Councilmember Phil Mendelson

Maddy summaryThis bill requests federal funding for the District of Columbia's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, submitted by Mayor Muriel Bowser to the DC Council. The proposed budget aims to address economic challenges such as reduced federal employment and slower population growth while supporting key city services. Key provisions include increasing per-student education funding, maintaining public safety resources, reducing business fees, and expanding healthcare benefits for residents. The legislation seeks to allocate funds for school modernization, public safety equipment upgrades, and programs assisting low-income families and seniors.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act of 2026, proposes a budget plan for the District of Columbia government for the upcoming fiscal year. It directly affects city residents, public schools, police and fire departments, small businesses, and healthcare recipients by allocating funds to support their services. Key provisions include increasing per-student funding for public schools, providing resources to hire and equip public safety officers, reducing business fees, and expanding healthcare benefits for low-income residents. The budget aims to address economic challenges like slower growth and federal job losses while maintaining core city services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Council of the District of Columbia to confirm the reappointment of Emile Thompson as a member and Chairperson of the Public Service Commission. The resolution establishes his term of service to end on June 30, 2030, following his nomination by Mayor Muriel Bowser. Upon passage, the Council must transmit a copy of the resolution to the nominee and the Mayor's office to complete the appointment process.

Maddy summaryThe 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.

Maddy summaryThe Student Health Care Amendment Act of 2026 updates health requirements for students in public, charter, private, and independent schools in the District of Columbia. It mandates that parents and guardians annually submit standardized forms for physical and oral health, which must include blood lead level testing for specific age groups. The bill also transfers responsibility for managing student access to emergency epinephrine from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to the Department of Health and designates the Maryland Poison Center as the District's official poison control center. Additionally, the legislation dissolves the existing Perinatal and Infant Health Advisory Committee to align with new organizational structures. These changes aim to streamline health documentation and clarify administrative roles within the school health program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing D.C. law to protect healthcare providers and their employers from civil lawsuits related to injuries caused by administering vaccines that are legally required or recommended by public health authorities. The protection covers licensed professionals who prescribe, dispense, or administer vaccines following official guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the D.C. Department of Health, but it does not shield providers who act with willful misconduct or gross negligence. The legislation applies to vaccines and immunizing agents authorized by District law or recommended by recognized medical and public health organizations designated by the Department of Health. This change aims to ensure healthcare providers can continue offering vaccines without fear of liability for adverse reactions, while maintaining accountability for intentional or severely negligent actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes an emergency contract with JJ Prime Services, LLC to provide snow removal equipment and operators in response to a severe winter storm. The legislation approves a payment of up to $1,511,658.90 for services rendered between January 29 and February 13, 2026, bypassing standard competitive bidding rules due to the urgent need for immediate mobilization. The contract is limited to a 90-day emergency period and covers fixed fees based on labor hours for clearing snow and ice from designated city sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes an emergency contract with Strittmatter Metro, LLC to provide snow removal equipment, operators, and services for the District of Columbia between January 27 and February 3, 2026. The legislation approves a payment of up to $3.2 million for these goods and services, bypassing standard procurement rules to allow for immediate action during a winter emergency. The contract covers the clearing of primary and secondary roadways, bridges, and critical access routes, with the selected vendor chosen for its ability to start work right away. The act remains in effect for no longer than 90 days after approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Language Access Act of 2004 to grant the Mayor of Washington, D.C. the authority to issue rules that help agencies implement the law's requirements for language access. The legislation allows the Mayor to create regulations ensuring that government services are accessible to residents with limited English proficiency, such as by mandating translation services for documents used by at least 3% of the population served. The bill is an emergency measure that will remain in effect for no longer than 90 days after the Mayor approves it. The Office of Human Rights will continue to oversee compliance, but this change specifically empowers the Mayor to define how agencies must meet their legal obligations regarding language assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the District of Columbia Council to approve and pay for an emergency contract with Fort Myer Construction Corporation valued at approximately $8.8 million. The agreement covers the immediate removal of heavy snow and ice from roads, bridges, and critical access routes within the District during January and February 2026. By invoking emergency procedures, the legislation allows the District to bypass standard procurement timelines to ensure rapid response to winter weather conditions. The funds are designated specifically for the provision of heavy equipment, management, personnel, and transportation services required to clear primary and secondary roadways.