Councilmember Anita Bonds

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes Washington, D.C.'s child labor law by transferring enforcement from the outdated Board of Education to the Department of Employment Services (DOES). It requires employers to obtain youth work permits for minor employees (under age 14), maintains restrictions on work hours and occupations, and establishes penalties for violations. The law clarifies DOES as the agency responsible for issuing permits, investigating violations, and conducting public education - addressing the current lack of centralized oversight. It does not change core protections for minors but creates a functional framework to implement existing rules, which have remained largely unchanged since 1928.

Maddy summaryThe Defective Deed Recordation Clarification Amendment Act of 2025 fixes a 30-year gap in the law that left deeds recorded between 1994 and 2022 without a way to correct minor technical errors, such as a smudged notary seal. It replaces two outdated sections of the 1994 law with a single provision, allowing homeowners to correct such errors without needing to contact previous owners (who may have moved or passed away). The bill provides a six-month window after a deed is recorded to challenge a defective instrument, or within six months of the bill’s effective date for deeds recorded before the bill. This change ensures the public land record remains reliable and resolves a barrier to homeowners securing title insurance.

Maddy summaryThis emergency bill clarifies rules for petition signatures in District of Columbia elections. It requires circulators of candidate nomination, initiative, referendum, and recall petitions to state in affidavits that they did not alter any signer information after the signature was affixed. The bill prohibits anyone from changing signature details (except when a signer requests assistance before signing) and bans the use of correction tools like tape or fluid on petitions. These changes apply to all petition circulators and aim to prevent post-signature alterations that could compromise petition integrity. The bill takes effect immediately and remains in force for 90 days as an emergency measure.

Maddy summaryThis emergency resolution (PR 26-0499) requires petition circulators to affirm in affidavits that they have not altered any signer's information after the signature was affixed, and it prohibits altering signer details except when the signer requests assistance before signing. It also bans using correctional tools like whiteout on petitions, aiming to prevent post-signature changes and ensure petition integrity for the 2026 primary election cycle. The measure directly affects circulators, the Board of Elections, and petition signers by clarifying ballot access rules ahead of the 2026 elections.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (PR 26-0480) delays the implementation of ranked choice voting in Washington D.C. elections from the 2026 cycle to 2027. It amends the Election Code to provide the Board of Elections additional time to prepare, focusing on voter education and avoiding legal risks. The resolution addresses concerns about insufficient time (six months), lack of dedicated funding for outreach, and unvetted third-party training sessions that could mislead voters about the new voting system. It directly affects District voters and election officials by postponing the first use of ranked choice voting.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the implementation date for ranked choice voting in Washington, D.C., moving it from the 2026 election cycle to the first election held after January 1, 2027. It directly affects D.C. voters and election administrators by delaying the start of ranked choice voting by one election cycle. The bill amends Section 8a of the District of Columbia Election Code to replace "June 2026 primary election" with "first election held after January 1, 2027." This is a procedural clarification with no new voting rules, only a revised timeline for existing implementation plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the timeline for implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) in Washington, D.C. elections, delaying its start from the 2026 primary to the first election held after January 1, 2027. It directly affects D.C. voters and election officials by postponing the use of RCV for citywide and council elections until the 2027 cycle. The key provision replaces the phrase "June 2026 primary election" in the election code with "first election held after January 1, 2027," clarifying the implementation date. The bill is temporary, expiring 225 days after it takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how vacancies in Washington, D.C.'s Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are filled. It requires the Board of Elections to oversee the process, including publishing vacancies within 15 days, verifying candidate petitions with at least 25 neighborhood voters, and banning petition signers from altering voter information. If only one qualified candidate applies, the Board certifies them directly; otherwise, the ANC holds a meeting with at least two commissioners (no quorum needed) to select a replacement. These changes apply directly to ANCs and their members filling vacancies, streamlining the process and increasing Board oversight.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates November 2025 as Family Caregivers Month in the District of Columbia. It honors the approximately 109,000 residents who provide unpaid or paid care to loved ones with aging, illness, or disability, recognizing their contributions valued at over $1 billion annually. The resolution specifically acknowledges caregivers' role in supporting District residents, particularly as the senior population grows, and directs the Council to formally recognize this month through a symbolic designation. It has no legal effect beyond the recognition itself.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors journalist Colbert I. King for his retirement after 35 years at the Washington Post, his role in drafting the Home Rule Act, and his Pulitzer Prize-winning commentary. The Council of the District of Columbia formally recognizes his contributions to journalism, civic life, and advocacy for social justice. The resolution takes effect immediately upon publication in the District of Columbia Register and serves as a symbolic tribute with no new policy or funding.