Councilmember Janeese Lewis George

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily modifies energy requirements for certain construction projects in Washington, D.C. It exempts specific types of buildings from net zero energy compliance, including temporary structures (like trailers), small additions under 10,000 square feet, public safety facilities (police/fire stations), and indoor pools (natatoriums). Projects with permits submitted before October 1, 2024, also qualify for the exemption. The changes apply until the Mayor issues final regulations under the Clean Energy DC Building Code Act, providing temporary flexibility for developers of these project types.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits private short-term disability insurance providers from reducing benefits based on District of Columbia paid leave benefits, regardless of where the insurance policy was issued. It directly affects workers who receive both private short-term disability coverage and District-paid leave benefits, as well as the insurance companies providing those policies. The key provision amends two existing laws to make it illegal for insurers to offset or reduce benefits due to District benefits, applying uniformly across all jurisdictions. The amendment is temporary, expiring 225 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe School Food Waste Reduction and Composting Act of 2026 requires public schools and charter schools in Washington, D.C., to separate food waste for composting starting in January 2027. This law assigns specific duties to city agencies, such as the Department of Public Works for enforcement and the Department of General Services for providing necessary bins and signage. Additionally, the bill mandates that schools donate excess edible food where possible and requires the city to publish annual reports on compliance and donation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes hair braiding from the District of Columbia's cosmetology licensing requirements, meaning individuals who only braid hair will no longer need a state license to work. By redefining hair braiding as a practice that excludes cutting hair or using chemical dyes, the legislation excludes it from the regulatory authority of the Board of Barber and Cosmetology. The changes aim to align local laws with those of neighboring states like Virginia and Maryland, which do not require licenses for this specific service. Ultimately, the act seeks to reduce barriers for hair braiders while maintaining oversight for other cosmetology services that involve different health and safety considerations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors the life and legacy of Romaine B. Thomas, a District of Columbia resident who passed away in 2026. It formally recognizes her contributions to education, civic engagement, and advocacy for seniors and people with disabilities throughout her career. The measure does not establish new laws or funding but serves as an official acknowledgment of her service and expresses condolences to her family.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily prevents electric companies from cutting off power to customers who fail to pay their bills during a specific period after a rate plan is overturned by a court. It directly affects electricity providers and residential or commercial customers in the District of Columbia who might otherwise face service disconnection. The law defines a "remand interim period" as the time between when a court vacates an approved rate plan and when a new plan is approved, during which companies cannot disconnect service for non-payment or for 15 days after that period ends. This emergency measure is designed to protect consumers from losing essential electricity service while rate plans are being reviewed and reapproved. The act will remain in effect for no longer than 90 days after approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits landlords in Washington, D.C., from filing or proceeding with tenant evictions on any day when the National Weather Service predicts temperatures at the National Airport station will exceed 95°F (35°C) by 8 a.m. It directly affects D.C. renters and landlords by adding a new exception to eviction proceedings during extreme heat events. The key provision requires the National Weather Service's 8 a.m. forecast for the airport location to trigger the eviction pause. The amendment updates the Rental Housing Act of 1985 to include this temperature-based protection, effective after standard legislative approval processes.

Maddy summaryThe Housing with Integrity Amendment Act of 2025 targets landlords of properties with 10 or more rental units that repeatedly fail to address serious health and safety violations. It prevents the issuance of new basic business licenses to landlords owning properties where 30% or more units have unresolved Class 1 (e.g., lack of heat, electrical hazards) or Class 2 (e.g., defective plumbing) violations for 90+ days. The bill also establishes a new Tier 1 inspection category requiring twice-yearly checks for properties meeting these violation thresholds. This shifts enforcement responsibility from tenants to landlords, aiming to hold negligent owners accountable for maintaining habitable housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates D.C. labor laws to explicitly include domestic workers and home care workers under minimum wage and overtime protections. It defines home care workers as individuals providing personal care, supervision, health services, or companionship to seniors and people with disabilities in private homes. The legislation ensures these workers retain local wage standards even if federal protections are reduced, aiming to help the District maintain a stable workforce for its aging population.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares an emergency to temporarily prevent electricity disconnections for District residents while a court order is reviewed. It addresses a situation where a court vacated a rate plan that had approved significant electricity rate increases, creating financial instability for consumers. The measure aims to pause service disconnections until the Public Service Commission restores rates to their previous levels or takes other action to ensure affordability. By adopting this resolution after a single reading, the Council seeks to provide immediate relief to residents facing potential utility shutoffs during this legal transition.