Councilmember Christina Henderson

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain entertainment venues in DC to refuse cash payments, specifically targeting retail establishments with Class C or D licenses that operate 24 hours daily or open at 3:00 a.m. at least twice weekly. Venues must display clear, visible notices at entrances or on menus stating cash is not accepted. The amendment modifies existing code to add this provision as an emergency measure, effective October 18, 2025. It directly affects licensed entertainment businesses meeting the operational criteria, with no other payment methods being restricted under this law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares an emergency to temporarily amend District law, allowing the Mayor to issue marriage licenses during federal government shutdowns when the Superior Court Clerk cannot. It directly affects District residents and couples planning weddings who would otherwise face disruption due to the Court's inability to function. The key mechanism is authorizing the Mayor to issue licenses as a temporary emergency measure, bypassing the usual requirement that the Court handle this non-essential function. The resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.

Maddy summaryThe Future Smiles Pilot Program Establishment Amendment Act of 2025 creates a two-year pilot program for high school students in the District of Columbia during the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school years. It establishes a Level II Dental Assistant career preparation course through partnerships with accredited dental programs, providing classroom training, certification exam preparation, and covering student compensation, transportation, and program costs. The program directly affects participating DC high school students and OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education), aiming to build a dental assistant workforce pipeline. OSSE must publish student satisfaction surveys and program outcome reports, including certification pass rates and demographic data, after each cohort graduates. If successful, the program could become a permanent career pathway within the District's Health Sciences Cluster of Career and Technical Education.

Maddy summaryThe Student Identification Card Act of 2025 requires all District of Columbia public middle and high school students to receive a government-issued identification card by January 5, 2026. The card must display the student’s name, school name, school year, and a photo - addressing the current lack of a standardized ID for students who cannot reliably obtain identification through the Department of Motor Vehicles. This legislation directly affects every public middle and high school student in DC, providing them with a consistent form of identification for use inside and outside school. The bill mandates local education agencies to issue these cards, aligning DC schools with most U.S. public school districts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution extends an emergency measure allowing certain entertainment and retail establishments to refuse cash payments. Specifically, it applies to businesses with valid Class C or D on-premises retail licenses that operate 24 hours or are open at 3:00 am at least twice weekly, provided they post clear notices stating cash is not accepted. The extension maintains the temporary policy - identical to one approved in December 2024 - while a permanent solution is considered in committee. It does not change the requirement for businesses to display conspicuous cash refusal notices.

Maddy summaryThis emergency bill allows the Mayor of Washington, D.C., to issue marriage licenses and authorize officiants when the Superior Court Clerk cannot do so due to a federal government shutdown. It amends existing marriage code sections to replace "Clerk" with "Mayor or Clerk" in all relevant provisions, enabling the Mayor to manage license issuance during shutdowns. The bill specifically limits this authority to periods when the Clerk is unable to function because of a federal shutdown, and it expires 90 days after enactment. This ensures continuity for couples seeking marriage licenses during federal funding disruptions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares a health emergency to allow pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Washington, D.C. to administer recommended vaccines (for respiratory illnesses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19) without a prescription during the 2025-2026 respiratory season. It directly affects pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and residents (including minors under 18) by removing a current legal barrier tied to federal policy changes. The key mechanism amends two existing laws - the Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985 and the Consent for Vaccinations of Minors Amendment Act of 2022 - to align with prior seasons when pharmacists could independently provide these immunizations. The resolution takes effect immediately to prevent pharmacy closures of vaccine services during the upcoming respiratory disease surge.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the authority for healthcare providers in Washington, D.C., to follow immunization guidelines beyond just the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). It amends two laws to allow the Director of the Department of Health to designate other competent medical or public health organizations (via public notice) whose recommended schedules providers must follow. This directly affects healthcare providers ordering/administering vaccines and the consent process for minors' vaccinations under the 2022 law. The change replaces specific CDC references with broader flexibility while maintaining that vaccines must align with official schedules. It is an emergency measure effective for 90 days.

Maddy summaryThe Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025 requires newly elected or appointed members of public charter school boards in Washington, D.C., to complete a no-cost training program within 90 days of joining and annually thereafter. The training covers key areas including financial management, school operations, governance, academic programs, personnel, and updates to federal and District laws. It mandates coordination between the Public Charter School Board and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to ensure boards have the necessary skills for effective oversight. The law takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year, aiming to improve governance and prevent financial lapses that have led to school closures.

Maddy summaryThe Farmers Market Support Amendment Act of 2025 establishes a program within the District of Columbia Department of Health to support farmers markets, particularly in areas with limited access to healthy food. It creates a grant program to cover operational costs, infrastructure, and year-round operations for markets in low-food-access neighborhoods, while requiring discounted permitting fees for those locations. The bill standardizes licensing requirements across agencies and provides technical assistance to streamline permitting processes. These changes directly aim to expand access to fresh, locally grown food for approximately 330,000 residents in underserved areas, including 111,000 residents earning below 185% of the federal poverty line.