Councilmember Christina Henderson

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0046) declares June 2025 as "Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month" in the District of Columbia. It recognizes Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias as a critical public health issue, citing data showing it is the 6th leading cause of death for DC residents 65+ and affecting over 15,000 residents. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the need for awareness, aligning with existing DC initiatives like the BrainHealth.DC.gov resource. It is a symbolic gesture to support ongoing efforts to address cognitive health.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to bar anyone expelled from the Council from running for Council member for five years after expulsion. It directly affects Councilmembers who face expulsion under current ethics rules, preventing them from seeking re-election or special election seats during that period. The change adds "not expelled from the Council in the past five years" as a new eligibility requirement alongside existing disqualifications like felony convictions. The amendment must be approved by voters, as it modifies the Home Rule Act. This follows a recent February 2025 expulsion of a Councilmember, which highlighted the current gap in consequences for expulsion.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Washington D.C.'s certificate of need (CON) requirements for healthcare facilities. It exempts digital-only telehealth platforms, primary care providers, and specialty care providers not affiliated with hospitals or medical schools from the CON process. The bill also defines "group practice," removes a 3-year limit on CON applications, requires the State Health Planning Agency to update spending thresholds every two years (instead of annually), and creates a registration process for facilities offering primary/secondary care, virtual provider networks, and telehealth platforms. These changes aim to reduce regulatory barriers for certain healthcare services while updating oversight procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain entertainment establishments - specifically those with Class C (serving spirits) or Class D (beer/wine only) alcohol licenses that operate 24 hours or are open at 3:00 am at least twice weekly - to refuse cash payments if they display clear written notice on their door or menu. It amends a 2020 law prohibiting cash refusal, addressing safety concerns raised by businesses about robbery risks. The change recognizes increased use of contactless payments (17.9 billion transactions in 2023) and aims to balance employee safety with access for cash-dependent customers. Only eligible businesses may choose this option, and the law does not require all establishments to adopt it.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0025) declares March 2025 as "Problem Gambling Awareness Month" in the District of Columbia. It recognizes problem gambling as a public health issue affecting an estimated 12,000-15,000 District residents, citing high helpline usage (5,494 contacts in 2024) and associated risks like bankruptcy or suicide. The resolution pledges Council support for prevention, intervention, and treatment efforts but does not create new laws or allocate funding. It takes effect immediately upon publication.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require all public, charter, and participating private schools in Washington, D.C., to provide free breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks to every student starting in the 2025-2026 school year, eliminating current income-based eligibility requirements. It amends the Healthy Schools Act to mandate universal access, building on the District’s existing National School Lunch Program participation. The policy change directly affects all students in participating schools, removing barriers that previously left families earning above 185% of the federal poverty line without free meals. The legislation aims to reduce food insecurity and stigma while aligning with federal eligibility rules that now lower implementation costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in Washington, D.C., can remain in their initial school feeder pattern (the typical neighborhood school path) unless that pattern lacks a program to meet their IEP needs. If a student must be moved outside their feeder pattern, schools must provide written reasons to parents and the IEP team explaining why the current location couldn't support their needs. The bill also mandates staff-to-student ratio standards for self-contained special education classrooms and requires schools to issue written notices within five days if ratios are exceeded, detailing additional resources allocated to meet student needs. It directly affects D.C. students with IEPs, their families, special education teachers, and school administrators.

Maddy summaryThis resolution disapproves a request by the District of Columbia Mayor to move nearly $6.5 million from the Department of Health's general fund to cover a budget shortfall for the Animal Services Contract. By rejecting this transfer, the Council ensures that the requested funds remain in the Department of Health's original budget category rather than being reallocated to the Environmental Health Administration. The measure effectively prevents the use of these specific local funds to address the projected deficit in animal services for the fiscal year 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain retail stores and restaurants in Washington, D.C., to refuse cash payments as a form of transaction. It specifically applies to businesses with Class C or Class D licenses and to restaurants that operate 24 hours a day or stay open until 3:00 am at least two days per week. To implement this change, affected establishments must display clear, written notices at their doors or on menus stating that cash is not accepted. The law is designed to take effect immediately for up to 90 days as an emergency measure to enhance employee safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily allows certain retail stores and restaurants in Washington, D.C., to refuse cash payments. It applies to businesses with specific on-premises licenses and restaurants that operate 24 hours a day or stay open until 3:00 am at least two days per week. To use this option, establishments must clearly display a sign at the door or on their menu stating that cash is not accepted. The law is designed to help reduce cash-related safety risks for employees and will expire 225 days after it takes effect.