part of a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The policy must provide secure device storage and ensure violations do not result in classroom removal. It aims to reduce distractions and support learning, citing low academic performance in recent district assessments.
