Councilmember Brooke Pinto

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a substantive bill) to prevent a legal gap. It declares an emergency to ensure continuity between two related laws: the temporary "Residential Tranquility Emergency Amendment Act of 2025" (expiring October 19, 2025) and the permanent "Residential Tranquility Amendment Act of 2025" (projected to take effect November 8, 2025). The resolution authorizes immediate adoption of the emergency measure without full legislative review to avoid a lapse in the existing protections regarding demonstrations and projectiles in residential zones. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily amends Washington D.C.'s probate code to streamline will validation. It allows the Register of Wills to refer contested wills to court for final determination instead of deciding alone, and removes outdated references to "will admission" in affidavit transfers. The changes apply only to estates where the decedent died on or after March 21, 2025, and expire 225 days after implementation. These provisions directly affect estate administrators, courts, and individuals handling probate matters in the District.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Safe Passage ambassadors - community workers supporting students traveling to school - to complete monthly training in de-escalation, conflict resolution, cultural competency, and recognizing signs of abuse or neglect. It also mandates bi-annual meetings between ambassadors and school administrators to coordinate support for students’ needs. The training focuses on practical interaction guidance (not diagnosis) for students with neurodivergence, special needs, or diverse backgrounds. The bill directly affects ambassadors, schools, and students in 12 designated "priority areas" across Washington, D.C., aiming to improve safety and engagement during school commutes.

Maddy summaryThe "Disconnect Act of 2025" requires District of Columbia public schools to adopt a policy banning students from using personal wireless devices (such as cell phones, smartwatches, and gaming devices) during the school day. Exceptions include using devices for educational purposes with teacher permission, during health emergencies, or as part of a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The policy must provide secure device storage and ensure violations do not result in classroom removal. It aims to reduce distractions and support learning, citing low academic performance in recent district assessments.

Maddy summaryThis resolution clarifies that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in the District of Columbia has the authority to create rules governing its use of volunteers under the Volunteers Services Act of 1977. It directly affects the OAG, which currently relies on volunteer attorneys, interns, and other staff for legal, research, and community services. The resolution addresses a legal gap where the 1977 law did not explicitly authorize the independently elected Attorney General to establish separate volunteer regulations, despite OAG’s long-standing use of volunteers since 1982. The Council declares an emergency to prevent operational disruptions to OAG’s programs, which depend on volunteer support for litigation, policy work, and constituent services.

Maddy summaryThis emergency bill amends the 1977 Volunteers Services Act to clarify that the Attorney General for the District of Columbia can create rules governing volunteer services within their office. It updates the law by adding the Attorney General to the list of entities authorized to set such regulations (previously only the Board of Education was mentioned). The change removes ambiguity about the Attorney General's authority without altering existing volunteer programs. As an emergency measure, it takes effect immediately and remains in force for up to 90 days.

Maddy summaryThis temporary bill requires the District of Columbia Department of Corrections to provide special education services under federal and local law to youth aged 18 and older with disabilities who are held in secure correctional facilities. It mandates these services during the 2024-2025 school year, covering all eligible individuals until their special education eligibility ends under federal and District law. The requirement applies specifically to those detained in secure facilities, not general custody. The bill expires 225 days after implementation.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0069) formally recognizes Gladys Williams, a 100-year-old Shaw neighborhood resident and longtime District of Columbia citizen, on her 100th birthday. It honors her 95 years of residency in DC, her 40+ year nursing career at Freedmen’s Hospital and Jefferson Memorial Hospital, her participation in the March on Washington, and her lifelong community service. The resolution has no legal effect - it simply celebrates her personal achievements and legacy through official council recognition. It takes effect immediately upon publication in the District of Columbia Register.

Maddy summaryThis emergency bill streamlines Washington D.C.'s abbreviated probate process for estates where the decedent died on or after March 21, 2025. It clarifies that "abbreviated probate" (a simplified process for small estates) allows the Register of Wills to appoint estate administrators without full court oversight, and permits will validation based on witness recitals or verified statements instead of requiring formal execution proof. The bill removes outdated references to "will admission" in affidavit transfers and ensures the 2024 Strengthening Probate Act applies only to estates meeting the new date threshold. It directly affects individuals handling probate matters for smaller estates in D.C.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits using sound amplifying devices for demonstrations near residences between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. in residential zones, and bans throwing objects onto residential property with intent to cause fear or harassment. It defines "sound amplifying device" (excluding car audio systems) and allows law enforcement to seize unattended devices violating these rules. The law amends the 2010 Residential Tranquility Act and includes a 90-day emergency effective period. It directly affects demonstrators, neighbors, and law enforcement in residential areas.