Councilmember Janeese Lewis George

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily prevents electric companies from disconnecting service for non-payment during a specific period when a previously approved electricity rate plan is being reviewed by the courts. It applies to all residential and commercial electricity customers in the District of Columbia who might face disconnection while a new rate plan is being developed. The law prohibits disconnections for 15 calendar days after a court vacates an existing rate plan and orders a new one, and the protection automatically expires 90 days after a related emergency amendment takes effect. This measure aims to provide short-term stability for customers during the legal review process without changing the underlying rate plan approval system.

Maddy summaryThe DC Young Adult Corps Act of 2026 establishes a paid service program for District residents aged 17-24 who have recently earned a high school equivalency credential or meet alternative eligibility criteria set by the Department of Employment Services (DOES). It creates 9-12 month, full-time placements (30-40 hours weekly) with host organizations like schools, nonprofits, or government agencies, requiring participants to be paid at or above the District’s minimum wage with labor protections. Key provisions include structured mentorship, a one-time completion award for successful participants, program oversight by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, and a non-lapsing fund for sustainability. The bill mandates annual public reporting and independent evaluations to track outcomes in workforce development and community service.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily amends the Block Party Act of 2012 to create a specific permit process for "porchfests" in Washington, D.C. It defines a porchfest as a neighborhood music event where musicians perform on residents' private property (like porches or yards) with no fees for participants or attendees. The key change allows District residents to apply for block party permits specifically to close streets for these events. The amendment is temporary, expiring 225 days after it takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the District of Columbia's bicycle transportation laws to require the Department of Transportation to engage with the community before building protected bike lanes, cycle tracks, or other similar infrastructure projects. The key mechanism involves sending notices to residents and local groups at least 60 days before construction begins, followed by a public hearing at an accessible time and location within 30 days of the start date. Affected neighbors and organizations can submit comments, and if the design changes significantly based on feedback, a second public comment period must be held. The bill also requires the department to give significant weight to resolutions from local Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and to keep all project records available for public review.

Maddy summaryThis bill redesignates the Sharpe Health School at 4300 13th Street, NW in Ward 4 to the Elizabeth M. Goodman Health School. The change honors Elizabeth M. Goodman, a longtime educator who led the Visiting Instruction Corps and served as principal of the Health School from 1952, where she expanded services for students with disabilities and medical needs. The legislation follows a community-driven review process that included input from families, former students, and local leadership, with Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4C formally supporting the renaming. The act takes effect after approval by the Mayor and completion of a 30-day congressional review period.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Green Building Act of 2006 to exempt specific projects from net zero energy compliance requirements. It exempts temporary buildings (like trailers), small additions under 10,000 sq ft, police/fire facilities, natatoriums (indoor pool complexes), and projects with permits submitted before October 1, 2024. The bill also updates definitions in the Clean Energy DC Building Code Act to clarify these exemptions and delays full compliance until new Mayor-issued regulations take effect. These changes directly affect developers and builders of qualifying residential and nonresidential projects in Washington, D.C. The amendments are framed as an emergency measure to address implementation challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill (B 26-0532) allows District seniors aged 65+ who own their primary residence to transfer their existing property tax cap credit to a new home purchased within 12 months. It directly affects seniors moving to a new primary residence, preventing steep tax increases they currently face when selling their capped-property home. Key provisions include: (1) transferring the tax credit value percentage-for-percentage to the new home, and (2) permitting seniors to combine ownership shares across multiple family members to meet the 50% ownership requirement. This change aims to make housing transitions more affordable for seniors needing to downsize, relocate for health reasons, or move to safer, more accessible homes.

Maddy summaryThe Local News Funding Act of 2025 creates a system where District of Columbia registered voters receive five "news coupons" each to allocate online to local news outlets they support. Eligible outlets - such as newspapers, radio stations, podcasts, or digital platforms - must register with the Community Journalism Board, provide free local news, distinguish news from advertising, and disclose ownership. The program is funded by 0.1% of the District’s general fund budget (about $11.6 million annually), distributing grants based on voter allocations. The Community Journalism Board also administers the program and offers development grants for training and technical support to participating outlets.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants a 48-month extension to SOME, Inc. (the owner of 4111 Kansas Avenue NW) to meet nonprofit workforce housing certification requirements under District law. It also forgives and refunds all real property taxes assessed on that property from May 21, 2022, through the end of the 48-month extension period. The bill directly affects only this specific property and owner, providing relief from both recertification timelines and past tax liabilities. It does not create new policy or affect other properties.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0126) formally honors Donna Lorraine Wright-Miller, a longtime Washington, D.C. social worker and community advocate, for her career service with the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency and MBI Health Services, LLC, as well as her dedication to neighborhood initiatives and holistic care. The resolution recognizes her life, legacy of compassion, and contributions to D.C. communities, including her role in naming a street after her father. It has no policy impact or financial provisions - it simply commemorates her life through a formal Council resolution. The resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.