Councilmember Brianne Nadeau

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the property tax abatement for the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Mason and Order of the Eastern Star Charitable Educational Foundation, ensuring the tax break at 1000 U Street NW remains in effect by updating the organization's name and correcting the specific tax lots involved. It also mandates refunds for any property tax payments, penalties, or interest made for the 2023 and 2024 tax years related to this location. Additionally, the legislation grants the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development the authority to provide limited funding to the foundation or its commercial tenants to help activate the building's ground floor and adjacent plaza in line with existing cultural development plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in the District of Columbia to issue a grant to the African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation, Inc. The funding is intended to support the redevelopment of the African American Civil War Museum located at 1925 Vermont Avenue, N.W. The act specifically allows this grant to be made during Fiscal Years 2024 or 2025, overriding standard administrative rules that would otherwise restrict such emergency funding. The legislation is designed to remain in effect for no longer than 90 days after approval, following the standard procedure for emergency acts in the District.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal guardianship option for unmarried noncitizens between the ages of 18 and 21 in the District of Columbia. It allows these young adults to appoint a guardian when reunification with their parents is not possible due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar circumstances, and when returning them to their home country is not in their best interest. The law establishes a specific process for filing petitions, holding court hearings, and defining the rights and responsibilities of the appointed guardian. Additionally, the bill permits serving legal notices for these appointments through publication rather than requiring personal service in certain situations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution grants the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development emergency authority to issue a grant to the African American Civil War Museum. The funding is intended to cover renovations and close a financial gap that prevents the museum from completing its facility expansion at the former Grimke School site. By allowing the bill to pass after a single reading, the measure accelerates support for the museum, which annually serves over 200,000 visitors by preserving artifacts and educating the public about Black soldiers in the Civil War.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Fernando Lemos, a longtime D.C. resident originally from Paraguay, for his extensive contributions to affordable housing and community development. The bill recognizes his leadership in co-founding Mi Casa, Inc., which has created over 3,000 affordable housing units and developed nearly 30 percent of the District's limited equity cooperatives. It also acknowledges his past role as Commissioner of the District of Columbia Housing Authority and his continued service on various community boards. The resolution formally cites the measure as the "Fernando Lemos Recognition Resolution of 2024" and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Meridian Public Charter School on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. It formally acknowledges the school's history since its founding in 1999 and its growth from serving 100 students to over 600 across two campuses. The document highlights the school's commitment to diversity, community partnerships, and academic excellence without enacting any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption in Washington, D.C., to include surviving spouses and domestic partners of veterans. By amending the relevant code, it allows these family members to claim the property tax relief if the veteran was receiving benefits before passing away or would have qualified for them. The change also updates the legal definition of who is considered an eligible recipient to ensure the exemption can be applied to these households. Effective from October 1, 2022, the legislation ensures that the financial support intended for veterans extends to their families after their death.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates District of Columbia laws to ensure that motorcycles and motor-driven cycles are treated as standard motor vehicles for registration and consumer protection purposes. It requires dealers to inform buyers in writing about the specific registration rules needed to operate these vehicles legally. Additionally, the law makes it illegal for rental companies to rent out motorcycles or motor-driven cycles that are not properly registered or that have been altered with false identification details. Finally, the bill removes previous exemptions, mandating that all rental fleets must register their motorcycles and motor-driven cycles with the city.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent, independent Tax and Revenue Commission to advise the District of Columbia on tax code revisions and other revenue sources. The Commission will focus on making the tax system fairer, simpler, and more transparent while encouraging economic growth and analyzing the impact of various fees. Its director will be appointed by the Council, and the body will include an advisory group with experts in taxation, community representatives, and business leaders to review its proposals.

Maddy summaryThe Utility Disconnection Protection Act of 2024 prohibits electric and gas companies in the District of Columbia from cutting off service to specific households during the summer and winter months. Protected households include those with children under 18, seniors aged 65 and older, individuals with disabilities, and recipients of certain public assistance programs. The bill requires these companies to offer payment plans to eligible customers and limits reconnection fees to a maximum of $25. Additionally, utility providers must report data on unpaid bills and disconnections to the Public Service Commission on a monthly basis instead of quarterly.