Councilmember Janeese Lewis George

Maddy summaryThe Senior Property Tax Aggregation Amendment Act of 2025 would allow seniors aged 65 or older who live in a home to combine their ownership shares with other eligible co-owners (also 65+ and living in the home) to meet the 50% ownership requirement for property tax relief. Currently, seniors with less than 50% individual ownership - such as those sharing a family home with siblings - cannot qualify for tax relief even if they meet age and income criteria, risking tax sales. The bill amends eligibility rules to permit this aggregation, preventing unnecessary foreclosures for seniors in multi-owner homes. This change aligns the District's policy with most states that focus on age, income, and residency rather than strict individual ownership percentages.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the life and legacy of Romaine B. Thomas, a distinguished educator and civic leader from Ward 5 who passed away in April 2026. The bill formally recognizes her decades of public service, including her 25-year career as a school principal and her extensive leadership roles in community organizations and senior advocacy groups. It expresses gratitude for her contributions to the District of Columbia and extends condolences to her family and the community she served.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a recognition resolution that officially celebrates the 100th anniversary of Whittier Elementary School in Washington, D.C. It honors the school's history since 1926 and acknowledges the contributions of its students, alumni, educators, and families. The resolution formally recognizes the school's academic achievements and community impact but does not create any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Raven L. Hill for her leadership as the centennial president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Omega Chapter in Washington, D.C. The bill formally recognizes her 16 years of service, during which she helped grow the chapter's membership from 500 to over 700 and managed a $1 million foundation that awarded scholarships. It also commends the Xi Omega Chapter for its ongoing impact and service to the local community. The resolution takes effect immediately and serves as an official acknowledgment of Hill's contributions to the sorority and the district.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally honors the Howard University Bison men’s and women’s basketball teams for their performance during the 2025-2026 season. It recognizes the players, coaches, and staff for their achievements, including conference championships and national tournament representation. The resolution takes effect immediately and serves as an official acknowledgment of their contributions to the District of Columbia.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Theodore Roosevelt High School boys basketball team and Head Coach Robert Nickens for their achievements and contributions to the District of Columbia. The bill formally recognizes the team's recent 2026 championship win and Coach Nickens' historic career record of 489 victories, noting the program's long history of success and its role in mentoring students. By citing the resolution as the "Theodore Roosevelt High School Boys Basketball Team Recognition Resolution of 2026," the Council acknowledges the team's impact on youth development and athletic excellence in the community.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Liz Crafford for her volunteer leadership and advocacy in protecting the District of Columbia's natural environment. The bill recognizes her work leading the Shepherd Park Weed Warriors, a community group that removes invasive plants and restores native vegetation, as well as her role in drafting legislation to establish an Office of Natural Area Conservation. It also acknowledges her advocacy for improved park maintenance and solid waste collection oversight. The resolution formally cites the measure as the "Liz Crafford Recognition Resolution of 2026" and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the District of Columbia to honor and highlight the contributions of people with developmental disabilities. The bill directly affects residents, community organizations, and government agencies by encouraging public recognition and reflection on progress and challenges related to inclusion. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to promote awareness and commitment to full community participation. The resolution takes effect immediately upon passage and is intended to foster a more inclusive environment for individuals with developmental disabilities in the District.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows residents of Washington, D.C. with nonapparent disabilities - such as developmental, intellectual, or immunodeficiency conditions - to voluntarily mark their driver's licenses or ID cards with a butterfly symbol to indicate their condition. It requires the District Department of Transportation to add this notation without charging extra fees and prohibits the department from sharing this information except in specific circumstances. The legislation also mandates that the Metropolitan Police Department train officers on how to interact appropriately with individuals who have hidden disabilities. By amending the District of Columbia Traffic Act, the bill aims to improve accessibility and dignity for approximately 77,000 residents with disabilities in the city.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to issue a $200,000 grant for a study assessing the total costs of greenhouse gas emissions in the District from 1995 to 2024. The study must analyze how emissions impacted public health, infrastructure, housing, flood safety, and other systems, and calculate both past and projected adaptation costs. It will also examine whether fossil fuel companies with significant emissions history should compensate the District for adaptation and recovery expenses. The resulting report, due within 18 months, will guide city agencies in prioritizing infrastructure projects and inform public and private sector planning for climate resilience.