Councilmember Janeese Lewis George

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits private disability insurance providers in Washington, D.C., from reducing short-term disability benefits based on benefits received from the District's Universal Paid Leave program. It applies to all eligible residents who qualify for both short-term disability insurance and the District's paid leave benefits, regardless of where their insurance policy was issued or written. The law amends existing statutes to enforce this prohibition, ensuring individuals receive full benefits from both sources without double reductions. The change takes effect on May 1, 2025, as part of an emergency legislative measure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution extends a temporary law (D.C. Law 25-215) that prevents private short-term disability insurance companies from reducing benefits paid to District workers who also receive benefits from the District’s Universal Paid Leave (UPL) program. It directly affects DC workers using both UPL and private short-term disability coverage, and private insurers offering such policies. The key provision clarifies that the District’s anti-offsetting rule - prohibiting insurers from reducing private benefits based on UPL entitlement - applies to all policies regardless of where they were issued, fixing an enforcement gap that previously limited the District’s ability to act against out-of-jurisdiction insurers.

Maddy summaryThe Housing Development Growth Amendment Act of 2025 creates a new Office of Social Housing Developments in Washington, D.C., to manage District-owned housing projects. It requires all new developments to be mixed-income (with at least two-thirds of units permanently affordable for extremely, very, and low-income households, where rent never exceeds 30% of household income) and mandates net-zero emissions construction. The bill also updates existing laws to allow the District to use vacant government property for these developments, access housing trust funds for financing, and establish tenant governance structures. This directly affects D.C. residents in affordable housing, the District government (which must appoint an Office Director), and future housing developers working with city-owned properties.

Maddy summaryThe Natural Areas Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025 establishes a new program within the District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to protect and restore natural areas like parks, forests, wetlands, and shorelines owned or managed by the city. The program requires DOEE to develop a stewardship plan within 24 months, use integrated pest management to control invasive plants, and partner with community groups and the University of the District of Columbia to plant native species and manage trash. It authorizes DOEE to issue grants for community-led projects that provide training, tools, and technical assistance for invasive plant removal and low-impact recreation (such as hiking and birdwatching) in natural areas. The bill also mandates coordination with city departments like Parks and Recreation and the Metropolitan Police Department to maintain trails, combat illegal dumping, and monitor natural area conditions.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0016) declares March 2025 as "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month" in the District of Columbia. It recognizes the contributions of people with developmental disabilities to shaping public policy, advocating for change, and enriching communities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding; it is a symbolic gesture honoring their role, aligning with the 39th anniversary of advocacy efforts and the 2025 theme "We're Here All Year: Impacting Lives, Influencing Change."

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (CER 26-0003) formally honors Dr. Frazier O’Leary for his decades of service as an educator and advocate in Washington, D.C. It recognizes his 40-year career teaching at DC Public Schools (including at Cardozo High), his six years as Ward 4’s representative on the D.C. State Board of Education, his founding of the book distribution program "Mrs. O’Leary's Books4Friends," and his broader community contributions. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a symbolic tribute with no new laws, funding, or obligations. It takes effect immediately upon publication in the District of Columbia Register.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all lead service lines (pipes carrying water) in Washington, D.C. to be removed from public property, District government buildings, and private properties by January 1, 2030. DC Water must create and maintain a detailed inventory of all water service lines, achieving 99% accuracy in identifying lead pipes by 2030. Property owners can receive tax credits until 2026 to voluntarily replace lead lines on their private property. The bill also establishes job training programs at the DC Infrastructure Academy to prepare District residents for lead pipe removal work, directly supporting the 2030 cleanup goal.

Maddy summaryThis bill symbolically renames a specific section of Iowa Avenue, N.W., in Ward 4, to honor Rev. A. Knighton Stanley. The designated stretch of road runs between Arkansas Avenue, N.W., and 13th Street, N.W. Once enacted, the street will officially carry the new name "Rev. A. Knighton Stanley Way" as a commemorative designation. The legislation requires approval from the Mayor and a period of congressional review before it becomes effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates a specific stretch of North Portal Drive in Washington, D.C., as Joseph P. Yeldell Plaza. The change is symbolic and applies only to the area between 16th Street and Tamarack Street. Once approved, the street will carry this new name to honor Joseph P. Yeldell.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the required setback distance for buildings along the southern side of Fern Street NW in Square 2950 from 15 feet to 9.5 feet. The change specifically applies to several designated lots in that area, allowing structures to be built closer to the street line than previously permitted. Once enacted, property owners in these specific locations will have more space available for construction, while the rest of the city's zoning rules remain unchanged.