Councilmember Brianne Nadeau

Maddy summaryThis bill symbolically designates the 3000 block of Veazey Terrace, N.W., in Ward 3 as "Girl Scouts’ Way" to honor the Girl Scouts organization. It does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it is a ceremonial street naming under existing District law. The bill directly affects the specific geographic location by changing its official street name designation. No other groups or policies are impacted, as this is purely a symbolic recognition with no fiscal or regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill reforms Washington D.C.'s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), which gives tenants the right to buy their building during a sale. It directly affects tenants in existing rental buildings, building owners, and new developers. Key changes include exempting new apartment buildings from TOPA for three years after construction, creating certification requirements for tenant support organizations and qualified buyers, clarifying sale notice procedures, and establishing a public transparency portal for TOPA transactions. These updates aim to streamline the process while preserving tenants' purchase rights and addressing concerns about delays.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0036) declares April 24, 2025, as Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Ha'Shoah) in the District of Columbia. It formally recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust, condemns the persecution of six million Jews and other targeted groups, and affirms the District's commitment to combating hatred and promoting human dignity. The resolution has no binding legal effect but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment for community remembrance events. It directly affects the District government by establishing an official date for commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands traffic enforcement authority for delivery vehicles in Washington, D.C. It defines "carrier-for-hire" as networks delivering parcels, food, or beverages for compensation (e.g., food delivery drivers), directly affecting these delivery services. Key provisions update the Department of For-Hire Vehicles Act to allow traffic stops for these vehicles during deliveries, require officer training on carrier-for-hire rules, and grant the department new authority to create traffic enforcement rules for them. The changes apply immediately as an emergency measure but expire after 90 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $50,000 minimum payment for individuals providing information leading to a homicide conviction in Washington, D.C., directly affecting witnesses in murder cases. It requires the Mayor to advertise available witness assistance resources and creates a new Witness Protection and Assistance Program to support witnesses through security, relocation, and wellbeing services during investigations and trials. The bill also mandates the Comprehensive Homicide Elimination Strategy Task Force to submit a detailed report by December 2025 on current witness protection programs, including safety protocols, available support services, and recommendations for improvement. These changes aim to strengthen witness cooperation in homicide investigations while ensuring clear accountability and resource transparency.

Maddy summaryThis resolution reauthorizes a District of Columbia Council committee investigation into Empower (Yazam, Inc.), a ride-hailing app operating without proper authorization in the District. It specifically allows the Public Works & Operations Committee to use subpoenas to investigate Empower’s violations of for-hire vehicle laws, including unpaid fines, safety risks (like reported stalking and impaired driving), and lack of insurance coverage. The investigation will assess impacts on riders, drivers, and the industry, and determine if new laws are needed for rider protection. The committee aims to uncover how many safety incidents occurred and whether drivers with violations remain active on the platform. This action directly affects Empower, District residents using the service, and the Department of For-Hire Vehicles’ enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution extends the temporary authority of the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) to enforce traffic laws against delivery vehicles ("carriers-for-hire") until the permanent "Carrier-for-Hire Oversight and Enforcement Act of 2024" takes effect. It prevents a gap in enforcement after the current temporary law (D.C. Law 25-205) expires on April 17, 2025, while awaiting implementation of the permanent law (set for October 1, 2025). The resolution directly affects DFHV’s ability to issue traffic citations to delivery operators, which they have done 1,297 times in FY2024. It is a procedural measure, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution recognizes Neighbors’ Consejo’s 30th anniversary (founded 1994) for providing free, culturally appropriate mental health and community support services to vulnerable residents in Washington, D.C., particularly Latino migrants and African American neighbors. It highlights the organization’s work since 1994, including its 2023 award for advancing minority health and current service locations in northwest and southeast D.C. The resolution has no binding effect - it solely honors the organization’s contributions and is effective upon publication in the District of Columbia Register.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an "Arts Liaison" position within the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to improve arts education in DC Public Schools (DCPS) and DC Public Charter Schools (DCPCS). The liaison would develop updated arts standards, strengthen curricula, serve as the main contact for schools, support teacher professional development, and connect schools with arts organizations. It directly affects all DCPS and DCPCS schools by addressing current inequities in arts access and outdated standards (last updated in 2008). The bill standardizes support for arts education across all schools rather than creating new funding or programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "ERASE Solitary Confinement Act of 2025," prohibits segregated confinement (solitary confinement) in District of Columbia jails and strictly limits the use of "safe cells" for non-emergency situations. It requires the Department of Corrections to ensure incarcerated people with mental health emergencies receive appropriate healthcare, defined as timely, respectful care meeting professional standards, and mandates the Department to create a plan to eliminate segregated confinement while reporting on its impacts. The law directly affects all people held in DC jails, particularly those with mental health needs who would previously be placed in solitary or restricted cells. Key mechanisms include banning disciplinary housing for punishment, guaranteeing minimum out-of-cell time (8 hours daily), and establishing clear healthcare rights for incarcerated individuals.