Councilmember Phil Mendelson

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the District of Columbia to approve and pay for an emergency contract with American Supply Company to provide clothing, bedding, and hygiene products for inmates at the Central Detention and Central Treatment Facilities. The legislation allows for the immediate release of up to $1.2 million in funds to cover these essential supplies without going through standard procurement procedures. The act is designed to function as a temporary measure, remaining in effect for no longer than 90 days after approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily extends the expiration date for medical cannabis patient and caregiver registration cards from two years to six years in the District of Columbia. It also requires patients to surrender their cards and notify their caregivers if a doctor determines they no longer need medical cannabis, while giving the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration the power to immediately shut down unlicensed retailers. Additionally, the legislation establishes a one-week tax holiday on medical cannabis sales from April 15 to April 28, 2024, waiving the standard 6% sales tax during that period. These changes are set to expire 225 days after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily increases the District of Columbia's 2024 budget for capital construction by $515 million to fund the modernization of the downtown arena. The funds are allocated over three years, with $171.667 million designated for each of the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, and are sourced entirely from local funds. The legislation will take effect after approval by the Mayor and a 30-day congressional review period but will expire automatically 225 days after it becomes active.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Mayor of the District of Columbia to launch a short-term pilot program aimed at reducing truancy in five high-absenteeism high schools during the 2024-2025 school year. Under the program, students aged 14 to 17 who accumulate 15 unexcused absences will be referred to the Department of Human Services for support services instead of facing standard disciplinary measures. The Department of Human Services is required to produce preliminary and final reports by March and August 2025, detailing the interventions provided and analyzing how the program affected student attendance, grades, and arrest rates compared to previous years and non-participating schools. The emergency nature of the legislation limits its effect to a maximum of 90 days following approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily modifies the District of Columbia Rent Supplement Program to simplify the application process for low-income households. It requires the housing authority to stop asking about an applicant's immigration status, prior criminal arrests, convictions, or pending criminal cases. Additionally, the law allows people to self-certify their eligibility if they cannot easily provide official verification documents, and this self-certification remains valid for future renewals. These changes apply to various voucher assistance programs and will last for 225 days after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the laws governing health professions in the District of Columbia by reorganizing the structure and names of various regulatory boards. It specifically adds new oversight categories for emerging fields like medical radiation technology, behavior analysis, and psychology, while also creating a new advisory committee for medical radiation technologists. The legislation further modernizes regulations by allowing ear piercings for minors with sterile needles and permitting tattoo services for individuals aged 16 and 17 with parental consent. Additionally, it removes the requirement for dementia training certificates to be notarized and clarifies the rules for telehealth and other professional practices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially confirms Ms. Mya Price as a public member of the District of Columbia's Food Policy Council. The appointment is valid for a term ending on March 1, 2026, and follows the council's existing structure established in 2014. By passing this measure, the Council formally notifies Ms. Price and the Mayor that she has been selected to serve on the advisory body.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially approves a corrected collective bargaining agreement between the District of Columbia Public Schools and the Washington Teachers' Union. The agreement, which includes updated pay schedules and working conditions, applies retroactively to February 7, 2023. By adopting this document, the Council formalizes the terms negotiated by the Mayor and the union representatives. The resolution also directs the Council to send copies of the approved agreement to both the union and the Mayor.

Maddy summaryThis resolution confirms the appointment of Ms. Nicole Roehm to the Science Advisory Board, a group that provides expert guidance on forensic science matters in the District of Columbia. The bill officially recognizes her role as an independent forensic scientist, ensuring she is not currently employed by the District's law enforcement or forensic agencies. Her appointment is set to last until April 18, 2026, and the resolution must be sent to both the nominee and the Mayor's office once adopted. This procedural action finalizes her position within the existing framework established by the Department of Forensic Sciences Establishment Act of 2011.

Maddy summaryThis resolution confirms Mark Rollins, a criminal law attorney from Ward 7, as a member of the District of Columbia Clemency Board. The appointment is effective immediately and will last until February 10, 2027, adding him to the panel responsible for reviewing clemency petitions. By formally approving his selection, the Council completes the administrative process required for him to serve on the board established in 2018.