Councilmember Janeese Lewis George

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares an emergency to temporarily amend the Block Party Act for the 2025 PorchFest events. It clarifies that individual residents hosting musical performances on their porches as part of neighborhood PorchFest gatherings (like Petworth and Adams Morgan) qualify for standard block party permits - not costly special event permits. The resolution prevents permit denials for these volunteer-led events, ensuring they can proceed this spring without complex or expensive applications. It’s a temporary measure until permanent legislative changes are finalized.

Maddy summaryThe Shine Safely Act of 2025 (B 26-0361) bans the sale and distribution of mercury-containing compact fluorescent and linear fluorescent lamps in the District of Columbia starting in 2027 for screw/bayonet types and 2028 for pin-base types. It directly affects retailers, manufacturers, and consumers purchasing these lamps, requiring a transition to safer LED alternatives. The bill includes exemptions for specialized lamps used in medical imaging, disinfection, ozone generation, and other specific applications. This phaseout aims to reduce mercury exposure risks to public health, workers, and the environment while promoting energy-efficient lighting.

Maddy summaryB 26-0179, the Paper Alleys Planning Amendment Act of 2025, requires the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) to create a detailed improvement plan for all unpaved or partially paved alleys ("paper alleys") by March 15, 2026. The plan must include a public map of all such alleys, methods for inspecting and costing repairs, community engagement processes with adjacent residents and neighborhood commissions, and cost estimates for full repairs versus community-supported improvements. It prioritizes low-income neighborhoods and high-usage alleys for initial work. This bill directly affects DDOT, residents living near alleys, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions by mandating community-informed planning before any alley improvements.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0102) designates a specific segment of Iowa Avenue N.W. (between Arkansas Avenue N.W. and 13th Street N.W. in Ward 4) as "Rev. A. Knighton Stanley Way." It honors Reverend Dr. A. Knighton Stanley's 40-year legacy as pastor of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C., recognizing his civil rights leadership, community service, and role as a cultural hub for the Petworth neighborhood. The resolution serves solely to memorialize his contributions through street naming and takes effect immediately upon publication.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0080) honors Al-Malik Farrakhan and his organization, Cease Fire… Don’t Smoke The Brothers & Sisters, Inc., for 30 years of service to the District of Columbia. It recognizes the organization’s founding in 1993 and its work addressing gang violence, supporting ex-prisoners, and advocating for criminal justice reform - including organizing truces between rival gangs, registering over 4,000 new voters from correctional facilities, and opposing harsh sentencing laws. The resolution has no binding effect; it is purely symbolic recognition of their community impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill symbolically designates Iowa Avenue, N.W., between Arkansas Avenue, N.W., and 13th Street, N.W., in Ward 4, as "Rev. A. Knighton Stanley Way." It directly affects the geographic area where this street segment is located in Washington, D.C. The bill honors Rev. A. Knighton Stanley through this street name designation and follows standard procedural requirements for such symbolic designations under D.C. law. It does not create new policies, obligations, or funding.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0072) formally honors Dr. David W. Schwartzman, a Howard University professor and longtime advocate for climate justice, D.C. Statehood, and economic equity. It recognizes his contributions to affordable housing, childcare access, the DC Earned Income Tax Credit, and environmental policy through his work as a scientist, educator, and activist. The resolution memorializes his legacy without creating new laws or affecting residents' rights. It is a non-binding tribute to his decades of service to the District of Columbia community.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0067) commemorates the life and community service of Carroll "Skeezy" Rayburg Payne, a longtime Washingtonian activist, educator, and mentor. It recognizes his decades of work in education, housing advocacy, youth development, and cultural leadership across DC. The resolution formally honors his legacy and urges residents to celebrate his contributions. As a symbolic tribute with no legal effect, it takes immediate effect upon publication in the District of Columbia Register.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily prohibits private short-term disability insurance providers in Washington, D.C., from reducing an individual's benefits based on actual or estimated paid leave benefits received from the District's Universal Paid Leave program. It amends two existing laws to ensure insurers cannot offset or reduce benefits due to District paid leave, regardless of where the insurance policy was issued or written. The prohibition applies to eligible District residents using both private disability insurance and the Universal Paid Leave program, taking effect on May 1, 2025, for a 225-day period.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the District of Columbia's Universal Paid Leave Act to expand eligibility for paid leave benefits. It allows workers who are unemployed (and not receiving unemployment benefits) to qualify for leave, which previously required current employment. The change specifically adds this new eligibility category to the law's requirements and clarifies that individuals receiving unemployment benefits cannot also claim paid leave for the same period. This directly affects District workers between jobs who are not on unemployment insurance but need leave for qualifying events like childbirth or medical care.