This Report was Prepared by American Management Corporation

Committee of the Whole & Additional Legislative Meeting

Good afternoon,

On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, the DC Council convened its first Committee of the Whole and additional Legislative meeting upon their return from summer recess. The Council considered a number of emergency measures, ceremonial resolutions, and contracts in addition to first and final readings of legislation under Council review.

Introductions from the Dias
The next four months are particularly important for the Council because they’re the final ones of this two-year council period which concludes at noon on January 2, 2019. Any introduced legislative items that are not approved by the last day of the council period, essentially “die” due to lack of action, and must be re-introduced in the new Council Period.

In addition to their already robust legislative schedule, Councilmembers began the fall legislative session introducing several new measures. The Mayor also introduced several measures that are also listed below. These measures, like all the others will be subject to public hearings and two Council votes prior the end of the Council period. Otherwise, they will have to be reintroduced in the next council period.

Councilmember Jack Evans

B22-0944 - Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018

As introduced, the bill will legalize sports betting in the District while also creating strong regulatory structures that ensure consumer confidence. A portion of the revenue generated from sports betting may go to partially fund the recently passed “Birth-to-three for All DC Act” which promotes early childhood wellness programs.

Co-Introducers: Cheh, Gray, Todd, R. White, Bonds
Co-Sponsors:
Committee-Referral: Committee on Finance and Revenue with comments from the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety

Councilmember Mary Cheh

B22-0946 - Safe Fields and Playgrounds Act of 2018

As introduced, the bill requires the DC Department of General Services to publish a master list of public recreational spaces in the District, to require the Mayor to transmit to the Council a study on the safety of turf fields, to prohibit the use of those synthetic materials that fail to adhere to certain health and safety standards.

Co-Introducers: McDuffie, Nadeau, Evans, Bonds, R. White
Co-Sponsors: Silverman, Grosso, T. White
Committee-Referral: Committee on Transportation and the Environment

B22-0945 - Preschool to Postgraduate Outcomes Amendment Act of 2018

As introduced, the bill will amend the Raising the Expectation for Education Outcomes Omnibus Act of 2012 to establish a permanent warning and support system, to expand the grade range covered by the system to grades 1-11.

Co-Introducers: Allen, R. White
Co-Sponsors:
Committee-Referral: Committee on Education

B22-0947 - Office of the State Superintendent of Education Amendment Act of 2018

As introduced, the bill would give the elected State Board of Education (a nine member panel) the authority over the DC Superintendent. The State Board would also have authority to appoint any new superintendent of education. The bill would also require the superintendent’s office to verify data the D.C. school system releases and investigate inaccurate or misleading numbers.

Co-Introducers: R. White
Co-Sponsors: Bonds
Committee-Referral: Committee on Education

Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie

B22-0948 - Small Business Bonding Program Establishment Amendment Act of 2018

As introduced, the bill would assist eligible business owners to qualify for bonding through training, and create a small business bonding program within the Department of Small and Local Business Development.

Co-Introducers: T. White, Nadeau, Bonds, Allen, Todd, Cheh
Co-Sponsors: Grosso, Evans. Gray
Committee-Referral: Business and Economic Development

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