Housing

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Sep 17, 2025

PR 26-0284: Housing Authority Resident Empowerment Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This resolution declares an emergency to amend the District of Columbia Housing Authority Act of 1999 and related laws. It revises the DCHA board structure, updates the public housing resident bill of rights, adjusts board stipends under the Merit Personnel Act, and updates terminology in the Confirmation Act. These changes ensure DCHA can prepare for a permanent board structure before the summer recess, following delays in finalizing the RENTAL Act of 2025.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingUpdates public housing resident bill of rights, strengthening tenant protections per resolution summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Apr 25, 2025

B 26-0172: Modification Nos. M0009, M0010, M0011, M0012, and M0013 to Contract No. CW101632 with KBEC Group, Inc. Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Act of 2025

This bill (B 26-0172) approves five contract modifications (M0009-M0013) to an existing agreement with KBEC Group, Inc., for case management services under the District of Columbia’s Family Rehousing and Stabilization Program (FRSP). It authorizes payment of $1,403,657.97 for services already provided and to be provided during option year two of the contract, continuing support for homeless families receiving short-term rental and utility assistance. The bill does not create new policy or change program eligibility - it solely approves a procedural contract amendment for an ongoing service. This emergency measure must be enacted within 90 days.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes $1.4M for FRSP case management services aiding homeless families with rental/utility assistance, continuing direct housing support program funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Oct 1, 2025

B 26-0322: DC Water Disconnection and Billing Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

This bill temporarily amends District laws to clarify DC Water's billing and disconnection procedures for customers. It requires DC Water to provide multilingual services (adding it to the Language Access Act), caps late payment penalties at 10% after 30 days and 1% monthly after 60 days, and mandates monthly reports to the Council and tenant advocates on disconnection notices, actual disconnections, and service restorations. It also updates notice rules to require 30-day written warnings in English, Spanish, or other languages spoken by occupants before disconnection. The bill directly affects DC Water customers (residents and property owners) and requires DC Water to submit detailed monthly data on service disruptions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCaps late fees and mandates disconnection notices to protect tenants from utility disruptions, strengthening tenant rights through billing safeguards.85% confidence

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Apr 11, 2025

PR 26-0152: Foreclosure Moratorium and Homeowner Assistance Fund Coordination Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This resolution extends foreclosure protections for District of Columbia homeowners who applied for the DC Homeowner Assistance Fund (DC HAF) before September 30, 2022 and have pending applications. It prevents a lapse in these protections by requiring continued moratorium on foreclosures until their cases are resolved, pending approval, payment, or appeal. The resolution also mandates that foreclosure notices must include information about the DC HAF program, ensuring affected homeowners are informed of available assistance. It addresses delays reported by legal services providers as the current moratorium expires May 1, 2025. (PR 26-0152)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends foreclosure moratorium for DC HAF applicants, protects homeowners from losing homes while awaiting assistance, and mandates foreclosure notices include HAF program info.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Mortgages

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 18, 2026

B 26-0448: Uniform Mortgage Modification Act of 2025

The Uniform Mortgage Modification Act of 2025 (B 26-0448) creates legal "safe harbors" for mortgage modifications, protecting both residential homeowners and commercial businesses from foreclosure by clarifying that specific changes to mortgages - like adjusted payments - do not affect the mortgage's priority or require recording. It explicitly states that modifications within these safe harbors (e.g., adjusting interest rates or terms) will not be treated as novations, ensuring the mortgage continues to secure the obligation as modified. The bill excludes modifications that materially prejudice junior lienholders and aims to reduce legal uncertainty, saving borrowers time and money. This proposed law aligns with a uniform model already adopted in Utah and Nevada, though it remains a pending District of Columbia bill.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates safe harbors for mortgage modifications to prevent foreclosure, protecting homeowners' property rights and maintaining housing stability, a direct support for housing policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

Track

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 18, 2025

B 26-0167: Personal Medical Record Fee Exemption Amendment Act of 2025

This bill prohibits health care entities in Washington, D.C. from charging fees for providing personal medical records to individuals or their representatives. It specifically exempts fees when records are requested to support claims or appeals under the Social Security Act, or for other federal or District needs-based benefits (like Medicaid or housing assistance). The law applies to patients, their legal representatives, nonprofit legal services staff, or attorneys acting on their behalf. Health care providers must provide these records without cost for these specific purposes. The bill does not affect fees for general medical record requests unrelated to benefits claims.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves fees for medical records needed for Medicaid/Social Security claims, improving patient access to health information without cost.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts medical record fees for housing assistance applications, reducing financial barriers to affordable housing benefits under Medicaid/housing programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Dec 5, 2025

B 26-0374: Green Housing Coordination Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill requires large residential and mixed-use construction projects (50,000+ square feet) receiving Housing Production Trust Fund assistance to meet net zero energy standards under the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria (specifically elements 5.4 or 5.5b). It mandates the Department to submit biannual reports starting March 2026 detailing progress on developing net zero energy building code regulations and challenges to implementation. The bill also removes conflicting net zero energy compliance requirements from the Green Building Act of 2006 that previously applied to residential/mixed-use projects. It expires after 90 days or upon final regulations from the Clean Energy DC Building Code Amendment Act.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates net zero energy standards for large construction projects, advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy use in buildings per Enterprise Green Communities Criteria.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates net zero energy standards for large housing projects, advancing emissions reduction and sustainable building practices under environmental criteria.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires net zero energy standards for publicly funded housing projects, advancing sustainable development and potentially reducing long-term costs for residents.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Climate Change Building Codes

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 7, 2026

B 26-0226: Place-Based Substance Use Disorder Outreach Amendment Act of 2025

This bill (B 26-0226) makes permanent a District of Columbia pilot program that provides targeted support for people with substance use disorders (SUD) in high-need neighborhoods. It requires the Department of Behavioral Health to establish a program offering direct support (like crisis assessments), relationship development through consistent outreach, and resource brokering to connect individuals with housing, healthcare, and other services. The program designates specific geographic areas for focused intervention based on criteria like overdose rates, public substance use, and high pedestrian activity. Performance data on outcomes - including connections to treatment and overdose reversals - must be publicly reported every 90 days.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides SUD treatment and support in high-need neighborhoods, reducing recidivism through rehabilitation - a core criminal justice reform strategy.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes permanent SUD outreach program connecting individuals to healthcare services via resource brokering and behavioral health support, directly advancing access to treatment.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly requires resource brokering to connect individuals with housing services as part of SUD support program, directly advancing housing access for vulnerable populations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse Homelessness Property Development

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 26, 2026

B 26-0124: Utility Disconnection Protection Act of 2025

This bill prohibits electric and gas utilities from disconnecting service for vulnerable households during summer (May 15-September 15) and winter (November 1-February 29) months. It directly protects households with children under 18, seniors 65+, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, or those receiving public assistance. Utilities must offer payment plans for eligible customers instead of requiring full payment to restore service, and limit reconnection fees. Additionally, utilities must report monthly data on unpaid bills and disconnections to the Public Service Commission.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProtects vulnerable households from energy disconnection during critical seasons, ensuring access to essential utility services per consumer protection indicators.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents utility disconnections for vulnerable households during extreme weather, directly protecting tenant stability and preventing housing loss for at-risk populations like seniors and families.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation Tenant Rights

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 7, 2026

B 26-0125: 2607 Connecticut Avenue NW Timeline Extension and Tax Forgiveness Act of 2025

This bill extends the timeline for So Others Might Eat (SOME) to certify its 23-unit affordable housing property at 2607 Connecticut Avenue NW as tax-exempt under the Nonprofit Workforce Housing Properties Real Property Tax Exemption Act of 2019. It changes the required certification period from 12 to 36 months after property acquisition and forgives/repays real property taxes paid since January 2023 if the property qualifies. The legislation directly affects the specific housing building owned by 2607 Connecticut LLC, which serves low-income tenants and has experienced slower lease-up than anticipated. The policy change ensures the Council's intended tax exemption aligns with the nonprofit's housing operations, allowing funds to stay focused on housing services rather than tax payments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesTax forgiveness for nonprofit affordable housing property reduces tax burden, providing direct tax relief aligned with supporting lower-income housing initiatives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill extends timeline and forgives taxes for nonprofit affordable housing property, directly enabling tax-exempt status and preserving affordability at 2607 Connecticut Ave NW.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Property Taxes