District Of Columbia 2025-2026 Regular Session

District Of Columbia Council Bill PR26-0001 Compare Versions

The same version is selected twice. Please select two different versions to compare.

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New	Differences
1	1	_____________________________ 1
2	2	Chairman Phil Mendelson 2
3	3	3
4	4	4
5	5	5
6	6	A RESOLUTION 6
7	7	7
8	8	_________ 8
9	9	9
10	10	10
11	11	IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 11
12	12	12
13	13	__________________ 13
14	14	14
15	15	15
16	16	To provide rules of organization and procedure for the Council of the District of Columbia, a 16
17	17	Code of Official Conduct for the Council of the District of Columbia, and a Sexual 17
18	18	Harassment Policy for the Council of the District of Columbia during Council Period 26. 18
19	19	19
20	20	RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 20
21	21	resolution may be cited as the “Rules of Organization and Procedure for the Council of the 21
22	22	District of Columbia, Council Period 26, Resolution of 2025”. 22
23	23	Sec. 2. The document entitled “Rules of Organization and Procedure for the Council of 23
24	24	the District of Columbia, Council Period 26,” attached and made a part of this resolution, shall 24
25	25	be the rules of the Council of the District of Columbia. 25
26	26	Sec. 3. The document entitled “Council of the District of Columbia, Code of Official 26
27	27	Conduct, Council Period 26,” attached and made a part of this resolution shall be the Code of 27
28	28	Official Conduct of the Council of the District of Columbia. 28
29	29	Sec. 4. The document entitled “Sexual Harassment Policy” attached and made a part of 29
30	30	this resolution shall be the Sexual Harassment Policy of the Council of the District of Columbia. 30
31	31	Sec. 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 31
32	32
33	33
34	34
35	35
36	36
37	37	RULES OF ORGANIZATION AND
38	38	PROCEDURE FOR THE COUNCIL OF
39	39	THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
40	40
41	41
42	42
43	43	COUNCIL PERIOD 26
44	44	TABLE OF CONTENTS
45	45
46	46	ARTICLE I—DEFINITIONS. .................................................................................................... 9
47	47	101. DEFINITIONS. ................................................................................................................... 9
48	48	ARTICLE II—ORGANIZATION. ........................................................................................... 13
49	49	A. OATH OF OFFICE AND OFFICIAL CONDUCT. ............................................................ 13
50	50	201. OATH OF OFFICE. ......................................................................................................... 13
51	51	202. CODE OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT AND COUNCIL POLICIES. .................................. 13 COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
52	52
53	53	2
54	54
55	55	B. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL. ................................................................. 14
56	56	211. CHAIRMAN. .................................................................................................................... 14
57	57	212. CHAIRMAN PRO TEMPORE. ....................................................................................... 14
58	58	213. VACANCY IN OFFICE OF CHAIRMAN. ..................................................................... 15
59	59	C. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP. .......................................................................................... 15
60	60	221. SELECTION. .................................................................................................................... 15
61	61	222. CHAIRMAN AS EX OFFICIO MEMBER. .................................................................... 15
62	62	223. VACANCIES. ................................................................................................................... 15
63	63	224. DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY. ...................................................................... 15
64	64	225. PARTICIPATION OF MEMBERS IN COMMITTEE MEETINGS. ............................. 15
65	65	226. RULES OF COMMITTEES. ............................................................................................ 16
66	66	227. COMMITTEE-ACTIVITY REPORT. ............................................................................. 17
67	67	D. STANDING COMMITTEES. ............................................................................................. 17
68	68	231. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. ................................................................................... 17
69	69	232. COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. ......................... 19
70	70	233. COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION AND LABOR. ........................ 20
71	71	234. COMMITTEE ON FACILITIES. ..................................................................................... 21
72	72	235. COMMITTEE ON HEALTH. .......................................................................................... 22
73	73	236. COMMITTEE ON HOUSING. ........................................................................................ 22
74	74	237. COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES. ....................................................................... 23
75	75	238. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY AND PUBLIC SAFETY. ................................... 23
76	76	239. COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND OPERATIONS. ......................................... 24
77	77	240. COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT. ..................... 25
78	78	241. COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AFFAIRS. .......................................................................... 26
79	79	E. CREATION OF SUBCOMMITTEES. ................................................................................ 26
80	80	245. SUBCOMMITTEES. ........................................................................................................ 26
81	81	F. SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL PROJECTS. ................................................... 26
82	82	251. SPECIAL COMMITTEES. .............................................................................................. 26
83	83	252. SPECIAL PROJECTS. ..................................................................................................... 27
84	84	G. APPOINTED OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL. ................................................................. 27
85	85	261. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. ................................................................................... 27 COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
86	86
87	87	3
88	88
89	89	262. SECRETARY. .................................................................................................................. 27
90	90	263. GENERAL COUNSEL. ................................................................................................... 28
91	91	264. BUDGET DIRECTOR. .................................................................................................... 29
92	92	H. COUNCIL PERSONNEL AND APPOINTMENTS. .......................................................... 29
93	93	271. SUBORDINATE STAFF OF APPOINTED OFFICERS. ............................................... 29
94	94	272. COMMITTEE STAFF. ..................................................................................................... 29
95	95	273. COUNCILMEMBERS’ PERSONAL STAFF. ................................................................ 29
96	96	274. SEPARATION PAY AND BUDGET ACCOUNTING. ................................................. 30
97	97	275. COUNCIL APPOINTMENT TO OTHER BODIES. ...................................................... 30
98	98	276. APPOINTMENT BY COMMITTEES AND MEMBERS. ............................................. 30
99	99	277. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENTS. ............................................. 31
100	100	I. COMPUTING TIME, CIRCULATION, AND FILING REQUIREMENTS. ...................... 31
101	101	281. COMPUTING TIME. ....................................................................................................... 31
102	102	282. FILING WITH THE SECRETARY. ................................................................................ 32
103	103	283. CIRCULATION TO MEMBERS AND COMMITTEES. ............................................... 33
104	104	ARTICLE III—PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS. .............................................................. 33
105	105	A. LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS. .............................................................................................. 33
106	106	301. ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING. ................................................................................... 33
107	107	302. REGULAR MEETINGS. ................................................................................................. 33
108	108	303. ADDITIONAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS. ................................................................. 34
109	109	304. QUORUM. ........................................................................................................................ 34
110	110	305. HEARING THE MAYOR. ............................................................................................... 35
111	111	306. RECESS. ........................................................................................................................... 35
112	112	307. COUNCIL REVIEW OF CONTRACTS. ........................................................................ 36
113	113	308. POLICY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSES. ..................................................... 36
114	114	309. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENTS. ................................................................................. 37
115	115	310. LEGAL SUFFICIENCY DETERMINATIONS. ............................................................. 38
116	116	311. RACIAL EQUITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS. .............................................................. 39
117	117	312. PRESENTATION OF LEGISLATION TO THE COUNCIL. ......................................... 41
118	118	313. [RESERVED]. .................................................................................................................. 41
119	119	314. EXPEDITED OPTIONAL PROCEDURE FOR REVENUE BONDS AND REVIEW
120	120	RESOLUTIONS. ...................................................................................................................... 41
121	121	B. ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR MEETINGS. ....................................................................... 42 COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
122	122
123	123	4
124	124
125	125	315. ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR REGULAR MEETINGS. ................................................ 42
126	126	316. ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR ADDITIONAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS. ............... 43
127	127	317. PROCEEDING OUT OF ORDER. .................................................................................. 43
128	128	C. RULES OF DECORUM. ..................................................................................................... 43
129	129	321. DECORUM OF MEMBERS. ........................................................................................... 43
130	130	322. DECORUM OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. ............................................................. 44
131	131	D. RULES OF DEBATE. ......................................................................................................... 45
132	132	331. OBTAINING THE FLOOR. ............................................................................................ 45
133	133	332. TIME LIMITS FOR DEBATE. ........................................................................................ 45
134	134	333. PERSONAL PRIVILEGE. ............................................................................................... 45
135	135	334. APPEAL. .......................................................................................................................... 45
136	136	335. POINT OF ORDER. ......................................................................................................... 45
137	137	336. PARLIMENTARY INQUIRY. ........................................................................................ 46
138	138	337. RECOGNITION OF NON-MEMBERS. ......................................................................... 46
139	139	E. MOTIONS. ........................................................................................................................... 46
140	140	341. MOTIONS RECOGNIZED DURING DEBATE. ........................................................... 46
141	141	342. WITHDRAWAL OR MODIFICATION OF MOTIONS. ............................................... 47
142	142	343. ADJOURN. ....................................................................................................................... 47
143	143	344. RECESS. ........................................................................................................................... 47
144	144	345. RECONSIDER. ................................................................................................................ 47
145	145	346. LAY ON THE TABLE. .................................................................................................... 48
146	146	347. MOTION TO MOVE THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. .................................................... 49
147	147	348. MOTION TO CLOSE DEBATE. ..................................................................................... 49
148	148	349. POSTPONE TO A CERTAIN TIME. .............................................................................. 49
149	149	350. RECOMMIT. .................................................................................................................... 49
150	150	351. AMEND. ........................................................................................................................... 50
151	151	352. POSTPONE INDEFINITELY. ......................................................................................... 50
152	152	353. DISCHARGE. ................................................................................................................... 50
153	153	354. TAKE FROM THE TABLE. ............................................................................................ 50
154	154	F. AMENDMENTS. ................................................................................................................. 51
155	155	355. AMENDMENTS TO BE WRITTEN. .............................................................................. 51
156	156	356. GERMANE AMENDMENTS. ......................................................................................... 51
157	157	357. FRIENDLY AMENDMENTS. ......................................................................................... 52 COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
158	158
159	159	5
160	160
161	161	358. AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE. ............................................. 52
162	162	G. VOTING. ............................................................................................................................. 52
163	163	361. FORM OF VOTE. ............................................................................................................ 52
164	164	362. VOICE VOTES. ............................................................................................................... 53
165	165	363. DEMAND FOR ROLL-CALL VOTE. ............................................................................ 53
166	166	364. CALLING THE ROLL. .................................................................................................... 53
167	167	365. RECORDS OF VOTES. ................................................................................................... 53
168	168	366. TAX ABATEMENT FINANCIAL ANALYSIS (TAFA) ............................................... 53
169	169	367. PROXY VOTING PROHIBITED. ................................................................................... 54
170	170	368. SUMMONS OF MEMBERS. ........................................................................................... 54
171	171	H. OPEN MEETINGS. ............................................................................................................. 54
172	172	371. OPEN MEETINGS, GENERALLY. ................................................................................ 54
173	173	372. MEETINGS DEEMED OPEN. ........................................................................................ 55
174	174	373. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. ................................................................................................ 55
175	175	374. RECORD OF MEETINGS. .............................................................................................. 56
176	176	375. EXCEPTIONS TO OPEN MEETINGS. .......................................................................... 57
177	177	376. CLOSED MEETINGS ...................................................................................................... 58
178	178
179	179	ARTICLE IV—LEGISLATION. .............................................................................................. 59
180	180	A. INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION. ............................................................................. 59
181	181	401. WHO MAY INTRODUCE. .............................................................................................. 59
182	182	402. MANNER OF INTRODUCTION. ................................................................................... 60
183	183	403. READING INTRODUCTIONS. ...................................................................................... 60
184	184	404. COMMITTEE REFERRAL. ............................................................................................ 61
185	185	405. COMMENTS BY EXECUTIVE. ..................................................................................... 61
186	186	406. WITHDRAWAL OF LEGISLATION. ............................................................................ 61
187	187	407. COMMITTEE APPROVAL ............................................................................................. 62
188	188	B. COUNCIL APPROVAL. ..................................................................................................... 62
189	189	411. CONSENT AGENDA. ..................................................................................................... 62
190	190	412. EMERGENCY LEGISLATION. ..................................................................................... 63
191	191	413. TEMPORARY LEGISLATION. ...................................................................................... 64
192	192	414. TECHNICAL-AMENDMENT LEGISLATION. ............................................................ 64
193	193	415. ENACTMENT LEGISLATION. ...................................................................................... 64 COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
194	194
195	195	6
196	196
197	197	416. VETOED LEGISLATION. .............................................................................................. 65
198	198	417. TRANSMISSION OF ACTS. ........................................................................................... 65
199	199	418. EFFECT OF END OF COUNCIL PERIOD. ................................................................... 66
200	200	C. NOTICE AND PUBLICATION OF INTENDED ACTIONS. ........................................... 66
201	201	421. GENERAL NOTICE BY PUBLICATION OF INTENDED ACTIONS AND
202	202	HEARINGS. ............................................................................................................................. 66
203	203	422. PERSONAL SERVICE OR ACTUAL NOTICE. ............................................................ 67
204	204	423. METHODS OF NOTICE. ................................................................................................ 68
205	205	424. NOTICE OF EMERGENCY ACTIONS. ......................................................................... 68
206	206	425. NOTICE OF TEMPORARY LEGISLATION. ................................................................ 69
207	207	426. NOTICE OF WAIVER OF RULE 231(c). ....................................................................... 69
208	208	427. CEREMONIAL RESOLUTIONS. ................................................................................... 70
209	209	428. NOTICE AND PUBLICATION OF ADOPTED LEGISLATION. ................................. 70
210	210	429. NOTICE OF NEW BUSINESS. ....................................................................................... 70
211	211	430. NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS. ....................................................................... 70
212	212	ARTICLE V—HEARING PROCEDURES. ............................................................................ 71
213	213	A. PROCEDURES FOR HEARINGS. ..................................................................................... 71
214	214	501. AUTHORITY TO CALL HEARINGS. ........................................................................... 71
215	215	502. QUORUM. ........................................................................................................................ 71
216	216	503. PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS. ................................................................................ 71
217	217	504. WITNESSES AT A PUBLIC HEARING. ....................................................................... 72
218	218	B. RECEIVING TESTIMONY. ............................................................................................... 72
219	219	511. QUESTIONING WITNESSES. ....................................................................................... 72
220	220	512. DECORUM OF WITNESSES. ........................................................................................ 72
221	221	C. RIGHTS OF WITNESSES. ................................................................................................. 72
222	222	521. RIGHT TO COUNSEL. .................................................................................................... 72
223	223	522. RIGHT TO MAKE OPENING STATEMENT. ............................................................... 73
224	224	D. RECORD OF HEARINGS. ................................................................................................. 73
225	225	531. HEARING RECORDS, REQUIRED. .............................................................................. 73
226	226	532. CLOSE OF RECORD. ..................................................................................................... 73 COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
227	227
228	228	7
229	229
230	230	ARTICLE VI—INVESTIGATIONS AND SUBPOENAS. .................................................... 74
231	231	A. PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATIONS USING SUBPOENAS. .................................. 74
232	232	601. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF SUBPOENAS IN AN
233	233	INVESTIGATION. ................................................................................................................... 74
234	234	602. NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION. ..................................................................................... 74
235	235	603. REPORT OF INVESTIGATION. .................................................................................... 74
236	236	604. TESTIMONY UNDER OATH. ........................................................................................ 74
237	237	605. ISSUING THE OATH. ..................................................................................................... 74
238	238	606. DEPOSITIONS. ................................................................................................................ 75
239	239	B. SUBPOENAS. ..................................................................................................................... 75
240	240	611. ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS. ....................................................................................... 75
241	241	612. REPORT TO SECRETARY REGARDING USE OF SUBPOENA. .............................. 75
242	242	613. SERVICE OF SUBPOENAS. .......................................................................................... 75
243	243	614. ENFORCEMENT OF SUBPOENAS. ............................................................................. 75
244	244	C. RIGHTS OF WITNESSES. ................................................................................................. 76
245	245	621. RIGHT TO ASSERT PRIVILEGES. ............................................................................... 76
246	246	622. NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS. ........................................................................................ 76
247	247	623. RIGHT TO TRANSCRIPT. ............................................................................................. 76
248	248	624. RIGHTS OF PERSONS WHO ARE SUBJECTS OF INVESTIGATIONS. .................. 76
249	249	625. RIGHTS OF PERSONS IDENTIFIED IN INVESTIGATIONS. .................................... 76
250	250	D. REPRIMAND, CENSURE, AND EXPULSION PROCEDURES. .................................... 77
251	251	651. ESTABLISHING AN AD HOC COMMITTEE. ............................................................. 77
252	252	652. AD HOC COMMITTEE PROCEDURES. ...................................................................... 78
253	253	653. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF REPORT. ................................................................ 80
254	254	654. REPRIMAND. .................................................................................................................. 81
255	255	655. CENSURE AND EXPULSION. ...................................................................................... 81
256	256	ARTICLE VII—BUDGET PROCEDURES. ........................................................................... 82
257	257	A. BUDGET REVIEW PROCEDURES. ................................................................................. 82
258	258	701. ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. ......................................................... 82
259	259	702. BUDGET-REVIEW SCHEDULE. ................................................................................... 82
260	260	703. ROLE OF COUNCIL COMMITTEES. ........................................................................... 83 COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
261	261
262	262	8
263	263
264	264	704. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED BUDGET. ..... 84
265	265	705. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET. ...................................................... 84
266	266	B. REPROGRAMMING POLICY ACT PROCEDURES. ...................................................... 84
267	267	711. EFFECT OF RECESS ON PROCEDURES. ................................................................... 84
268	268	712. COMMITTEE REFERRAL OF REQUESTS. ................................................................. 84
269	269	713. CIRCULATION OF REQUESTS. ................................................................................... 84
270	270	714. PUBLICATION OF NOTICE. ......................................................................................... 85
271	271	715. WITHDRAWAL OF REPROGRAMMING REQUESTS. .............................................. 85
272	272	716. REQUIREMENTS FOR DISAPPROVAL OF REQUESTS. .......................................... 85
273	273	717. AUTOMATIC APPROVAL OF REQUESTS. ................................................................ 85
274	274	718. TRANSMITTAL TO MAYOR. ....................................................................................... 86
275	275	C. FUNDS CONTROL ACT PROCEDURES. ........................................................................ 86
276	276	[RESERVED]. .......................................................................................................................... 86
277	277	D. SPECIFIED FUNDING ALLOCATION PROCEDURES. ................................................ 86
278	278	730. REQUIRED INFORMATION PRIOR TO APPROVAL. ............................................... 86
279	279	731. [RESERVED]. .................................................................................................................. 88
280	280	732. LIMITS ON AWARD AMOUNTS. ................................................................................. 88
281	281	733. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS. ............................................................................................. 88
282	282	734. DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS. ................................................................................. 88
283	283	E. REPORTS ON BILLS SUBJECT TO INCLUSION IN THE BUDGET AND FINANCIAL
284	284	PLAN. ....................................................................................................................................... 88
285	285	735. REPORTS ON BILLS SUBJECT TO INCLUSION IN THE BUDGET AND
286	286	FINANCIAL PLAN.................................................................................................................. 88
287	287	736. REPEAL OF LAWS SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION. ............................................... 88
288	288	ARTICLE VIII—COUNCIL RECORDS ................................................................................ 89
289	289	A. COUNCIL RECORDS. ....................................................................................................... 89
290	290	801. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS. ............................................................................. 89
291	291	802. FORM FOR INTRODUCTIONS. .................................................................................... 89
292	292	803. REPORTS ON LEGISLATION. ...................................................................................... 89
293	293	804. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMITTEE REPORT. ................................................................. 92
294	294	805. IDENTIFICATION OF COUNCIL DOCUMENTS. ....................................................... 92 COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
295	295
296	296	9
297	297
298	298	806. LEGISLATIVE FILES. .................................................................................................... 93
299	299	807. OTHER OFFICIAL RECORDS. ...................................................................................... 94
300	300	808. RECORDS OF LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS. ................................................................. 95
301	301	809. COMMITTEE RECORDS. .............................................................................................. 95
302	302	B. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS. ................................... 95
303	303	811. FOIA PROCEDURES. ..................................................................................................... 95
304	304	812. TRANSACTION OF PUBLIC BUSINESS BY ELECTRONIC FORMAT. .................. 96
305	305	813. SERVICE OF PROCESS. ................................................................................................ 96
306	306	ARTICLE IX—AUDITOR. ....................................................................................................... 97
307	307	901. SELECTION. .................................................................................................................... 97
308	308	902. TERM AND COMPENSATION. .................................................................................... 97
309	309	903. VACANCY. ...................................................................................................................... 97
310	310	904. STAFF. ............................................................................................................................. 97
311	311	905. REPORTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. .................................................................. 97
312	312	ARTICLE X—CONSTRUCTION, SUSPENSION, AND AMENDMENT OF RULES. .... 97
313	313	1001. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY. ............................................................................. 97
314	314	1002. GENDER RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. ...................................................................... 97
315	315	1003. SUSPENSION OF RULES. ........................................................................................... 98
316	316	1004. AMENDMENT OF RULES. .......................................................................................... 98
317	317	1005. EFFECTIVE PERIOD. ................................................................................................... 98
318	318
319	319	ARTICLE I—DEFINITIONS.
320	320	101. DEFINITIONS.
321	321	For the purposes of these Rules, the term:
322	322	(1) “Agency” includes any of the ornizational units of the District, including a
323	323	board, commission, department, division, instrumentality, or office, whether subordinate to or
324	324	independent of the Mayor; provided, that the term “agency” does not include the Council or the
325	325	District of Columbia courts.
326	326	(2) “Auditor” means the District of Columbia Auditor, established by section 455
327	327	of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.55). COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
328	328
329	329	10
330	330
331	331	(3) “BEGA” means the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability,
332	332	established by section 202 of the Government Ethics Act of 2011, effective April 27, 2012 (D.C.
333	333	Law 19-124; D.C. Official Code § 1-1162.02).
334	334	(4) “Bill” means a proposed act of the Council.
335	335	(5) “Budget” means the annual budget, including a Local Budget Act and a
336	336	Federal Portion Budget Request Act, for all activities of all agencies and the Council, financed
337	337	from all existing or proposed resources, including both operating and capital expenditures.
338	338	(6) “Budget of the Council” means the approved budget for the Council.
339	339	(7) “Ceremonial resolution” means an expression of appreciation, an honorarium
340	340	of limited application, or a declaration of no lel effect, other than a sense of the Council
341	341	resolution. A ceremonial resolution may be adopted only by unanimous consent.
342	342	(8) “Chairman” means the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia,
343	343	established by section 401 of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.01).
344	344	(9) “Charter” means Title IV of the Home Rule Act (D.C. Official Code §
345	345	1-204.01 et seq.).
346	346	(10) “Comprehensive Plan” means the comprehensive plan for the National
347	347	Capital, including any elements of the plan, as provided for in section 423 of the Charter (D.C.
348	348	Official Code § 1-204.23).
349	349	(11) “Council” means the Council of the District of Columbia, established by
350	350	section 401 of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.01).
351	351	(12) “Councilmember” or “Member” means a member of the Council, established
352	352	by section 401 of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.01), and includes the Chairman, unless
353	353	the context clearly indicates otherwise.
354	354	(13) “Council Period” means the legislative session of the Council beginning at
355	355	noon on January 2nd of each odd-numbered year and ending at noon on January 2nd of the
356	356	following odd-numbered year.
357	357	(14) “Council website” means the website with the domain name of
358	358	dccouncil.gov.
359	359	(15) “Earmarked grant” means a funding allocation directed to a named recipient
360	360	for a specific purpose through a budget act. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
361	361
362	362	11
363	363
364	364	(16) “Emergency declaration resolution” means a resolution declaring the
365	365	existence of emergency circumstances within the meaning of section 412(a) of the Charter (D.C.
366	366	Official Code § 1-204.12(a)).
367	367	(17) “Engrossing” or “engrossment” means the process by which the text of a bill
368	368	that has passed any reading prior to final reading is prepared for final reading.
369	369	(18) “Enrolling” or “enrollment” means the process by which the text of a
370	370	measure that has passed final reading is finally prepared.
371	371	(19) “Fiscal impact statement” means a statement prepared by the Chief Financial
372	372	Officer or the Budget Director that includes an estimate of the costs that may be incurred by the
373	373	District as a result of the enactment of a measure in the current fiscal year and over the 4-year
374	374	financial plan.
375	375	(20) “Grant budget modification request” means any grant budget modification
376	376	request required to be submitted by the Mayor to the Council pursuant to section 446B of the
377	377	Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.46b).
378	378	(21) “Home Rule Act” means the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved
379	379	December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 774; D.C. Official Code § 1-201.01 et seq.).
380	380	(22) “Independent agency” means an agency of the District of Columbia
381	381	government not subject to the administrative control of the Mayor.
382	382	(23) “Lel sufficiency determination” means a statement prepared by the
383	383	General Counsel that shows that a measure has been reviewed by the Office of the General
384	384	Counsel and determined to be lelly sufficient.
385	385
386	386	(24) “Main motion” means a motion relating to the passing of a law or
387	387	consideration of a legislative proposal.
388	388
389	389	(25) “Mayor” means the Mayor of the District of Columbia, established by
390	390	section 421 of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.21).
391	391	(26) “Measure” means a bill, resolution, or amendment to a bill or resolution, a
392	392	main motion pending before the Council or before a committee of the Council, or a proposed
393	393	reornization plan, reprogramming request, grant budget modification request, proposed state
394	394	plan, contract, or proposed municipal regulation transmitted by law to the Council for its
395	395	approval.
396	396	(27) “Meeting” means, except for the purposes of Rules 371 through 376, the
397	397	formal convening of a committee or the Council, other than solely for the purpose of receiving COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
398	398
399	399	12
400	400
401	401	testimony, held at a designated time and place for the purpose of transacting public business,
402	402	including official action of any kind.
403	403	(28) “Normal business hours” means 9:00 a.m. through 5:30 p.m., Monday
404	404	through Friday, except lel holidays.
405	405	(29) “Official action” shall have the same meaning as provided in section 742 of
406	406	the Home Rule Act (D.C. Official Code § 1-207.42).
407	407	(30) “Person” means an individual, partnership, association, corporation, or any
408	408	other ornization.
409	409	(31) “Racial equity” shall have the same meaning as provided in section 101 of
410	410	the Racial Equity Achieves Results (REACH) Amendment Act of 2020, effective March 16,
411	411	2021 (D.C. Law 23-181; D.C. Official Code § 2-1471.01).
412	412	(32) “Racial Equity Impact Assessment” means a statement prepared by the
413	413	Director of Racial Equity that includes an assessment of the potential impact on racial equity of
414	414	enacting a bill or resolution.
415	415	(33) “Reading” means, within the meaning of section 412 of the Charter (D.C.
416	416	Official Code § 1-204.12), an opportunity for the Members to debate and vote on proposed
417	417	legislation at a regular or additional legislative meeting of the Council.
418	418	(34) “Recess of the Council” or “Council Recess” means periods of time during
419	419	which regularly scheduled meetings of the Council are not held; i.e., July 15th through
420	420	September 15th of each year, December 23rd through December 31st of each year, April 12th
421	421	through April 20th, 2025, and April 4th through April 12th, 2026.
422	422	(35) “Register” means the District of Columbia Register.
423	423	(36) “Remuneration” means the rate or level of compensation to be paid an
424	424	employee for the performance of the employee’s duties up to and including, but no more than,
425	425	the maximum authorized and appropriated by law.
426	426	(37) “Reprogramming Policy Act” means Subchapter IV of Chapter 3 of Title 47
427	427	of the District of Columbia Official Code (D.C. Official Code § 47-361 et seq.).
428	428	(38) “Reprogramming request” means any reprogramming request submitted to
429	429	the Council pursuant to the Reprogramming Policy Act (D.C. Official Code § 47-363).
430	430	(39) “Resolution” shall have the same meaning as provided in section 412(a) of
431	431	the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.12(a)). COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
432	432
433	433	13
434	434
435	435	(40) “Sense of the Council resolution” means a resolution to express the Council’s
436	436	sentiment or opinion rerding a situation, practice, or event.
437	437	(41) “Short title” means the term by which an act or resolution may be cited.
438	438
439	439	(42) “Subpoena” means subpoena ad testificandum or subpoena duces tecum, or
440	440	both.
441	441	(43) “Transcription” means a verbatim recordation, including a tape or video
442	442	recording.
443	443	ARTICLE II—ORGANIZATION.
444	444	A. OATH OF OFFICE AND OFFICIAL CONDUCT.
445	445	201. OATH OF OFFICE.
446	446	(a) On January 2nd of each odd-numbered year, a Councilmember whose term of office
447	447	begins at that time shall take and subscribe an oath of office in accordance with subsection (c) of
448	448	this section. The oath of office to a Councilmember shall be administered by a person of the
449	449	Councilmember’s choosing who is lelly authorized to administer oaths. The Secretary shall
450	450	supply printed copies of the oath that shall be subscribed by the Councilmembers, returned to the
451	451	Secretary, and recorded in the Council records as conclusive proof of the fact that the signer took
452	452	the oath in accordance with law.
453	453	(b) A Councilmember whose term of office does not begin at the beginning of a Council
454	454	Period shall take and subscribe the oath of office as soon as practicable after the Councilmember
455	455	has been duly certified as having been elected or selected for the position.
456	456	(c) The oath of office shall be as follows: “I, (Councilmember’s name), do solemnly
457	457	swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the laws of the United States of America and of the
458	458	District of Columbia, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the
459	459	Constitution of the United States and the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, and will
460	460	faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.”
461	461	202. CODE OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT AND COUNCIL POLICIES .
462	462	(a) Councilmembers and staff shall maintain a high level of ethical conduct in connection
463	463	with the performance of their official duties and shall refrain from taking, ordering, or
464	464	participating in any official action that would adversely affect the confidence of the public in the
465	465	integrity of the District government. In connection with the performance of official duties,
466	466	Councilmembers and staff shall strive to act solely in the public interest and not for any direct COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
467	467
468	468	14
469	469
470	470	and tangible personal in and shall not take an official action on a matter as to which they have
471	471	a conflict of interest created by a personal, family, client, or business interest.
472	472	(b) Councilmembers and staff shall take full responsibility for understanding and
473	473	complying with the letter and spirit of all laws and regulations governing standards of conduct
474	474	for District public officials and employees, including those relating to conduct, conflicts of
475	475	interest, gifts, disclosures, campaign finance, political activity, and freedom of information.
476	476	Councilmembers and staff shall specifically adhere to the Code of Official Conduct of the
477	477	Council of the District of Columbia.
478	478	(c)(1) The Council shall proactively review the District’s overall ethics program,
479	479	including structure, training, enforcement, and overall ethics culture, and work to comply with
480	480	national standards for the creation of effective compliance and ethics programs.
481	481	(2) The Ethics Counselor for the Council shall periodically conduct training on
482	482	the conflict of interest and ethics laws and regulations applicable to Councilmembers and staff.
483	483	Ethics training materials, including summary guidelines to all applicable laws and regulations,
484	484	shall be prepared by the Ethics Counselor for the Council and made readily available on the
485	485	Council’s website.
486	486	(d) Councilmembers and staff shall adhere to the Sexual Harassment Policy. A violation
487	487	of the Sexual Harassment Policy shall constitute a violation of these rules.
488	488	(e) All Councilmembers and employees shall complete mandatory trainings as follows:
489	489	(1) Ethics training with the Office of the General Counsel within 2 months after
490	490	beginning employment with the Council, and once per Council Period thereafter; and
491	491	(2) Equal employment opportunity training on an annual basis, which shall
492	492	include training on sexual harassment and retaliation.
493	493	B. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL.
494	494	211. CHAIRMAN.
495	495	The Chairman shall be the presiding and chief executive officer of the Council.
496	496	212. CHAIRMAN PRO TEMPORE.
497	497	At the beginning of each Council Period or the next Legislative session after the position
498	498	is vacated, the Chairman shall nominate one Councilmember as Chairman Pro Tempore who
499	499	shall act in the place of the Chairman when the Chairman is absent or is recused. The Council
500	500	shall, by resolution, act on the nomination. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
501	501
502	502	15
503	503
504	504	213. VACANCY IN OFFICE OF CHAIRMAN.
505	505	Whenever a vacancy occurs in the Office of the Chairman or if the Chairman is serving
506	506	as Acting Mayor, the Chairman Pro Tempore selected pursuant to Rule 212 shall convene the
507	507	Council. The Council shall, by resolution, elect one of its at-large members as Chairman and
508	508	another at-large member as Chairman Pro Tempore until the vacancy in the Office of Chairman
509	509	is filled or until the return of the regularly elected Chairman.
510	510	C. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP.
511	511	221. SELECTION.
512	512	At the ornizational meeting convened in accordance with Rule 301 at the beginning of
513	513	the Council Period, the Chairman shall nominate the chairperson and members of each
514	514	committee of the Council, and the Council shall, by resolution, act on the Chairman’s
515	515	nominations.
516	516	222. CHAIRMAN AS EX OFFICIO MEMBER.
517	517	The Chairman shall be an ex officio, voting member of all committees and
518	518	subcommittees. The Chairman may be counted for purposes of a quorum but shall not increase
519	519	the quorum requirement for the committee or subcommittee.
520	520	223. VACANCIES.
521	521	Whenever a vacancy occurs in the membership or chair of a committee, the Chairman
522	522	may nominate a Councilmember to fill the vacancy, and the Council shall, by resolution, act on
523	523	the Chairman’s nomination.
524	524	224. DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY.
525	525	No individual Member may permanently chair more than one standing committee. The
526	526	principle of seniority shall be respected in the assignment of committee chairs.
527	527	225. PARTICIPATION OF MEMBERS IN COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
528	528	(a) Any Councilmember may attend the meeting of any committee and may participate in
529	529	committee discussions, but only a committee member may make a motion or cast a vote.
530	530	(b) Any Councilmember may participate fully in a hearing or roundtable of any
531	531	committee. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
532	532
533	533	16
534	534
535	535	226. RULES OF COMMITTEES.
536	536	(a) Each committee shall adopt written rules, at its first meeting, to govern its procedures.
537	537	The committee rules shall incorporate the following requirements:
538	538	(1) The scheduling of regular meeting days for conducting business, which shall
539	539	not conflict with the time of other committees’ regular meetings;
540	540	(2) A procedure for rescheduling or cancelling a regular meeting;
541	541	(3) A procedure for holding additional meetings to be called by the chairperson;
542	542	(4) A procedure for holding special meetings, which shall be called at the request
543	543	of a majority of the members of the committee;
544	544	(5) Procedures to govern the chairing of a committee meeting in the absence of
545	545	the chairperson;
546	546	(6) Procedures for keeping a complete record of all committee action, including
547	547	roll-call votes;
548	548	(7) If, at the time of approval of a measure by a committee, a member of the
549	549	committee gives notice of the intention to submit supplemental, minority, or additional views,
550	550	that member shall be entitled to not less than 5 business days within which to file the views,
551	551	which shall be included in the report of the committee on the measure;
552	552	(8) A procedure for amending the committee rules by a vote of a majority of the
553	553	committee;
554	554	(9) A requirement that if an oral amendment is moved during a committee
555	555	meeting it shall, upon request by a member, be reduced to writing and read by the Committee
556	556	Director or other Committee staff and made available for public inspection as soon as
557	557	practicable;
558	558	(10) A requirement for the circulation of notice of the date, hour, and place of all
559	559	committee meetings to all Councilmembers at least 24 hours before the date of the meeting,
560	560	along with a copy of the agenda of the meeting, a draft of any measures to be considered, and, if
561	561	required pursuant to Rule 803(e)(7), a comparative print, unless at least 4 members of the
562	562	committee agree, in a written record, to a shorter notice; and
563	563	(11) A procedure for providing at least 24 hours’ notice of the cancellation of a
564	564	meeting.
565	565	(b) The provisions of these Rules shall be considered rules of the committee. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
566	566
567	567	17
568	568
569	569	(c) When these Rules are silent, a committee may adopt additional rules. Committee rules
570	570	adopted under this section shall be consistent with these Rules and other applicable law and shall
571	571	be filed with the Secretary and posted on the Council website.
572	572	227. COMMITTEE-ACTIVITY REPORT.
573	573	Each committee shall file a committee-activity report before the end of each Council
574	574	Period that details the committee’s oversight and legislative activities during that Council Period.
575	575	The format and content of the committee-activity report shall be determined by the Secretary.
576	576	D. STANDING COMMITTEES.
577	577	231. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
578	578	(a) The Committee of the Whole is responsible for the annual budget, including
579	579	amendments, additions, or supplements to the budget, any revised, supplemental, or deficiency
580	580	budget, and other matters pertaining to the budget; coordinating the Council’s relationships with
581	581	the Congress and the Federal executive branch; monitoring the progress of Council legislation
582	582	through Congress; monitoring the status of original legislative proposals in Congress that may
583	583	affect the District, the Council, or its legislation; amendments to the District Charter; Council
584	584	appointments to boards and commissions; public space naming; street and alley acquisition and
585	585	closing; reapportionment and realignment of the political subdivisions of the District; Council
586	586	administration and personnel; the scheduling of all matters for consideration by the Council in
587	587	the legislative meeting; legislative matters related to the District as a political entity, including
588	588	self-determination and statehood; matters affecting the Freedom of Information Act;
589	589	coordinating the Council’s relationships with appropriate regional, state, and national
590	590	associations and ornizations; the Council’s relationship with regional authorities and other
591	591	regional bodies and ornizations not specifically assigned to other committees; all matters
592	592	related to public education, including matters exclusively concerning the University of the
593	593	District of Columbia or the Community College of the District of Columbia; District employees’
594	594	retirement; the development of the Comprehensive Plan and other matters pertaining to land use;
595	595	revision and codification of Title 49 of the D.C. Official Code; international business and affairs;
596	596	all matters relating to building plans, construction permits, building inspections, building
597	597	maintenance, and building safety; and other matters assigned to it by these Rules or by the
598	598	Chairman.
599	599	(b) The Chairman is the chairperson of the Committee of the Whole, and its members
600	600	include all members of the Council. The Committee of the Whole shall meet on the third
601	601	Tuesday of each month, except during periods of Council Recess, in a work session to consider
602	602	measures that have been reported and timely filed by committees pursuant to subsection (c) of
603	603	this section. The Chairman shall prepare the agenda for each meeting of the Committee of the
604	604	Whole. The Chairman may not withhold a measure properly reported and timely filed by another
605	605	committee from the agenda of a regular Committee of the Whole meeting, and the Chairman COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
606	606
607	607	18
608	608
609	609	may not hold a measure in the Committee of the Whole that has been properly reported by
610	610	another committee unless the Committee of the Whole votes to table, postpone, or recommit the
611	611	measure.
612	612	(c)(1) Except as provided in Rule 314, each measure reported by the committees of the
613	613	Council identified in Rules 232 to 241 shall be referred to the Committee of the Whole for a
614	614	review of its lel sufficiency and technical compliance with the drafting rules of the Council;
615	615	for ascertaining completion of the record; for a determination of the sufficiency of the fiscal
616	616	impact statement; and for scheduling for a legislative meeting.
617	617	(2) No measure may be reported by a committee for consideration at the
618	618	Committee of the Whole unless the measure was accompanied by a fiscal impact statement and a
619	619	lel sufficiency determination, as required by Rules 309 and 310, respectively, at the time of
620	620	committee markup.
621	621	(3) A measure and accompanying committee report, reported by a committee for
622	622	consideration at the Committee of the Whole, may be presented by the chairperson of the
623	623	committee or by another member of the committee designated by the chairperson of the
624	624	committee. In the absence of the chairperson of the committee and the designation of a member
625	625	of the committee, the Chairman shall present the measure and committee report for consideration
626	626	at the Committee of the Whole.
627	627	(4) If amendments have been made to a measure by a committee that are
628	628	substantial and outside the legislative jurisdiction of the committee, the Chairman may refer the
629	629	measure to the relevant committee before the legislation is scheduled for a legislative meeting.
630	630	(5) The Secretary shall prepare a log of committee reports that have been filed
631	631	timely for review by the Committee of the Whole. The log may be updated to reflect additional
632	632	filings as of noon on the third business day before the Committee of the Whole meeting.
633	633	(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Rules, the Committee of the Whole may
634	634	hold a hearing or roundtable, or conduct an investition, on any matter relating to District
635	635	affairs.
636	636	(e) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee of the Whole:
637	637	Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings
638	638	Board of Review of Anti-Deficiency Violations
639	639	Commission on the Arts and Humanities
640	640	Council of the District of Columbia
641	641	Department of Buildings (including construction codes)
642	642	Deputy Mayor for Education
643	643	District of Columbia Auditor COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
644	644
645	645	19
646	646
647	647	District of Columbia Public Charter Schools
648	648	District of Columbia Public Schools
649	649	District of Columbia Retirement Board (including its plans)
650	650	District of Columbia State Athletics Commission
651	651	Historic Preservation Review Board
652	652	Interstate Compact Commissions
653	653	Law Revision Commission
654	654	Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
655	655	Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
656	656	National Capital Planning Commission
657	657	OCFO Office of Budget and Planning
658	658	Office of Planning (including commemorative works)
659	659	Office of the State Superintendent of Education
660	660	Office of Zoning, including Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals
661	661	Other Post-Employment Benefits/Retiree Health Contribution
662	662	Pay-As-You-Go Capital
663	663	Research Practice Partnership
664	664	State Board of Education (including ombudsman and advocate)
665	665	Statehood Commission and deletion
666	666	Tax Revision Commission
667	667	Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation
668	668	University of the District of Columbia
669	669
670	670	232. COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .
671	671	(a) The Committee on Business and Economic Development is responsible for matters
672	672	concerning small and local business development policy; matters related to economic, industrial,
673	673	and commercial development; the disposition of property for economic development purposes;
674	674	joint jurisdiction with the Committee on Housing for New Communities; the regulation of
675	675	alcoholic beverages and cannabis; public utilities; the establishment and oversight of business
676	676	improvement districts (“BIDs”); matters relating to taxation and revenue for the operation of the
677	677	government of the District of Columbia; industrial-revenue bonds; general-oblition bond acts
678	678	and revenue anticipation notes; and the regulation of banks and banking activities, securities, and
679	679	insurance, including private health insurance, but not including the Health Benefit Exchange.
680	680	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Business and
681	681	Economic Development:
682	682	Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration
683	683	Board of Accountancy
684	684	Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
685	685
686	686	20
687	687
688	688	Board of Barber and Cosmetology
689	689	Board of Consumer Claims Arbitration for the District of Columbia
690	690	Board of Funeral Directors
691	691	Board of Professional Engineering
692	692	Captive Insurance Agency
693	693	Combat Sports Commission
694	694	Office of and Commission on Nightlife and Culture
695	695	Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
696	696	Department of Small and Local Business Development
697	697	Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
698	698	Destination DC
699	699	Multistate Tax Commission
700	700	Office of Lottery and Gaming
701	701	Office of the Chief Financial Officer (excluding the Office of Budget and Planning)
702	702	Office of the People’s Counsel
703	703	Public Service Commission
704	704	Real Property Tax Appeals Commission
705	705	St. Elizabeth’s East Redevelopment Initiative Advisory Board
706	706	Washington Convention and Sports Authority (Events DC)
707	707
708	708	233. COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION AND LABOR.
709	709	(a) The Committee on Executive Administration and Labor is responsible for matters
710	710	related to the Executive Office of the Mayor; matters related to seniors; elections and campaign
711	711	finance; labor relations; matters related to workforce development; and employment.
712	712
713	713	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Executive
714	714	Administration and Labor:
715	715
716	716	Adult Career Pathways Task Force
717	717	Advisory Committee on Community Use of Public Space
718	718	Age-Friendly DC Task Force
719	719	City Administrator
720	720	Commission on Aging
721	721	Commission on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
722	722	Commission on Poverty
723	723	Department of Aging and Community Living
724	724	Department of Employment Services
725	725	Department of Human Resources
726	726	District of Columbia Board of Elections
727	727	Employees’ Compensation Fund COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
728	728
729	729	21
730	730
731	731	Executive Office of the Mayor
732	732	Financial Literacy Council
733	733	Inspector General
734	734	Labor/Management Partnership Council
735	735	Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs
736	736	Mayor’s Office of Lel Counsel
737	737	Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships
738	738	Office of Campaign Finance
739	739	Office of Employee Appeals
740	740	Office of Labor Relations and Collective Barining
741	741	Public Employee Relations Board
742	742	Secretary of the District of Columbia
743	743	Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund
744	744	Universal Paid Leave Fund
745	745	Workforce Investment Council
746	746
747	747	234. COMMITTEE ON FACILITIES.
748	748	(a) The Committee on Facilities is responsible for matters concerning disability services;
749	749	parks and recreation; Caribbean affairs; and matters relating to the maintenance of public
750	750	buildings and property management, including the declaration of government property as no
751	751	longer required for public purposes.
752	752	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Facilities:
753	753	Commission on Persons with Disabilities
754	754	Department of Buildings (jointly, only for oversight purposes, with the Committee of the
755	755	Whole)
756	756	Department of General Services
757	757	Department on Disability Services
758	758	Department of Parks and Recreation
759	759	Developmental Disabilities State Planning Council
760	760	Office on Caribbean Affairs (including Advisory Committee)
761	761	Office for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing
762	762	Office of Disability Rights
763	763	State Rehabilitation Council
764	764	Statewide Independent Living Council
765	765	COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
766	766
767	767	22
768	768
769	769	235. COMMITTEE ON HEALTH.
770	770	(a) The Committee on Health is responsible for matters concerning health, including
771	771	environmental health and health equity; and the regulation of health occupations and professions
772	772	and health care inspectors.
773	773	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Health:
774	774	All of the advisory committees and professional boards serving the Department of Health
775	775	or Department of Behavioral Health
776	776	Behavioral Health Planning Council
777	777	Cedar Hill Hospital
778	778	Commission on Health Equity
779	779	Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Nutrition
780	780	Department of Behavioral Health
781	781	Department of Health
782	782	Department of Health Care Finance
783	783	Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
784	784	District of Columbia Health Benefit Exchange Authority
785	785	Food Policy Council
786	786	Health Information Exchange Policy Board
787	787	Health Literacy Council
788	788	Metropolitan Washington Regional Ryan White Planning Council
789	789	Not-For-Profit Hospital Corporation
790	790	Statewide Health Coordinating Council
791	791
792	792	236. COMMITTEE ON HOUSING.
793	793	(a) The Committee on Housing is responsible for matters relating to the development,
794	794	maintenance, preservation, and regulation of housing stock, including rental housing and public
795	795	housing; neighborhood revitalization, development, improvement, and stabilization; joint
796	796	jurisdiction for the purpose of oversight (not legislation) with the Committee on Business and
797	797	Economic Development for New Communities; urban affairs; housing vouchers; matters
798	798	rerding Advisory Neighborhood Commissions; and matters rerding returning citizens.
799	799	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Housing:
800	800	Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, including the Office of Advisory Neighborhood
801	801	Commissions
802	802	Board of Real Estate Appraisers
803	803	Commission and Office on Re-Entry and Returning Citizen Affairs
804	804	Department of Housing and Community Development COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
805	805
806	806	23
807	807
808	808	District of Columbia Housing Authority
809	809	Housing Finance Agency
810	810	Housing Production Trust Fund
811	811	Office on Returning Citizen Affairs
812	812	Office of the Tenant Advocate
813	813	Real Estate Commission
814	814	Rental Housing Commission
815	815
816	816	237. COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES.
817	817	(a) The Committee on Human Services is responsible for matters relating to human
818	818	services; homelessness; housing voucher placement and related services; public libraries; cable
819	819	television and entertainment; and Latino and Asian and Pacific Islander affairs.
820	820	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Human
821	821	Services:
822	822	Commission on Latino Community Development
823	823	Department of Human Services
824	824	District of Columbia Public Library System
825	825	Interagency Council on Homelessness
826	826	Office and Commission on Asian and Pacific Islanders Affairs
827	827	Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment
828	828	Office and Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys
829	829	Office and Commission on Latino Affairs
830	830	Public Access Corporation
831	831
832	832	238. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY AND PUBLIC SAFETY.
833	833	(a) The Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety is responsible for matters affecting
834	834	the judiciary and lel systems; matters affecting criminal law, procedure, and justice; juvenile
835	835	justice; public safety, including policing, violence prevention and intervention, and civilian
836	836	police oversight; access to justice; family law, probate, and estates; fire, emergency medical
837	837	services, and 9-1-1 and 3-1-1; homeland security; adult and youth corrections; forensic science;
838	838	fatality review and medical examination; victim services and justice grants; child support;
839	839	government ethics; and issues related to women. The Committee shall also serve as the Council’s
840	840	liaison to federal partners in the justice system, including the District of Columbia courts; the
841	841	United States Attorney for the District of Columbia; the Public Defender Service for the District
842	842	of Columbia; the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency; the Pretrial Services
843	843	Agency; the Federal Bureau of Prisons; and the United States Parole Commission. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
844	844
845	845	24
846	846
847	847	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on the Judiciary
848	848	and Public Safety:
849	849	Access to Justice Initiative
850	850	Board of Ethics and Government Accountability
851	851	Child Support Guideline Commission
852	852	Clemency Board
853	853	Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure
854	854	Commission on Women
855	855	Corrections Information Council
856	856	Criminal Code Reform Commission
857	857	Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
858	858	Department of Corrections
859	859	Department of Forensic Sciences (including Science Advisory Board)
860	860	Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice
861	861	District of Columbia National Guard
862	862	District of Columbia Sentencing Commission
863	863	Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department
864	864	Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
865	865	Judicial Nomination Commission
866	866	Metropolitan Police Department
867	867	Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engement
868	868	Office of Police Complaints
869	869	Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
870	870	Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (including all of the fatality review committees at
871	871	the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner)
872	872	Office of Unified Communications
873	873	Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants
874	874	Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives
875	875	Uniform Law Commission
876	876
877	877	239. COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND OPERATIONS.
878	878	(a) The Committee on Public Works and Operations is responsible for matters relating to
879	879	the general operation and service of government, including procurement; human rights;
880	880	partnerships and grants management; matters relating to lesbian, y bisexual, transgender, and
881	881	questioning affairs; veterans affairs; matters affecting administrative law and procedure;
882	882	consumer and regulatory affairs; recycling; waste management; and regulation of for-hire
883	883	vehicles. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
884	884
885	885	25
886	886
887	887	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Public Works
888	888	and Operations:
889	889
890	890	Advisory Committee on Street Harassment
891	891	Board of Industrial Trades
892	892	Commission on Fashion Arts and Events
893	893	Contract Appeals Board
894	894	Department of For-Hire Vehicles
895	895	Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
896	896	Department of Public Works
897	897	Interfaith Council
898	898	Office of Administrative Hearings
899	899	Office of Contracting and Procurement
900	900	Office of and Commission on Human Rights
901	901	Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs
902	902	Office of Risk Management
903	903	Office of the Chief Technology Officer
904	904	Office of Veterans Affairs, including the Advisory Board
905	905	Office on Religious Affairs, including Interfaith Council
906	906
907	907
908	908	240. COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
909	909	(a) The Committee on Transportation and the Environment is responsible for matters
910	910	relating to environmental protection; highways, bridges, traffic, vehicles, and other transportation
911	911	issues; maintenance of public spaces; waterways; and water supply and wastewater treatment.
912	912	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Transportation
913	913	and the Environment:
914	914	Bicycle Advisory Council
915	915	Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency
916	916	Department of Energy and Environment
917	917	Department of Motor Vehicles
918	918	District Department of Transportation
919	919	District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority
920	920	Green Buildings Advisory Council
921	921	Green Finance Authority
922	922	Pedestrian Advisory Council
923	923	Soil and Water Conservation District
924	924	Sustainable Energy Utility COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
925	925
926	926	26
927	927
928	928	Washington Aqueduct
929	929	Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
930	930	Washington Metrorail Safety Commission
931	931	241. COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AFFAIRS.
932	932	(a) The Committee on Youth Affairs is responsible for matters relating to African,
933	933	African American, and youth affairs (including juvenile justice).
934	934	(b) The following agencies come within the purview of the Committee on Youth Affairs:
935	935	Child and Family Services Agency
936	936	Citizen Review Panel on Child Abuse and Neglect
937	937	Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services
938	938	Juvenile Abscondence Review Committee
939	939	Office and Commission on African Affairs
940	940	Office and Commission on African American Affairs
941	941	Office of the Attorney General (jointly, only for oversight purposes, with the Committee
942	942	on the Judiciary and Public Safety)
943	943	Office of the Ombudsperson for Children
944	944
945	945	E. CREATION OF SUBCOMMITTEES.
946	946	245. SUBCOMMITTEES.
947	947	The Chairman shall nominate the chairperson and members of each subcommittee of the
948	948	Council. The Council shall, by resolution, act on the Chairman’s nominations. A subcommittee
949	949	may use subpoenas to obtain testimony or documents only if the standing committee of which it
950	950	is a subcommittee authorizes the issuance of subpoenas. Each bill or resolution reported by a
951	951	subcommittee shall be referred to its standing committee for a vote and scheduling for the
952	952	Committee of the Whole. Subcommittees shall comply with the requirements of these Rules and
953	953	those of the standing committee of which it is a subcommittee.
954	954	F. SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND SPECIAL PROJECTS.
955	955	251. SPECIAL COMMITTEES.
956	956	The Council may, by resolution introduced by the Chairman, establish a special
957	957	committee to consider investitions, ethics, or other matters. The resolution shall set forth the
958	958	jurisdiction, size, duration, subpoena authority pursuant to Rules 601(a) and 611, and date for
959	959	final action of the special committee. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
960	960
961	961	27
962	962
963	963	252. SPECIAL PROJECTS.
964	964	The Council may, by resolution introduced by the Chairman, establish a special project
965	965	related to policy development or oversight. The resolution shall set forth the timetable, budget,
966	966	goals, and deliverables of the special project, and specify whether the project will be undertaken
967	967	by a standing or special committee, or another method of ornization.
968	968	G. APPOINTED OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL.
969	969	261. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS.
970	970	The appointed officers of the Council are the Secretary, General Counsel, and Budget
971	971	Director. The Chairman shall recommend the assignment and removal of these officers, and the
972	972	Council shall, by resolution, act on the Chairman’s recommendation.
973	973	262. SECRETARY.
974	974	(a) The Secretary is the chief administrative officer of the Council and is responsible for
975	975	maintaining records of Council actions including the filing of bills and proposed resolutions,
976	976	amendments to bills and resolutions, requests for hearings, notices of committee meetings,
977	977	committee reports, and other records and reports assigned by these Rules, the Council, or the
978	978	Chairman, and for proposing and administering the fiscal year budget of the Council. The
979	979	Secretary shall only disburse funds for the direct operating expenses in the office of a Member or
980	980	Officer.
981	981	(b) There is established a Council Office of Racial Equity under the Secretary to the
982	982	Council, which shall be managed by a Director of Racial Equity. The Council Office of Racial
983	983	Equity shall:
984	984	(1) Produce racial equity training materials and provide ongoing racial equity
985	985	training for Councilmembers and staff;
986	986	(2) Issue Racial Equity Impact Assessments pursuant to Rule 311;
987	987	(3) Coordinate and collaborate with the Judicial and Executive branches,
988	988	including the Office of Racial Equity within the Office of the City Administrator and the Racial
989	989	Equity Advisory Board, on matters of advancing racial equity; and
990	990	(4) Accept public comment on any aspect of its duties or on matters related to
991	991	racial equity before the Council. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
992	992
993	993	28
994	994
995	995	263. GENERAL COUNSEL.
996	996	(a) The General Counsel is responsible for providing lel advice as provided in
997	997	subsection (b) of this section; providing representation for the Council in any pending lel
998	998	action to which the Council is a party or in which the Chairman determines that the Council has a
999	999	significant interest; initiating lawsuits on behalf of the Council upon authorization by resolution
1000	1000	of the Council; providing lel representation for a Member or employee consistent with
1001	1001	subsection (c) of this section for actions taken within the scope of the Member or employee’s
1002	1002	official duties and in which the Chairman determines that the Council has a significant interest;
1003	1003	retaining and supervising outside counsel as appropriate to conduct investitions and provide
1004	1004	lel advice or representation to the Council, its Members, or employees; apprising the Council
1005	1005	of developments in the law relating to Council legislation; supervising the publication of the
1006	1006	District of Columbia Official Code; preparing technical-amendment and enactment bills;
1007	1007	providing legislative-drafting assistance to all Members and staff; engrossing and enrolling
1008	1008	measures, including making necessary technical and conforming changes; ascertaining the lel
1009	1009	sufficiency of legislation and preparing lel sufficiency determinations pursuant to Rule 310;
1010	1010	identifying legislative concerns and providing Members with alternative policy options to solve
1011	1011	those concerns; advising the Council on matters of parliamentary procedure; compiling the
1012	1012	parliamentary precedents of the Council; and providing support to the Law Revision
1013	1013	Commission. The General Counsel, following consultation with the Chairman, may make a
1014	1014	request of the Office of the Attorney General for lel representation for a Member or employee
1015	1015	for actions taken within the scope of the Member or employee’s official duties or for matters in
1016	1016	which the Council has a significant interest.
1017	1017	(b) The General Counsel and the attorneys within the Office of the General Counsel
1018	1018	(“OGC”) shall, as a general matter, maintain confidentiality with respect to their discussions with
1019	1019	Members and Council employees rerding legislation, lel advice on issues related to Council
1020	1020	business, and ethics guidance. However, an attorney-client relationship exists only between the
1021	1021	General Counsel/OGC and the Council as a body, and not between the General Counsel/OGC
1022	1022	and any individual Member or Council employee. Accordingly, the Council, by resolution, may
1023	1023	direct the General Counsel to reveal otherwise confidentially held discussions or information,
1024	1024	including ethics advice, shared between the General Counsel or any OGC attorney and any
1025	1025	individual Member or Council employee, if the Council finds that the discussions or information
1026	1026	are integral to an investition of or alletion ainst a Councilmember or Council employee.
1027	1027	(c) The General Counsel shall not represent a Member or Council employee whenever
1028	1028	the alleged conduct with rerd to which the Member or employee desires representation does
1029	1029	not reasonably appear to have been performed within the scope of his or her official duties, such
1030	1030	as conduct that is the subject of criminal proceedings or proceedings before the Board of Ethics
1031	1031	and Accountability or the Office of the Inspector General.
1032	1032	(d) The General Counsel shall serve as Ethics Counselor for the Council. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1033	1033
1034	1034	29
1035	1035
1036	1036	264. BUDGET DIRECTOR.
1037	1037	The Budget Director is responsible for advising Councilmembers on budget-related
1038	1038	matters; coordinating the development of the annual budget and financial plans and related
1039	1039	legislation, including any proposed revised, supplemental, or deficiency budget; certifying
1040	1040	committee budget reports pursuant to Rule 703(b)(2); and issuing fiscal impact statements
1041	1041	pursuant to Rule 309. The Budget Director also is responsible for issuing policy and economic
1042	1042	impact analyses pursuant to Rule 308, conducting research on matters of interest to the Council,
1043	1043	and assisting the Council with performance oversight. The Budget Director serves as a resource
1044	1044	for all Councilmembers and committees.
1045	1045	H. COUNCIL PERSONNEL AND APPOINTMENTS.
1046	1046	271. SUBORDINATE STAFF OF APPOINTED OFFICERS.
1047	1047	The appointed officers may assign, remove, and determine the remuneration for their
1048	1048	respective professional and clerical staffs, subject to appropriations and positions allocated by
1049	1049	the Council.
1050	1050	272. COMMITTEE STAFF.
1051	1051	(a) The chairperson of each committee shall appoint and shall present for the approval by
1052	1052	resolution of the committee at the first committee meeting of the Council Period the names and
1053	1053	titles of each committee staff person. Subsequent appointments shall be presented for approval of
1054	1054	committee members at the meeting of the committee following the appointment. Staff
1055	1055	appointments shall be filed with the Secretary.
1056	1056	(b) The chairperson shall determine the remuneration for the staff of the committee,
1057	1057	subject to appropriations and positions allocated by the Council.
1058	1058	(c) The chairperson of each committee may remove staff and shall notify the members of
1059	1059	the committee of such action within 3 business days.
1060	1060	(d) In the case of a vacancy in the Office of a Councilmember who chairs a committee or
1061	1061	a reornization of Council committees, the committee staff may be transferred to the
1062	1062	supervision of the Chairman.
1063	1063	273. COUNCILMEMBERS ’ PERSONAL STAFF.
1064	1064	(a) Each Councilmember may assign, remove, and determine the remuneration for the
1065	1065	Councilmember’s personal staff, subject to appropriations and positions allocated by the
1066	1066	Council. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1067	1067
1068	1068	30
1069	1069
1070	1070	(b) In the case of a vacancy in the Office of a Councilmember, the employees of the
1071	1071	Councilmember’s personal office may be transferred to the supervision of the Chairman.
1072	1072	274. SEPARATION PAY AND BUDGET ACCOUNTING.
1073	1073	(a) Notwithstanding Rules 271, 272, and 273, when an employee is separated for non-
1074	1074	disciplinary reasons, a Councilmember may authorize severance pay as provided by law.
1075	1075	(b) If it is known that a Councilmember will be in office for a time period that is less than
1076	1076	the remaining fiscal year, the Councilmember’s budget shall be adjusted to account for the time
1077	1077	to be served, unless the Council otherwise authorizes, by resolution, a different amount.
1078	1078	275. COUNCIL APPOINTMENT TO OTHER BODIES.
1079	1079	When the law provides for the Council to appoint an individual to another body, the
1080	1080	Chairman shall nominate an individual and the Council shall act, by resolution, on the
1081	1081	nomination. Unless the General Counsel advises ainst doing so to maintain the separation of
1082	1082	powers under the District Charter, a Council appointee shall report to the Council on a periodic
1083	1083	basis and the Council may instruct, by resolution, its representative as to the position to take on a
1084	1084	particular matter.
1085	1085	276. APPOINTMENT BY COMMITTEES AND MEMBERS.
1086	1086	(a) When the law provides for a committee to appoint an individual to another body, the
1087	1087	committee shall, by resolution, act on the appointment.
1088	1088	(b) When the law provides for a Councilmember to appoint or designate an individual to
1089	1089	a board or commission, the Councilmember shall make the appointment or designation by filing
1090	1090	a memorandum with the Secretary that states:
1091	1091	(1) The lel capacity in which the Councilmember is acting, e.g., as a
1092	1092	Councilmember or as a chairperson or member of a particular committee;
1093	1093	(2) The date of appointment;
1094	1094	(3) The official name of the board or commission to which the person is being
1095	1095	appointed;
1096	1096	(4) The name, complete mailing address, contact information, and ward
1097	1097	designation of the person appointed; except, that such personal information is not required in the
1098	1098	resolution;
1099	1099	(5) The law under which the appointment or designation is being made; and
1100	1100	(6) The term of the appointment or designation. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1101	1101
1102	1102	31
1103	1103
1104	1104	277. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENTS.
1105	1105	Each member of a District board or commission who is appointed under Rule 275 or 276,
1106	1106	if not already a resident of the District, shall become one within 180 days after the effective date
1107	1107	of the appointment and shall remain a District resident for the duration of the appointment,
1108	1108	unless the law or order that established the board or commission specifically authorizes the
1109	1109	appointment of a nonresident as a member of the board or commission or if a majority of the
1110	1110	Council present and voting waives the residency requirement.
1111	1111	I. COMPUTING TIME, CIRCULATION, AND FILING REQUIREMENTS.
1112	1112	281. COMPUTING TIME.
1113	1113	(a) Unless a law or rule specifically provides otherwise, when counting a time period:
1114	1114	(1) Stated in days or a longer unit of time:
1115	1115	(A) Exclude the day of the event that trigers the period;
1116	1116	(B) Count every day, including Saturdays, Sundays, and lel holidays;
1117	1117	(C) Exclude days of recess; and
1118	1118	(D) Include the last day of the time period, but if the last day is a Saturday,
1119	1119	Sunday, lel holiday, or day of recess, the period continues to run until the end of the next day
1120	1120	that is not a Saturday, Sunday, lel holiday, or day of recess.
1121	1121	(2) Stated in hours:
1122	1122	(A) Begin counting immediately on the first business hour after the
1123	1123	occurrence of the event that trigers the period;
1124	1124	(B) Count each hour, including hours during intermediate Saturdays,
1125	1125	Sundays, and lel holidays;
1126	1126	(C) Exclude hours during days of recess; and
1127	1127	(D) If the period would end on a Saturday, Sunday, lel holiday, or day
1128	1128	of recess, the period continues to run until the same time on the next day that is not a Saturday,
1129	1129	Sunday, lel holiday, or day of recess.
1130	1130	(b) For the purposes of these Rules, when counting a time period stated in “business
1131	1131	days”:
1132	1132	(1) Exclude the day of the event that trigers the period; COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1133	1133
1134	1134	32
1135	1135
1136	1136	(2) Exclude intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, lel holidays, and days of recess;
1137	1137	and
1138	1138	(3) Include the last day of the time period, but if the last day is a Saturday,
1139	1139	Sunday, lel holiday, or day of recess the period continues to run until the end of the next day
1140	1140	that is not a Saturday, Sunday, lel holiday, or day of recess.
1141	1141	(c) For the purposes of these Rules, when counting a time period for a notice requirement
1142	1142	under these Rules, include days of recess.
1143	1143	282. FILING WITH THE SECRETARY.
1144	1144	(a) Unless a law or rule specifically provides otherwise, when a Councilmember is
1145	1145	required to file a document with or provide notice to the Secretary, the Councilmember shall
1146	1146	deliver an electronic or hard copy of the document or the notice to the Secretary.
1147	1147	(b)(1) A Councilmember shall also file an electronic copy in Word format of the
1148	1148	following documents with the Secretary by uploading to the Council’s intranet in a file under the
1149	1149	name of the Councilmember:
1150	1150	(A) A measure introduced pursuant to Rules 401 and 402;
1151	1151	(B) A committee print and report;
1152	1152	(C) Amendments; and
1153	1153	(D) Any other document required to be electronically filed by rule or law
1154	1154	or that the Secretary determines should be filed electronically.
1155	1155	(2) The text of any committee report uploaded to the Council’s intranet in pdf
1156	1156	format must be made text-readable prior to its upload.
1157	1157	(c) When an electronic copy is required under subsection (b) of this section, the
1158	1158	document shall not be considered as filed pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section until
1159	1159	the electronic copy is filed. No measure may be noticed for a hearing or roundtable or added to
1160	1160	the agenda of the Committee of the Whole unless an electronic copy, in Word format, of the
1161	1161	measure has been uploaded to the Council’s intranet.
1162	1162	(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may elect to receive a
1163	1163	document electronically or establish a system or method for the electronic filing of any
1164	1164	document. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1165	1165
1166	1166	33
1167	1167
1168	1168	283. CIRCULATION TO MEMBERS AND COMMITTEES.
1169	1169	(a) The Secretary shall distribute, upon introduction or referral, an electronic copy of
1170	1170	each measure to each Councilmember. The Secretary shall also distribute to each
1171	1171	Councilmember, upon introduction or filing, a notice of investition by subpoena, and a
1172	1172	Mayoral disapproval of a Council act.
1173	1173	(b) Any document that is required to be circulated by a rule or law shall be distributed
1174	1174	electronically to all Members and staff and posted on the Council’s website.
1175	1175	(c) A Councilmember may elect to receive a hard copy of any document that is required
1176	1176	to be circulated by the Secretary or a Member.
1177	1177	ARTICLE III—PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS.
1178	1178	A. LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS.
1179	1179	301. ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING.
1180	1180	On the first day of each Council Period that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or lel holiday,
1181	1181	the Council shall convene an ornizational meeting for the purpose of considering the adoption
1182	1182	of Rules of Ornization and Procedure and Code of Official Conduct, selecting a Chairman Pro
1183	1183	Tempore pursuant to Rule 212, appointing committee chairs and memberships, appointing
1184	1184	Councilmembers to regional bodies, and appointing Council officers. If a quorum is not present,
1185	1185	the Chairman shall convene an ornizational meeting as soon as feasible.
1186	1186	302. REGULAR MEETINGS.
1187	1187	(a) The Council shall hold a regular legislative meeting on the first Tuesday of every
1188	1188	month except during a Council Recess or an election year. When the day for a regular legislative
1189	1189	meeting falls on a lel holiday, the meeting shall be held at the same time on the next day.
1190	1190	Regular legislative meetings shall begin at 12:00 p.m.
1191	1191	(b) Regular meetings of the Council shall be a hybrid of in-person and video
1192	1192	conferencing and held in the Council Chamber, Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350
1193	1193	Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, and via the Zoom platform, or other such video conferencing
1194	1194	platform as from time to time may be designated by the Secretary.
1195	1195	(c) The Chairman may designate another time, day, or place for a legislative meeting at a
1196	1196	prior legislative meeting or meeting of the Committee of the Whole or by circulating and filing
1197	1197	notice with the Secretary at least 48 hours before the meeting.
1198	1198	(d) The Chairman may cancel a future regularly scheduled meeting. The Secretary shall
1199	1199	circulate notice to each Councilmember and the public of a meeting cancellation. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1200	1200
1201	1201	34
1202	1202
1203	1203
1204	1204	303. ADDITIONAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS.
1205	1205
1206	1206	(a) The Chairman may call additional legislative meetings of the Council.
1207	1207	(b) Any 2 Councilmembers may request that the Chairman call a special legislative
1208	1208	meeting. The request in writing shall be filed with the Secretary. Immediately upon the filing of
1209	1209	the request, the Secretary shall notify the Chairman and other Councilmembers of the filing of
1210	1210	the request. If, within 3 business days after the request is filed, the Chairman does not call the
1211	1211	requested special meeting, a majority of the Councilmembers may file with the Secretary a
1212	1212	written notice that a special legislative meeting shall be held, specifying the date, hour, place,
1213	1213	and agenda of the special legislative meeting; provided, that the meeting shall not occur less than
1214	1214	48 hours after the notice. Immediately upon the filing of the notice, the Secretary shall circulate
1215	1215	notice to each Councilmember as provided in subsection (c) of this section.
1216	1216	(c) Whenever an additional or special legislative meeting is called, the Secretary shall
1217	1217	circulate notice to each Councilmember not less than 48 hours before the additional or special
1218	1218	meeting. An additional legislative meeting to consider an emergency and temporary matter may
1219	1219	be called upon shorter notice, if a majority of the Members agree in writing to the shorter notice.
1220	1220	The Secretary shall provide prompt notice of the meeting to the public, including on the Council
1221	1221	website. The notice shall state the date, hour, place, and agenda of the meeting and may state
1222	1222	whether items are to be considered on a consent or non-consent agenda.
1223	1223	(d) No matter shall be considered at an additional or special legislative meeting except
1224	1224	those stated in the request and notification.
1225	1225	(e) The Chairman may add to the agenda of an additional legislative meeting that has
1226	1226	been noticed, with the written agreement of a majority of the Councilmembers, an emergency or
1227	1227	temporary measure or, without objection, a permanent measure.
1228	1228	304. QUORUM.
1229	1229	(a) A majority of the Councilmembers shall constitute a quorum for the lawful convening
1230	1230	of a meeting and for the transaction of business, except as provided in Rule 502.
1231	1231	(b) A meeting may not begin until a quorum is ascertained by the Chairman.
1232	1232	(c) Once a quorum has been ascertained, the meeting shall proceed, unless a
1233	1233	Councilmember raises the absence of a quorum, whereupon the Chairman shall direct the calling
1234	1234	of the roll and shall announce the result.
1235	1235	(d) In the absence of a quorum, the Chairman may order a Call of the House, during
1236	1236	which no debate or motion shall be in order except a motion to adjourn. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1237	1237
1238	1238	35
1239	1239
1240	1240	(e) During a Call of the House, the Council shall stand in recess for no more than 20
1241	1241	minutes to find absent Members. After the recess, the roll shall be called ain. If a quorum is
1242	1242	present, the meeting shall proceed. If a quorum is not present, the meeting shall be recessed or
1243	1243	adjourned.
1244	1244	305. HEARING THE MAYOR.
1245	1245	The Mayor has the right to be heard by the Council upon request and at reasonable times
1246	1246	set by the Council.
1247	1247	306. RECESS.
1248	1248	(a) Except as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, no measure, other than an
1249	1249	emergency declaration resolution, emergency measure, and accompanying temporary bill, a veto
1250	1250	override, or a resolution to approve or disapprove a contract, to be considered at a special or
1251	1251	additional meeting called pursuant to these Rules, may be introduced during a recess of the
1252	1252	Council, and no committee may take official action during a recess of the Council; provided, that
1253	1253	when specifically authorized to do so by a vote of a majority of the Council, a committee may
1254	1254	hold a public hearing or roundtable. A notice of future committee action may be filed during a
1255	1255	recess of the Council.
1256	1256	(b)(1) A resolution approving or disapproving a contract in excess of $1 million or a
1257	1257	multiyear contract may be introduced during any recess period.
1258	1258	(2) A proposed contract that is required to be submitted to the Council pursuant to
1259	1259	section 451 of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.51) may be transmitted to the Secretary
1260	1260	during the 30-day period before the end of the summer recess of the Council, and a committee
1261	1261	may hold a public hearing and take official action on the proposed contract.
1262	1262	(3) A proposed federal-aid highway contract in excess of $1 million during a 12-
1263	1263	month period that is required to be submitted to the Council for its review pursuant to section
1264	1264	451 of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.51) may be transmitted to the Secretary during a
1265	1265	recess of the Council. A committee may hold a public hearing and take official action on the
1266	1266	proposed federal-aid highway contract during the recess, and a resolution approving or
1267	1267	disapproving the proposed federal-aid highway contract may be introduced during the recess and
1268	1268	during the 10-day period following submission of the proposed federal-aid highway contract to
1269	1269	the Council.
1270	1270	(4) The Committee of the Whole may hold a hearing or roundtable on any matter
1271	1271	relating to the affairs of the District during the recess; except, that this paragraph shall not be
1272	1272	used to comply with the requirement of Rule 501(a)(2). COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1273	1273
1274	1274	36
1275	1275
1276	1276	(c) During any period of recess, the Secretary is authorized to receive measures returned
1277	1277	by the Mayor.
1278	1278	307. COUNCIL REVIEW OF CONTRACTS.
1279	1279	(a) There is a 4.00 p.m. filing deadline for all proposed contracts required to be submitted
1280	1280	to the Council pursuant to section 451 of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.51). The
1281	1281	Secretary shall ensure that a copy of the proposed contract or contract modification is designated
1282	1282	as urgent and circulated electronically or otherwise to the office of each member of the Council,
1283	1283	the General Counsel, and the Budget Director within 24 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays,
1284	1284	and holidays) following its receipt by the Secretary.
1285	1285	(b) Notwithstanding Rule 402(b), the time period for Council review of a proposed
1286	1286	contract or contract modification pursuant to section 451 of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-
1287	1287	204.51) shall begin on the first day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and lel holidays) following
1288	1288	receipt by the Secretary of the proposed contract or contract modification.
1289	1289	(c) Notwithstanding Rules 401 and 402, no proposed contract or contract modification
1290	1290	that is required to be submitted to the Council pursuant to section 451 of the Charter (D.C.
1291	1291	Official Code § 1-204.51) may be submitted between July 5, 2023, and July 15, 2023, or
1292	1292	between July 5, 2024, and July 15, 2024.
1293	1293	(d) Notwithstanding Rules 401 and 402, a resolution approving or disapproving a
1294	1294	proposed contract shall be introduced by at least 3 Councilmembers.
1295	1295	(e) Review and approval by the Council of the annual capital program of federal-aid
1296	1296	highway projects shall constitute Council review and approval of the individual contracts that
1297	1297	make up the annual program.
1298	1298	(f) The Secretary shall place an electronic copy of the summary of a proposed contract on
1299	1299	the Legislative Information Management System so that it may be accessed through the Council
1300	1300	website within 24 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and lel holidays) following its receipt.
1301	1301	308. POLICY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSES.
1302	1302	(a) The Budget Director may prepare a policy and economic impact analysis of a
1303	1303	permanent bill.
1304	1304
1305	1305	(b) The purpose of a policy and economic impact analysis is to offer Councilmembers
1306	1306	an independent, data and evidence-based resource for weighing the policy implications and
1307	1307	economic costs and benefits of legislation. The analysis may include research on the District’s
1308	1308	existing lel framework, policy choices made by other jurisdictions, a review of the academic
1309	1309	literature on the subject, consideration of demographic data, and the estimated costs or benefits COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1310	1310
1311	1311	37
1312	1312
1313	1313	to the District’s economy.
1314	1314
1315	1315	(c) If the Budget Director prepares a policy and economic impact analysis for a
1316	1316	permanent bill, it shall be circulated no later than noon on the business day before the
1317	1317	legislative meeting at which the permanent bill is to be considered.
1318	1318
1319	1319	(d) A Councilmember may request that the Budget Director develop a policy and
1320	1320	economic impact analysis outside of the legislative process.
1321	1321
1322	1322	(e) The findings and conclusions of an economic-impact analysis, if any, are not binding
1323	1323	on the Council, and the findings and conclusions shall not prevent the Council from considering
1324	1324	the bill.
1325	1325
1326	1326	309. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENTS.
1327	1327	(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a fiscal impact
1328	1328	statement is required for each measure, as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
1329	1329	(2) A fiscal impact statement is not required for an emergency declaration, a
1330	1330	ceremonial, a confirmation or appointment, or a sense of the Council resolution, or a resolution
1331	1331	that expresses a simple determination, decision or direction of the Council of a special or
1332	1332	temporary character, or for a proposed amendment to those measures.
1333	1333	(3) A funding certification issued by an independent agency or the Chief Financial
1334	1334	Officer for a contract shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of this section.
1335	1335	(b)(1) Pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, a fiscal impact statement issued by the
1336	1336	Chief Financial Officer is required at the time of consideration of a permanent bill or resolution
1337	1337	being marked up by a committee. A bill or resolution that has been sequentially referred pursuant
1338	1338	to Rule 404(c) must have a fiscal impact statement by the Chief Financial Officer at the time of
1339	1339	each committee markup in the sequential referral.
1340	1340	(2) A committee shall not mark up a bill or resolution unless a fiscal impact
1341	1341	statement has been circulated to all Councilmembers before the measure is considered at markup.
1342	1342	(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, a fiscal impact
1343	1343	statement shall not be required at the Committee of the Whole markup of a Local Budget Act,
1344	1344	Federal Portion Budget Request Act, or Budget Support Act; except, that the Chief Financial
1345	1345	Officer shall issue a fiscal impact statement for a Local Budget Act, Federal Portion Budget
1346	1346	Request Act, and Budget Support Act by final reading of those measures. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1347	1347
1348	1348	38
1349	1349
1350	1350	(c) A fiscal impact statement provided by the Budget Director or the Chief Financial
1351	1351	Officer is required at the time of consideration of:
1352	1352	(1) A proposed amendment to a resolution or a bill being marked up by a
1353	1353	committee;
1354	1354	(2) A proposed amendment to a resolution or a bill that is moved at first, second,
1355	1355	or any subsequent reading of the Council;
1356	1356	(3) An emergency resolution or bill; provided, that a new fiscal impact statement
1357	1357	is not required for a congressional review emergency (“CRE”) when the CRE is identical, except
1358	1358	for technical changes, to the preceding emergency measure;
1359	1359	(4) A temporary bill; and
1360	1360	(5) A revenue bond resolution.
1361	1361	(d) A Councilmember requesting a fiscal impact statement from the Budget Director shall
1362	1362	endeavor to make the request at the earliest opportunity prior to circulation of the measure
1363	1363	pursuant to Rule 424. The request shall include a draft of the measure and, when the measure is
1364	1364	amendatory, a comparative print.
1365	1365	310. LEGAL SUFFICIENCY DETERMINATIONS.
1366	1366	(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a lel sufficiency determination
1367	1367	is required at the time of consideration of:
1368	1368	(1) A resolution or bill being marked up by a committee;
1369	1369	(2) A resolution retained by the Council;
1370	1370	(3) An emergency resolution or bill; provided, that a new lel sufficiency
1371	1371	determination is not required for a congressional review emergency (“CRE”) when the CRE is
1372	1372	identical, except for technical changes, to the preceding emergency measure;
1373	1373	(4) A temporary bill; and
1374	1374	(5) An amendment to a resolution or a bill that is moved at mark-up, first, second,
1375	1375	or any subsequent reading of the Council.
1376	1376	(b) A Councilmember requesting a lel sufficiency determination from the General
1377	1377	Counsel pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall endeavor to make the request:
1378	1378	(1) For a measure listed in subsection (a)(1) of this section, at least 10 days before
1379	1379	the markup. Notwithstanding the term “endeavor,” the Councilmember shall notify the General COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1380	1380
1381	1381	39
1382	1382
1383	1383	Counsel at least 10 days before a markup of the intent to mark up the measure and shall provide
1384	1384	a draft of the measure.
1385	1385	(2) For a measure listed in subsection (a)(2) through (5) of this section, at least 2
1386	1386	business days prior to the time of consideration, unless the request is for an amendment to a
1387	1387	measure that was circulated less than 2 business days before a scheduled vote.
1388	1388	(c) A lel sufficiency determination is not required for:
1389	1389	(1) An emergency declaration resolution;
1390	1390	(2) A ceremonial resolution;
1391	1391	(3) A sense of the Council resolution;
1392	1392	(4) A resolution adopting Council Rules, appointing Council officers and
1393	1393	committee chairpersons and members, or otherwise pertaining to the internal operation or
1394	1394	ornization of the Council;
1395	1395	(5) A resolution listed in this subsection that is moved on an emergency basis;
1396	1396	(6) An amendment to a resolution listed in this subsection; or
1397	1397	(7) An amendment to a budget measure that contains only adjustments to a dollar
1398	1398	amount or other budget numbers.
1399	1399	311. RACIAL EQUITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS.
1400	1400	(a)(1) Except as provided in this subsection or subsection (b) of this Rule, the Council
1401	1401	Office of Racial Equity shall, within 30 days after the hearing record is closed, issue a Racial
1402	1402	Equity Impact Assessment for each bill for which a hearing is held.
1403	1403	(2) If there are multiple hearings on a bill, the Council Office of Racial Equity
1404	1404	may comply with this subsection by issuing the REIA within 30 days after the close of the
1405	1405	hearing record of any of the hearings on the bill.
1406	1406	(3) If a Committee provides notice to the Council Office of Racial Equity before
1407	1407	30 days after the close of the hearing record for the last hearing on a bill for which no Racial
1408	1408	Equity Impact Assessment was issued, the Council Office of Racial Equity may issue a Racial
1409	1409	Equity Impact Assessment on the committee print before the markup in lieu of complying with
1410	1410	paragraph (1) of this subsection.
1411	1411	(b) This rule shall not apply to: COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1412	1412
1413	1413	40
1414	1414
1415	1415	(1) Public space designations;
1416	1416	(2) Street or Alley closures, openings, dedications, changes to building restriction
1417	1417	lines, or highway plan amendments;
1418	1418	(3) General-oblition bond acts and revenue anticipation notes acts;
1419	1419	(4) Interstate compacts;
1420	1420	(5) Transfers of jurisdiction;
1421	1421	(6) Tax abatements, exemptions, rebates, and other tax legislation that is not of
1422	1422	general applicability;
1423	1423	(7) Acts authorizing the issuance of specialty motor-vehicle identification tags;
1424	1424	(8) A Local Budget Act, a Budget Support Act, or a Federal Portion Budget
1425	1425	Request Act;
1426	1426	(9) Enactment legislation or technical-amendment legislation; or
1427	1427	(10) Bills for which the Committee chair of each committee to which the bill was
1428	1428	referred notifies the Council Office of Racial Equity that the Committee does not intend to mark
1429	1429	up the legislation in this Council Period.
1430	1430	(c)(1) Each Racial Equity Impact Assessment shall include a statement of the bases for
1431	1431	the estimated impact on racial equity, as that term is defined in Rule 101, and shall describe the
1432	1432	sources, assumptions, and methodologies used in arriving at the assessment.
1433	1433	(2) Where a Racial Equity Impact Assessment identifies a netive impact on
1434	1434	racial equity, the Council Office of Racial Equity may recommend policy proposals closely
1435	1435	related to the proposed bill and within the Council’s authority to mitite such netive impact.
1436	1436	(3) The findings of a Racial Equity Impact Assessment shall not be binding and
1437	1437	shall not prevent the Council or committee from considering the bill.
1438	1438	(4) Where a Racial Equity Impact Assessment identifies a netive impact on
1439	1439	racial equity, the bill may be placed on the non-consent agenda and the committee report on the
1440	1440	bill shall acknowledge and respond to the netive racial equity impacts identified.
1441	1441	(d)(1) For bills that received a Racial Equity Impact Assessment pursuant to subsection
1442	1442	(a) of this Rule, the Council Office of Racial Equity may issue a supplemental Racial Equity
1443	1443	Impact Assessment in advance of the markup of those measures. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1444	1444
1445	1445	41
1446	1446
1447	1447	(2) At least 10 business days before the markup of a bill, the Committee chair
1448	1448	shall notify the Director of Racial Equity of the intent to mark up the measure and shall provide a
1449	1449	draft of the measure and comparative print. When a bill is sequentially referred, the requirements
1450	1450	of this paragraph shall only apply to the last Committee in the sequential referral.
1451	1451	(3) If a Committee intends to mark up a bill for which a hearing was held in a
1452	1452	prior Council Period, but for which no Racial Equity Impact Assessment was issued, the
1453	1453	Committee shall comply with paragraph (2) of this subsection and the Council Office of Racial
1454	1454	Equity shall issue a Racial Equity Impact Assessment on the committee print before the markup.
1455	1455	(e) The Council Office of Racial Equity may, at the request of a committee chair, conduct
1456	1456	a Racial Equity Impact Assessment on any matter under the requesting committee’s jurisdiction;
1457	1457	provided, that such assessment does not inhibit the issuance of Racial Equity Impact
1458	1458	Assessments under subsection (a) or (d) of this Rule.
1459	1459	(f) The framework for the Racial Equity Impact Assessment shall be developed by the
1460	1460	Director of Racial Equity, or the Director’s designee, in close consultation with individuals and
1461	1461	ornizations with expertise in racial equity analysis, and published online.
1462	1462	312. PRESENTATION OF LEGISLATION TO THE COUNCIL.
1463	1463	A measure reported by a committee may be presented by the chairperson of the
1464	1464	committee or by another member of the committee designated by the chairperson of the
1465	1465	committee. In the absence of the chairperson of the committee and the designation of a member
1466	1466	of the committee, the Chairman may present the measure for consideration by the Council.
1467	1467	313. [RESERVED].
1468	1468	314. EXPEDITED OPTIONAL PROCEDURE FOR REVENUE BONDS AND REVIEW
1469	1469	RESOLUTIONS.
1470	1470	(a) This section shall apply to:
1471	1471	(1) Revenue bonds resolutions; and
1472	1472	(2) Resolutions rerding agency rules, confirmations, and other actions that:
1473	1473	(A) Are proposed by the Mayor or an independent agency for
1474	1474	promultion or adoption; and
1475	1475	(B) Will be deemed approved or disapproved after a set period of time by
1476	1476	operation of law. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1477	1477
1478	1478	42
1479	1479
1480	1480	(b) A resolution covered by this section may, at the option of the committee chairperson,
1481	1481	be placed on the non-consent agenda of the next regular legislative meeting following approval
1482	1482	by a committee, without referral to the Committee of the Whole.
1483	1483	(c) If notice of intent to move the resolution and the committee report for the resolution
1484	1484	are not filed before noon on the third business day before the legislative meeting, a resolution
1485	1485	may not be placed on the legislative agenda pursuant to this section.
1486	1486	(d) If a reported resolution is considered at a legislative meeting under this section, the
1487	1487	lel sufficiency, technical compliance with the drafting rules of the Council, completion of the
1488	1488	record of the reported resolution, and the sufficiency of the fiscal impact statement, if required
1489	1489	by Rule 309, shall be reviewed at the legislative meeting at which it is considered.
1490	1490	B. ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR MEETINGS.
1491	1491	315. ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR REGULAR MEETINGS.
1492	1492	During a regular legislative meeting, the Council shall take up business in the following
1493	1493	order, unless a different order has been set for a particular meeting by action of the Committee of
1494	1494	the Whole:
1495	1495	(1) Call to order at the time and place set forth pursuant to Rule 302;
1496	1496	(2) Moment of silence;
1497	1497	(3) Determination by the Chairman of the presence of a quorum;
1498	1498	(4) Secretary’s report on the filing of reports by committees, unless the formal
1499	1499	reading of the report is waived by the Council;
1500	1500	(5) Secretary’s report on the introduction of new measures filed with that office,
1501	1501	unless the formal reading of the report is waived;
1502	1502	(6) Approval of the consent agenda without objection;
1503	1503	(7) Final reading by short title and final vote on bills that have been pending at
1504	1504	least 13 days since they were previously read, except as provided in paragraph (6) of this section;
1505	1505	(8) Reading by short title and vote on reported and discharged bills, except as
1506	1506	provided in paragraph (6) of this section;
1507	1507	(9) Reading by short title and vote on proposed resolutions, except as provided in
1508	1508	paragraph (6) of this section; COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1509	1509
1510	1510	43
1511	1511
1512	1512	(10) Reading by short title and vote on resolutions declaring the existence of
1513	1513	emergencies and accompanying emergency measures, except for contracts placed on the consent
1514	1514	agenda;
1515	1515	(11) Reading by short title and vote on temporary legislation;
1516	1516	(12) Official communications received from the Mayor or an agency; and
1517	1517	(13) Other business.
1518	1518	316. ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR ADDITIONAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS.
1519	1519	During an additional or special meeting, the Council shall take up business in the
1520	1520	following order:
1521	1521	(1) Call to order at the time and place set forth in the meeting notice;
1522	1522	(2) Moment of silence;
1523	1523	(3) Determination by the Chairman of the presence of a quorum; and
1524	1524	(4) Such items in the order set forth in the meeting notice.
1525	1525	317. PROCEEDING OUT OF ORDER.
1526	1526	The Chairman, without objection, or upon the vote of a majority of the Councilmembers
1527	1527	present and voting, may proceed on any item of business out of order.
1528	1528	C. RULES OF DECORUM.
1529	1529	321. DECORUM OF MEMBERS.
1530	1530	(a) Councilmembers shall refrain from private discourse or other acts tending to distract
1531	1531	the attention of the Council from the business before it.
1532	1532	(b) In debate, a Councilmember shall confine remarks to the pending question and avoid
1533	1533	the use of personalities.
1534	1534	(c) A Councilmember, in referring to another Councilmember, should avoid using the
1535	1535	Councilmember’s name, rather identifying that Member by ward or at-large status, as the
1536	1536	Councilmember who last spoke, or by describing the Councilmember in some other manner.
1537	1537	(d) It is not the person but the measure that is the subject of debate, and it is not allowable
1538	1538	to question or impugn the motives of a Councilmember, but the nature or consequences of a
1539	1539	measure may be condemned in strong terms. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1540	1540
1541	1541	44
1542	1542
1543	1543	322. DECORUM OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
1544	1544	(a)(1) No person may commit any act tending to distract the attention of the Council from
1545	1545	the business before it.
1546	1546	(2) No person may enge in loud, threatening, or abusive language, or disruptive
1547	1547	conduct in the John A. Wilson Building or on any virtual platform with the intent or effect of
1548	1548	impeding or disrupting the orderly conduct of business.
1549	1549	(b) The Chairman shall maintain order during a meeting. If the Chairman determines that
1550	1550	the removal of a person other than a Councilmember is necessary to maintain order, after
1551	1551	warning the person, the Chairman may order the removal of the person.
1552	1552	(c) Unless permitted by the Chairman, no person, other than Council staff may enter the
1553	1553	area designated as the well or the dais of the Chamber during an official meeting of the Council.
1554	1554	(d)(1) No signs, placards, posters, or attention-seeking devices of any kind or nature shall
1555	1555	be carried or placed within the Council hearing or meeting rooms or Chamber or any area where
1556	1556	a public hearing is being conducted. No demonstrations are permitted in the Chamber or any area
1557	1557	in which a Council proceeding or a public hearing is being conducted.
1558	1558	(2) This prohibition shall not apply to armbands, emblems, badges, or other
1559	1559	articles worn on the personal clothing of individuals; provided, that such armbands, emblems,
1560	1560	badges, or other articles are of such a size and nature as not to interfere with the vision or hearing
1561	1561	of other persons at a meeting nor extend from the body, potentially causing injury to another.
1562	1562	(3) Any person who violates the provisions of this subsection relating to signs, or
1563	1563	who willfully interrupts or disturbs Council proceedings, after a warning to desist, may be
1564	1564	removed from the proceeding or premises.
1565	1565	(4) Models, photographs, maps, charts, drawings, and other such demonstrative
1566	1566	materials intended for use in a presentation by a specific person in testimony before the Council
1567	1567	shall be permitted without objection.
1568	1568	(e) No person, except a Councilmember or Council staff, shall be allowed in the
1569	1569	anterooms of the Chamber during the course of any hearing or other proceeding of the Council or
1570	1570	any committee of the Council, except upon invitation of the Chairman or the chairperson of the
1571	1571	committee holding the public hearing. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1572	1572
1573	1573	45
1574	1574
1575	1575	D. RULES OF DEBATE.
1576	1576	331. OBTAINING THE FLOOR.
1577	1577	A Councilmember who wishes to speak, give notice, make a motion, submit a report, or
1578	1578	obtain the floor for any other purpose, shall address and be recognized by the Chairman before
1579	1579	addressing the Council.
1580	1580	332. TIME LIMITS FOR DEBATE.
1581	1581	(a) No Councilmember may be recognized more than once to debate or make a motion
1582	1582	relating to a pending matter until all Councilmembers who wish to speak have been recognized.
1583	1583	(b) A Councilmember may speak no more than 3 minutes during the first round of debate
1584	1584	on a pending matter, and no more than 2 minutes during a subsequent round.
1585	1585	(c) A Councilmember may yield all or part of the Councilmember’s time provided by this
1586	1586	section to another Councilmember.
1587	1587	(d) The Chairman may, in the Chairman’s discretion, modify time limitations with
1588	1588	respect to specific matters scheduled for debate.
1589	1589	333. PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.
1590	1590	Any Councilmember, as a matter of personal privilege, may speak no more than 10
1591	1591	minutes under new business concerning a matter outside of a legislative meeting that may affect
1592	1592	the Council collectively, its rights, its dignity, or the integrity of its proceedings, or the rights,
1593	1593	reputation, or conduct of its individual members in their representative capacities only.
1594	1594	334. APPEAL.
1595	1595	An appeal may be made from any decision of the Chairman. A Councilmember shall
1596	1596	state the basis for appealing a decision, to which the Chairman may respond. An appeal from a
1597	1597	decision of the Chairman must be made promptly and before other business has intervened. A
1598	1598	majority or tie vote of the Members present and voting on the question (whether the decision of
1599	1599	the Chairman shall be sustained) sustains the decision. An appeal is not debatable; provided, that
1600	1600	the Chairman may explain the basis for the Chairman’s decision.
1601	1601	335. POINT OF ORDER.
1602	1602	A point of order is made when a Member raises the question to the Chairman, and seeks a
1603	1603	determination by the Chairman, as to whether there has been a breach of order or Council Rule.
1604	1604	A point of order is not debatable unless the Chairman permits debate. If the Chairman permits
1605	1605	debate on a point of order, the Chairman may limit debate. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1606	1606
1607	1607	46
1608	1608
1609	1609	336. PARLIMENTARY INQUIRY.
1610	1610	A parliamentary inquiry is made when a Member raises a question to the Chairman
1611	1611	seeking information about the procedure or business before the Council. The Chairman shall
1612	1612	answer the question about the procedure or business before the Council, or, when the Chairman
1613	1613	does not possess the information sought may direct the question to a Member or the General
1614	1614	Counsel who may be in possession of the information. A parliamentary inquiry is not debatable
1615	1615	or appealable.
1616	1616	337. RECOGNITION OF NON-MEMBERS.
1617	1617	The Chairman may recognize a person who is not a Councilmember if the participation of
1618	1618	the person would, in the judgment of the Chairman, enhance the understanding of the matter
1619	1619	under consideration by the Council.
1620	1620	E. MOTIONS.
1621	1621	341. MOTIONS RECOGNIZED DURING DEBATE.
1622	1622	When a question is under debate, the Chairman may entertain the following motions,
1623	1623	which shall take precedence in the following order:
1624	1624	(1) To adjourn;
1625	1625	(2) To recess;
1626	1626	(3) To reconsider;
1627	1627	(4) To lay on the table;
1628	1628	(5) To move the previous question;
1629	1629	(6) To close debate;
1630	1630	(7) To postpone to a certain time;
1631	1631	(8) To recommit to committee;
1632	1632	(9) To amend;
1633	1633	(10) To postpone indefinitely;
1634	1634	(11) To discharge; or
1635	1635	(12) To take from the table. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1636	1636
1637	1637	47
1638	1638
1639	1639	342. WITHDRAWAL OR MODIFICATION OF MOTIONS.
1640	1640	Any motion may be withdrawn or modified by the mover at any time before it has been
1641	1641	amended or voted on.
1642	1642	343. ADJOURN.
1643	1643	The Chairman shall adjourn a meeting when there is no more business before the
1644	1644	Council. A Councilmember may move to adjourn at any time. A motion to adjourn is not
1645	1645	debatable, but the Chairman may inform the Councilmembers of any unfinished business
1646	1646	requiring attention of the Council.
1647	1647	344. RECESS.
1648	1648	(a) The Chairman may, without a vote, recess a legislative meeting of the Council to
1649	1649	another time, day, or place.
1650	1650	(b)(1) A Councilmember may move to recess a meeting.
1651	1651	(2) A Councilmember may move to amend a pending motion to recess to set a
1652	1652	different length of the recess.
1653	1653	(3) If a motion to recess does not specify the time, day, or place at which the
1654	1654	meeting will reconvene, the Chairman may set a time, day, or place, or call the meeting to order
1655	1655	and summons the Members in accordance with Rule 368.
1656	1656	(4) Neither a motion to recess nor a motion to amend a pending motion to recess
1657	1657	shall be debatable.
1658	1658	(c)(1) A committee chairperson may, without a vote, recess a hearing or roundtable and
1659	1659	reconvene the hearing or roundtable at a future time, day, or place.
1660	1660	(2) If a hearing or roundtable is recessed without specifying the future time, day,
1661	1661	or place for the hearing or roundtable, the chairperson of that committee shall circulate notice of
1662	1662	the new time, day, or place in accordance with Rule 283.
1663	1663	345. RECONSIDER.
1664	1664	(a) A Councilmember recorded as having voted with the prevailing side on a question
1665	1665	may move to reconsider the question at any time, except as limited by this section.
1666	1666	(b)(1) A bill may be reconsidered before it has been signed or vetoed by the Mayor, or
1667	1667	before it has been deemed approved by operation of section 404 of the Home Rule Act (D.C.
1668	1668	Official Code § 1-204.04). COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1669	1669
1670	1670	48
1671	1671
1672	1672	(2) A resolution may be reconsidered at any time before its implementation.
1673	1673	(3) A committee may reconsider its vote to report a measure at any time before
1674	1674	the Council votes on the measure.
1675	1675	(4) A motion to reconsider a question considered at a different meeting shall not
1676	1676	be in order unless the motion to reconsider has been noticed in accordance with Rule 429.
1677	1677	(c) For the purpose of this rule, a Councilmember who was present and voting on a
1678	1678	question decided by a voice vote shall be considered as having voted with the prevailing side on
1679	1679	the question, unless the Councilmember had asked to be recorded as voting ainst the prevailing
1680	1680	side or recorded as “PRESENT”.
1681	1681	(d) A motion to reconsider cannot be made by a Councilmember who was absent during a
1682	1682	voice or roll-call vote on a question.
1683	1683	(e) A motion to reconsider requires the approval of a majority of the Councilmembers
1684	1684	present and voting.
1685	1685	(f)(1) If the question to which a motion to reconsider applies is debatable, the motion to
1686	1686	reconsider is debatable, and the debate may go to the question.
1687	1687	(2) If the question to which a motion to reconsider applies is not debatable, the
1688	1688	motion to reconsider shall not be debatable.
1689	1689	(g) If a motion to reconsider fails, the motion cannot be repeated.
1690	1690	(h) A motion to reconsider is not required to consider amendments accepted or rejected
1691	1691	on a previous reading of a measure.
1692	1692	(i) Votes to approve or amend these Rules may not be reconsidered pursuant to this
1693	1693	section.
1694	1694	346. LAY ON THE TABLE.
1695	1695	(a)(1) A Councilmember may make an unqualified motion to lay a question on the table,
1696	1696	which is not debatable and, if adopted by a majority of Councilmembers present and voting, shall
1697	1697	immediately end debate on the question.
1698	1698	(2) If an amendment to a measure is pending before the Council, a
1699	1699	Councilmember may make a motion to lay the amendment on the table, which is not debatable
1700	1700	and, if adopted by a majority of Councilmembers present and voting, shall immediately end
1701	1701	debate on the amendment.
1702	1702	(b) A motion to lay on the table may be applied to main motions only. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1703	1703
1704	1704	49
1705	1705
1706	1706	(c) A committee chairperson may carry over a measure reported by that committee from
1707	1707	Council consideration until the next regular legislative meeting (or additional meeting, with the
1708	1708	Chairman’s concurrence) in this Council Period. If a measure has been sequentially referred, the
1709	1709	committee chairperson of the last-reporting committee may carry over a measure under this
1710	1710	subsection.
1711	1711	347. MOTION TO MOVE THE PREVIOUS QUESTION .
1712	1712	(a) A Councilmember may limit debate by making a motion to move the previous
1713	1713	question, which shall require approval of 2/3rds of the Councilmembers present and voting. If a
1714	1714	motion to move the previous question carries, no further debate is in order on the pending
1715	1715	question, and no further amendments to the main motion are in order absent a motion to
1716	1716	reconsider the motion to move the previous question.
1717	1717	(b) A Motion to move the previous questions is not debatable.
1718	1718	348. MOTION TO CLOSE DEBATE.
1719	1719	(a) A Councilmember also may limit debate by making a motion to close debate, which is
1720	1720	not debatable.
1721	1721	(b) A motion to close debate shall require approval of 2/3rds of the Councilmembers
1722	1722	present and voting. If a motion to close debate carries, no further debate is in order, except that:
1723	1723	(1) Each Councilmember who has not spoken on the pending question may speak
1724	1724	for no more than 2 minutes; and
1725	1725	(2) The Chairman may recognize the maker of the pending motion.
1726	1726	349. POSTPONE TO A CERTAIN TIME.
1727	1727	(a) A Councilmember may move to postpone a question to a certain time, which shall be
1728	1728	adopted by a majority of Councilmembers present and voting. A motion to postpone to a certain
1729	1729	time is debatable, though it is not in order to debate the merits of the underlying question.
1730	1730	(b) A motion to postpone to a certain time may be applied to main motions only.
1731	1731	350. RECOMMIT.
1732	1732	A Councilmember may move to recommit a measure pending before the Council to a
1733	1733	standing committee. If a majority of Councilmembers present and voting approve a motion to
1734	1734	recommit, the Chairman shall refer the measure to a standing committee or committees in
1735	1735	accordance with Rule 404. A motion to recommit is debatable, though debate shall be limited to COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1736	1736
1737	1737	50
1738	1738
1739	1739	the desirability of committing the measure to the committee. Debate on the merits of the measure
1740	1740	is not in order while a motion to recommit is pending.
1741	1741	351. AMEND.
1742	1742	A Councilmember may move to amend a measure pursuant to Part F of this Article.
1743	1743	352. POSTPONE INDEFINITELY.
1744	1744	(a) A Councilmember may move to postpone indefinitely any question pending before
1745	1745	the Council. A motion to postpone indefinitely is debatable, and it is in order to debate the merits
1746	1746	of the underlying question.
1747	1747	(b) A motion to postpone indefinitely requires a vote of the majority of Councilmembers
1748	1748	present and voting.
1749	1749	(c) Upon adoption of a motion to postpone indefinitely, the question may not be
1750	1750	reconsidered unless 2/3rds of Councilmembers present and voting agree to reconsider the
1751	1751	question.
1752	1752	(d) A motion to postpone indefinitely may be applied to main motions only.
1753	1753	353. DISCHARGE.
1754	1754	The Council may, by a vote of 2/3rds of the Members present and voting, discharge a
1755	1755	committee from further consideration of a measure that has been referred to the committee. Upon
1756	1756	approval of the discharge motion, the Council shall consider the measure as if it had been
1757	1757	reported from the committee without amendment or modification or recommit the measure to
1758	1758	another committee.
1759	1759	354. TAKE FROM THE TABLE.
1760	1760	(a) When no question is pending before the Council, a Councilmember may move to take
1761	1761	from the table any measure previously tabled during the legislative meeting.
1762	1762	(b) When a measure is pending before the Council, a Councilmember may move to take
1763	1763	from the table any amendment to the measure that was previously tabled.
1764	1764	(c) Provided that a Councilmember provided the notice required by Rule 429(2), the
1765	1765	Councilmember may move to take from the table any measure tabled during a previous
1766	1766	legislative meeting.
1767	1767	(d) A motion to take from the table is not debatable and shall be adopted by a majority
1768	1768	vote of Councilmembers present and voting. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1769	1769
1770	1770	51
1771	1771
1772	1772	(e)(1) Upon adoption of a motion to take a question from the table, the question shall be
1773	1773	before the Council in the same status as it was when the Council tabled the question.
1774	1774	(2) If the motion to take a question from the table does not occur during the
1775	1775	legislative meeting at which the question was tabled, each Councilmember shall be entitled to
1776	1776	debate the question as if the last motion adhering to the question was just made.
1777	1777	F. AMENDMENTS.
1778	1778	355. AMENDMENTS TO BE WRITTEN.
1779	1779	(a) Councilmembers shall endeavor to file with the Secretary amendments to pending
1780	1780	measures by 6:00 p.m. on the business day before the legislative meeting at which they are to be
1781	1781	moved. The Secretary shall circulate links to the amendments shortly after 6:00 p.m.
1782	1782	(b)(1) If a Councilmember has not filed an amendment with the Secretary in accordance
1783	1783	with subsection (a) of this section, the Councilmember shall circulate copies to each
1784	1784	Councilmember.
1785	1785	(2) A Councilmember shall file an amendment in accordance with Rule 282(a)
1786	1786	and (b) within 24 hours of the legislative meeting at which the amendment was offered if the
1787	1787	amendment was not previously filed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
1788	1788	(c) Notwithstanding any other rule, if an oral amendment is made before a vote on a
1789	1789	measure, such oral amendment shall be reduced to writing and read by the General Counsel, and
1790	1790	made available for public inspection as soon as practicable.
1791	1791
1792	1792	(d) As required by Rule 309, no amendment may be approved by the Council without a
1793	1793	fiscal impact statement presented to the Council at the time of its consideration; provided, that
1794	1794	the Chairman may waive these requirements if the Chairman concurs with the Budget Director
1795	1795	that there is no adverse fiscal impact.
1796	1796
1797	1797	(e) As required by Rule 310, no amendment may be approved by the Council without a
1798	1798	lel sufficiency determination presented to the Council at the time of its consideration;
1799	1799	provided, that the Chairman may waive these requirements if the Chairman concurs with the
1800	1800	General Counsel that the amendment is lelly sufficient.
1801	1801	356. GERMANE AMENDMENTS.
1802	1802	(a) To be germane to a measure, the amendment is required to relate in an appropriate,
1803	1803	relevant, and logical way to the subject of the main measure. It may entirely change the effect of
1804	1804	or be in conflict with the spirit of the main measure and still be germane to the subject. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1805	1805
1806	1806	52
1807	1807
1808	1808	(b) An amendment in the nature of a substitute may be offered as long as it is germane to
1809	1809	the subject matter of the main measure.
1810	1810	(c) An amendment to a prior-offered amendment must be germane to the subject of the
1811	1811	prior-offered amendment and to the subject matter of the main measure.
1812	1812	(d) Every amendment proposed to an emergency or temporary measure must be germane
1813	1813	to the subject matter of the main measure to be amended.
1814	1814	(e) A non-germane amendment to a permanent bill requires 2 readings and must be
1815	1815	approved by 2/3rds of the Members present and voting.
1816	1816	357. FRIENDLY AMENDMENTS.
1817	1817	Without objection, the mover of a motion or a measure may accept a friendly
1818	1818	amendment, which, if accepted, shall be voted on simultaneously with the motion or measure. A
1819	1819	friendly amendment to a second-degree amendment is not considered a third-degree amendment.
1820	1820	358. AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE.
1821	1821	(a) A notice of intent to move an amendment in the nature of a substitute to a measure at
1822	1822	a legislative meeting shall be filed with the Secretary and circulated by noon on the business day
1823	1823	before the legislative meeting. The filed notice shall explain the rationale and the mover’s
1824	1824	reasoning for the amendment and be accompanied by the proposed amendment in the nature of a
1825	1825	substitute, which shall reflect all substantive changes from the prior version of the legislation
1826	1826	(committee print or engrossment) by using strikeovers on the language that is proposed to be
1827	1827	deleted from the prior version and underscore on all new language that is proposed to be added
1828	1828	by the amendment in the nature of a substitute.
1829	1829	(b) The mover of an amendment in the nature of a substitute may have a separate
1830	1830	amendment considered simultaneously with the amendment in the nature of a substitute.
1831	1831	(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, if the Council is closed for a lel
1832	1832	holiday on the day before a legislative meeting, the notice and accompanying amendment shall
1833	1833	be filed and circulated no later than close of business on the business day before the legislative
1834	1834	meeting.
1835	1835	G. VOTING.
1836	1836	361. FORM OF VOTE.
1837	1837	Voting shall be in the form of “YES”, “NO”, and “PRESENT”. A vote of “PRESENT”
1838	1838	shall be deemed the equivalent of an abstention or a non-vote. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1839	1839
1840	1840	53
1841	1841
1842	1842	362. VOICE VOTES.
1843	1843	Except as provided in Rule 363, votes on all questions shall be by voice, with the results
1844	1844	determined by the Chairman. A Councilmember’s vote upon any matter shall be recorded upon
1845	1845	request.
1846	1846	363. DEMAND FOR ROLL-CALL VOTE.
1847	1847	Any Member, in advance of a vote or immediately thereafter, may demand a roll-call
1848	1848	vote.
1849	1849	364. CALLING THE ROLL.
1850	1850	When a roll-call vote is demanded, the Secretary shall call the roll of the
1851	1851	Councilmembers in rotating alphabetical order so that the Councilmember whose name is called
1852	1852	first is the same Member whose name was called second on the next previous vote, and so on
1853	1853	through the roll, so that the Councilmember whose name is called last is the same
1854	1854	Councilmember whose name was called first on the next previous vote. At the end of the roll
1855	1855	call, the names of those who failed to answer can be called ain, or the Chairman can ask if
1856	1856	anyone entered the room after the Councilmember’s name was called. Changes of vote are also
1857	1857	permitted at this time, before the result is announced. No Councilmember may vote “pass” more
1858	1858	than once on the same amendment to a measure or on the measure in its entirety. A second vote
1859	1859	of “pass” shall be considered a vote of “present.”
1860	1860	365. RECORDS OF VOTES.
1861	1861	(a) When a measure is approved or disapproved by voice vote, the Secretary shall record
1862	1862	all Members present as voting on the prevailing side, unless there has been a request to be
1863	1863	recorded as having voted “YES”, “NO”, or “PRESENT”, or a Member has recused themself
1864	1864	from voting.
1865	1865	(b) When a roll-call vote is demanded, the Secretary will record the names of those
1866	1866	voting “YES”, “NO”, or “PRESENT”. Members will be recorded as absent if they are not visible
1867	1867	or in the Chamber when a vote is taken. Voting records are official records of the Council.
1868	1868	(c) After the Chairman has announced the result of a vote, a Councilmember may not
1869	1869	change his or her vote.
1870	1870	366. TAX ABATEMENT FINANCIAL ANALYSIS (TAFA)
1871	1871	(a) A TAFA is required at the time of committee mark up for each measure that grants an
1872	1872	exemption or abatement of a tax imposed by D.C. Official Code § 42-1103 or Title 47 of the
1873	1873	District of Columbia Official Code, unless the exemption or abatement is one of general
1874	1874	applicability. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1875	1875
1876	1876	54
1877	1877
1878	1878	(b) Where a TAFA issued by the Chief Financial Officer states that an abatement or tax
1879	1879	relief is not necessary, a measure authorizing such abatement or tax relief shall, at first reading,
1880	1880	require approval of 2/3rds of the Councilmembers present and voting.
1881	1881	367. PROXY VOTING PROHIBITED.
1882	1882	(a) Proxies shall not be permitted either for the purpose of voting or for the purpose of
1883	1883	obtaining a quorum.
1884	1884	(b) Virtual participation (e.g. videoconference) is permitted provided the Member’s
1885	1885	camera is on and the Member can be seen by the Secretary. An unstable connection shall not
1886	1886	require delay in Council proceedings.
1887	1887	368. SUMMONS OF MEMBERS.
1888	1888	(a) Before putting a question to vote, the Chairman may hold open the vote for no more
1889	1889	than 2 minutes for the purpose of summoning Members who are absent. During that time, the
1890	1890	Secretary shall summon the Members who are absent from the Chamber. At the Chairman’s
1891	1891	direction, the Secretary shall call the names of the absent Members.
1892	1892	(b) No Councilmember may be summoned more than once at the same legislative
1893	1893	meeting.
1894	1894	H. OPEN MEETINGS.
1895	1895	371. OPEN MEETINGS, GENERALLY.
1896	1896	(a) Except as provided in Rule 375, a meeting of the Council and a meeting of a
1897	1897	committee shall be open to the public.
1898	1898	(b) The Council or a committee shall not keep the number of attendees below a quorum
1899	1899	to avoid the requirements of this section.
1900	1900	(c) For the purposes of this part, the terms:
1901	1901	(1) “Meeting of a committee” means a thering of a quorum of a committee of the
1902	1902	Council, whether informal or formal, regular, special, additional, or emergency, at which the
1903	1903	Councilmembers consider, conduct, or advise on public business, including thering
1904	1904	information, taking testimony, discussing, deliberating, recommending, and voting, rerdless of
1905	1905	whether held in person, by telephone, electronically, or by other means of communication. A
1906	1906	meeting of a committee shall not include:
1907	1907	(A) A chance or social thering; provided, that it is not held to avoid the
1908	1908	provisions of this paragraph; COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1909	1909
1910	1910	55
1911	1911
1912	1912	(B) Press conferences; or
1913	1913
1914	1914	(C) A site visit or tour exclusively for the purpose of thering
1915	1915	information.
1916	1916
1917	1917	(2) “Meeting of the Council” means a thering of a quorum of the Council,
1918	1918	including hearings and roundtables, whether informal or formal, regular, special, additional or
1919	1919	emergency, at which the Councilmembers consider, conduct, or advise on public business,
1920	1920	including thering information, taking testimony, discussing, deliberating, recommending, and
1921	1921	voting, rerdless of whether held in person, by telephone, electronically, or by other means of
1922	1922	communication. A meeting of the Council shall not include:
1923	1923	(A) A chance meeting or social thering; provided, that it is not held to
1924	1924	avoid the provisions of this paragraph; or
1925	1925	(B) Press conferences.
1926	1926	372. MEETINGS DEEMED OPEN.
1927	1927	A meeting of the Council or a meeting of a committee is deemed open if the:
1928	1928	(1) Public is permitted to be physically present;
1929	1929	(2) News media is permitted to be physically present;
1930	1930	(3) Meeting is televised;
1931	1931	(4) Meeting is virtual and the public or news media are permitted to attend, and
1932	1932	this is permissible under the Open Meetings Act, effective March 31, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-350;
1933	1933	D.C. Official Code § 2-571 et seq.); or
1934	1934	(5) Meeting otherwise complies with section 405(a) of the Open Meeting Act,
1935	1935	effective March 31, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-350; D.C. Official Code § 2-575(a)).
1936	1936	373. NOTICE OF MEETINGS.
1937	1937	(a)(1) Before a meeting of the Council is held, whether open or closed, at least one
1938	1938	Councilmember attending the meeting shall notify the Secretary at least 48 hours before the
1939	1939	meeting, unless emergency circumstances require less notice.
1940	1940	(2) Before a meeting of a committee is held, whether open or closed, at least one
1941	1941	Councilmember attending the meeting shall notify the Secretary at least 24 hours before the
1942	1942	meeting, unless emergency circumstances require less notice. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1943	1943
1944	1944	56
1945	1945
1946	1946	(b) Notice provided pursuant to this section shall be posted by the Secretary in plain view
1947	1947	in the John A. Wilson Building, except during a period for which a public emergency has been
1948	1948	declared pursuant to section 5 of the District of Columbia Public Emergency Act of 1980,
1949	1949	effective October 17, 2002 (D.C. Law 14-194; D.C. Official Code § 7-2304), and on the website
1950	1950	of the Council.
1951	1951	(c) A notice for a meeting of the Council or a meeting of a committee provided pursuant
1952	1952	to this section shall include the:
1953	1953	(1) Date;
1954	1954	(2) Time;
1955	1955	(3) Location; and
1956	1956	(4) Planned agenda, if applicable, for the meeting.
1957	1957	(d) If a meeting of the Council or a meeting of a committee, or any portion of a meeting,
1958	1958	is expected to be closed, the notice shall include a statement of the intent to close the meeting,
1959	1959	including the reasons for the closure.
1960	1960	(e) This section shall not apply to administrative meetings, breakfast meetings, open
1961	1961	discussions, or other thering of the Council when no official action is expected to take place;
1962	1962	provided, that no official action may be taken at such meetings.
1963	1963	(f) Notice for hearings or roundtables shall be provided pursuant to Rule 421.
1964	1964	374. RECORD OF MEETINGS.
1965	1965	(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, all meetings, whether open or
1966	1966	closed, shall be recorded electronically. In accordance with Rule 807 and 808, the electronic
1967	1967	recording shall be produced and maintained by the Secretary; provided, that if a recording is not
1968	1968	possible, detailed minutes of the meetings shall be kept by the Secretary.
1969	1969	(b) If a meeting is open:
1970	1970	(1) Copies of the records shall be provided to the public or any requester at his or
1971	1971	her expense;
1972	1972	(2) A copy of the draft minutes shall be made available to the public or requester
1973	1973	no more than 3 business days after the meeting; and
1974	1974	(3) A copy of the full record, including any recording or transcript, shall be made
1975	1975	available no later than 7 business days after the meeting. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
1976	1976
1977	1977	57
1978	1978
1979	1979	(c) This section shall not apply to administrative meetings, breakfast meetings, open
1980	1980	discussions, or other thering of the Council when no official action is expected to take place;
1981	1981	provided, that no official action may be taken at such meetings.
1982	1982	375. EXCEPTIONS TO OPEN MEETINGS.
1983	1983	A meeting, or a portion of a meeting, may be closed for the following reasons:
1984	1984	(1) A law or court order requires that a particular matter or proceeding not be
1985	1985	public;
1986	1986	(2) To discuss, establish, or instruct a public body’s staff or negotiating agents
1987	1987	concerning the position to be taken in negotiating the price and other material terms of a
1988	1988	contract, including an employment contract, if an open meeting would adversely affect the
1989	1989	barining position or negotiating strategy of the public body;
1990	1990	(3) To discuss, establish, or instruct a public body’s staff or negotiating agents
1991	1991	concerning the position to be taken in negotiating incentives relating to the location or expansion
1992	1992	of industries or other businesses or business activities in the District;
1993	1993	(4) To consult with an attorney to obtain lel advice and to preserve the attorney-
1994	1994	client privilege between an attorney and a public body, or to approve settlement agreements;
1995	1995	provided, that, upon request, the public body may decide to waive the privilege; provided, that
1996	1996	nothing herein shall be construed to permit the Council or Council committee to close a meeting
1997	1997	that would otherwise be open merely because the attorney for the public body is a participant;
1998	1998	(5) Planning, discussing, or conducting specific collective-barining
1999	1999	negotiations;
2000	2000	(6) Preparation, administration, or grading of scholastic, licensing, or qualifying
2001	2001	examinations;
2002	2002	(7) To prevent premature disclosure of an honorary degree, scholarship, prize, or
2003	2003	similar award;
2004	2004	(8) To discuss and take action rerding specific methods and procedures to
2005	2005	protect the public from existing or potential terrorist activity or substantial dangers to public
2006	2006	health and safety, and to receive briefings by staff members, lel counsel, law-enforcement
2007	2007	officials, or emergency-service officials concerning these methods and procedures; provided, that
2008	2008	disclosure would endanger the public and a record of the closed session is made public if and
2009	2009	when the public would not be endangered by that disclosure;
2010	2010	(9) To discuss disciplinary matters; COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2011	2011
2012	2012	58
2013	2013
2014	2014	(10) To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion,
2015	2015	performance evaluation, compensation, discipline, demotion, removal, or resignation of
2016	2016	government appointees, employees, or officials, including Councilmembers and staff;
2017	2017	(11) To discuss trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained
2018	2018	from outside the government, to the extent that disclosure would result in substantial harm to the
2019	2019	competitive position of the person from whom the information was obtained;
2020	2020	(12) To train and develop members of a public body, including the Council and
2021	2021	staff;
2022	2022	(13) To deliberate upon a decision in an adjudication action or proceeding by a
2023	2023	public body exercising quasi-judicial functions;
2024	2024	(14) To plan, discuss, or hear reports concerning ongoing or planned
2025	2025	investitions of alleged criminal or civil misconduct or violations of law or regulations, if
2026	2026	disclosure to the public would harm the investition; and
2027	2027	(15) Any other reason provided in section 405(b) of the Open Meeting Act,
2028	2028	effective March 31, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-350; D.C. Official Code § 2-575(b)).
2029	2029	376. CLOSED MEETINGS
2030	2030	(a)(1) Before a meeting or portion of a meeting may be closed, the Council or committee
2031	2031	shall meet in public session at which a majority of the members present vote, upon good cause
2032	2032	shown, in favor of closure.
2033	2033	(2) The presiding officer shall make a statement providing the reason for closure,
2034	2034	including citations from Rule 375, and the subjects to be discussed. A copy of the roll call vote
2035	2035	and the statement shall be provided in writing and made available to the public.
2036	2036	(3) A Council or committee that meets in closed session shall not discuss or
2037	2037	consider matters other than those matters listed under Rule 375.
2038	2038	(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the record of a closed meeting,
2039	2039	including testimony taken and evidence received in a closed meeting, shall be confidential and
2040	2040	may not be released to the public.
2041	2041	(c)(1) Upon good cause shown and, if applicable, after the 10-day period described in
2042	2042	paragraph (3) of this subsection, a majority of the Council or committee may approve the release
2043	2043	of the record, including testimony taken or evidence received in a closed meeting. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2044	2044
2045	2045	59
2046	2046
2047	2047	(2) Ten days before the release of testimony taken or evidence received in a
2048	2048	closed meeting, the Council or committee must notify, in writing, the affected witness that the
2049	2049	Council or committee intends to release the testimony or evidence.
2050	2050	(3) Before the expiration of the 10-day period, the affected witness may request,
2051	2051	in writing directed to the presiding Council or committee member, and the Council or committee
2052	2052	may consider withholding the testimony or evidence described in the notice.
2053	2053	ARTICLE IV—LEGISLATION.
2054	2054	A. INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION.
2055	2055	401. WHO MAY INTRODUCE.
2056	2056	(a)(1) Only a Councilmember may introduce legislation for consideration by the Council.
2057	2057	(2) At the time a measure is filed with the Secretary, in accordance with Rule 282,
2058	2058	the measure shall be filed in Word and PDF format via the LIMS e-Filing module.
2059	2059
2060	2060	(b)(1) Proposed legislation transmitted to the Council by the Mayor, the Uniform Law
2061	2061	Commission, or an independent agency shall be submitted in Word format, shall be complete,
2062	2062	and shall comply with these Rules. It shall be introduced by the Chairman, at the request of the
2063	2063	Mayor (or as submitted by the Mayor), or the independent agency. Legislation transmitted by the
2064	2064	Mayor or an independent agency shall not be introduced on the dais at a legislative meeting or a
2065	2065	work session of the Committee of the Whole.
2066	2066	(2)(A) To be considered at a legislative meeting, legislation transmitted by the
2067	2067	Mayor or an independent agency that requests Council approval of a contract shall be filed with
2068	2068	the Secretary, with the required contract summary and contract, including relevant modifications,
2069	2069	no later than the close of business on the fourth business day before the meeting.
2070	2070	(B) To be considered at a legislative meeting, all other measures
2071	2071	transmitted by the Mayor or an independent agency shall be filed with the Secretary no later than
2072	2072	noon on the second business day before the meeting.
2073	2073	(3) Proposed legislation from the Mayor, the Uniform Law Commission, or an
2074	2074	independent agency shall be transmitted to the Council by hard copy or a copy in Word format
2075	2075	by email, or any other medium as determined by the Secretary. All confirmation resolutions
2076	2076	submitted to the Council by the Mayor shall include a copy of the current resume of the nominee.
2077	2077	The Secretary shall place a Word format copy of the proposed legislation on the Council’s
2078	2078	intranet.
2079	2079	(4) Legislation transmitted under this subsection shall be filed with the Secretary
2080	2080	during normal business hours. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2081	2081
2082	2082	60
2083	2083
2084	2084	(5) The Secretary shall determine whether the proposed legislation is in the
2085	2085	appropriate form, complete, and complies with these Rules, and may return any proposed
2086	2086	legislation that is not in the appropriate form or complete to the Mayor, the Uniform Law
2087	2087	Commission, or the independent agency.
2088	2088	402. MANNER OF INTRODUCTION.
2089	2089	(a) A Councilmember may introduce a measure by filing the signed original of the
2090	2090	measure with the Secretary during normal business hours.
2091	2091	(b) An introduced measure may be accompanied by a Statement of Introduction at the
2092	2092	time of filing, which shall be available on LIMS and made part of the official record of the
2093	2093	measure.
2094	2094	(c) Co-introduction of a measure shall be evidenced by the signature of the co-introducer
2095	2095	on the face of the measure at the time of filing. Co-sponsorship shall be permitted by a memo to
2096	2096	the Secretary pursuant to Rule 802(b).
2097	2097	(d) A Councilmember may withdraw as a co-introducer or a co-sponsor by filing a notice
2098	2098	of withdrawal with the Secretary.
2099	2099	(e) Unless a law specifically provides otherwise, no matter transmitted for a period of
2100	2100	Council review before taking effect shall be deemed transmitted to the Council or the Chairman,
2101	2101	and no time period for Council review shall begin to run, until the matter has been read at a
2102	2102	legislative meeting or work session of the Committee of the Whole pursuant to Rule 403.
2103	2103	(f) Whenever a measure would require the Secretary to transmit its text or anything
2104	2104	associated with the text to a person, the Councilmember who introduced the measure, or the
2105	2105	Mayor if the measure is introduced at the request of the Mayor, shall provide the Secretary with
2106	2106	the last-known address of the recipient.
2107	2107	(g) Proposed legislation transmitted for introduction by the Mayor, the Uniform Law
2108	2108	Commission, or an independent agency shall be addressed to the Chairman and filed with the
2109	2109	Secretary. The Secretary shall circulate the measure in accordance with these Rules.
2110	2110	.
2111	2111	403. READING INTRODUCTIONS.
2112	2112	(a) At each legislative meeting and work session of the Committee of the Whole, during
2113	2113	the period designated for introductions, the Secretary shall read the short titles of measures that
2114	2114	were introduced pursuant to Rules 401 and 402 between the previous reporting period and 10
2115	2115	a.m. of the business day before the legislative meeting or Committee of the Whole work session, COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2116	2116
2117	2117	61
2118	2118
2119	2119	and provide the numbers assigned as provided in Rule 805 and the committee referrals as
2120	2120	provided in Rule 404.
2121	2121	(b) Measures may not be debated or amended when they are read for introduction.
2122	2122	(c) The formal reading of the Secretary’s report as provided in subsection (a) of this
2123	2123	section may be waived by unanimous consent.
2124	2124	(d) A Councilmember may raise questions rerding a committee referral included in the
2125	2125	Secretary’s report without a formal reading of the entire Secretary’s report.
2126	2126	404. COMMITTEE REFERRAL.
2127	2127	(a) When a measure is introduced, the Chairman shall refer it to the appropriate
2128	2128	committee or committees, unless the Council retains the measure. Such referral is not official
2129	2129	until it is read at a meeting pursuant to Rule 403.
2130	2130	(b)(1) The Chairman may refer a measure to 2 or more committees for sequential
2131	2131	consideration of all or part of the measure and may refer all or part of the measure to one or more
2132	2132	committees for comments.
2133	2133	(2) When there is a sequential referral, the Chairman may specify a time period
2134	2134	within which one or more of the committees must report the measure. If a committee fails to file
2135	2135	a report within the specified time period, the measure shall be deemed discharged from the
2136	2136	committee, and the Secretary shall provide notice that the measure is ready for subsequent action
2137	2137	by another committee or to be agendized for Council consideration.
2138	2138	(c) The Chairman may re-refer a measure and the new referral shall become official at the
2139	2139	next legislative meeting or Committee of the Whole work session.
2140	2140	(d) A committee may not consider a measure unless the Chairman has made an official
2141	2141	referral, although a hearing or roundtable notice may be filed in the meantime.
2142	2142	405. COMMENTS BY EXECUTIVE.
2143	2143	The Executive may comment on any measure. Unless otherwise required by law, neither
2144	2144	the Council nor a committee must wait for Executive comments before considering a measure.
2145	2145	406. WITHDRAWAL OF LEGISLATION.
2146	2146	(a) Whenever a rule, regulation, or resolution is proposed for promultion by an entity
2147	2147	other than the Council and is required by law to be approved, disapproved, or reviewed by the
2148	2148	Council before its taking effect and would take effect automatically by operation of law, the
2149	2149	proposal may be withdrawn formally by the proposer before final Council action or, if the
2150	2150	Council takes no action, before any time limit imposed by law. The withdrawal shall render the COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2151	2151
2152	2152	62
2153	2153
2154	2154	original proposal a nullity as if it were never proposed. These proposed rules, regulations, and
2155	2155	resolutions may be withdrawn only by written request transmitted to the Chairman.
2156	2156	(b) Except as provided above in subsection (a) of this Rule, a proposer may withdraw any
2157	2157	measure he or she introduced before a vote has been taken by the committee to which the
2158	2158	measure has been referred. A withdrawal shall be filed with the Secretary. A withdrawal shall
2159	2159	render the original measure a nullity, as if it were never introduced. If a measure has been
2160	2160	introduced by more than one Councilmember, all co-introducers must consent to withdrawal
2161	2161	under this subsection.
2162	2162	(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, if a Councilmember withdraws a
2163	2163	resolution approving or disapproving a contract or reprogramming after the date the contract or
2164	2164	reprogramming would otherwise have been deemed approved, the measure shall be deemed
2165	2165	approved on the date the resolution is withdrawn, unless it has been deemed approved before that
2166	2166	time by operation of law.
2167	2167	407. COMMITTEE APPROVAL
2168	2168	(a) Each committee may take action on any measure referred to the committee, except as
2169	2169	provided in subsection (b) of this section.
2170	2170	(b) A committee may not vote on a measure sequentially referred to that committee until
2171	2171	all conditions of the referral have been met to make such measure ripe for consideration by the
2172	2172	committee.
2173	2173	(c) A hearing on a measure by any committee of the Council shall satisfy the
2174	2174	requirements of Rule 501(a)(2) for measures referred sequentially to committees.
2175	2175	(d) After approval of a committee print on a measure by the Committee of the Whole, the
2176	2176	Chairman may file the committee print with the Secretary as specified in Rule 282 without the
2177	2177	committee report.
2178	2178	B. COUNCIL APPROVAL.
2179	2179	411. CONSENT AGENDA.
2180	2180	(a) The Chairman shall prepare a consent agenda for each legislative meeting that shall
2181	2181	include measures that the Chairman believes will be adopted by unanimous vote. Without
2182	2182	objection, a Councilmember may amend the committee print of a measure without removing the
2183	2183	bill or resolution from the consent agenda, if the amendment is filed with the Secretary at or
2184	2184	before a Committee of the Whole meeting and circulated to the Councilmembers at the
2185	2185	Committee of the Whole meeting. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2186	2186
2187	2187	63
2188	2188
2189	2189	(b) A Councilmember may remove a measure from the consent agenda at the Committee
2190	2190	of the Whole meeting or at the legislative meeting before the vote on the consent agenda.
2191	2191	(c) Measures removed from the consent agenda shall be considered as provided in Rule
2192	2192	315 or 316, except that the Chairman may first consider items removed from the consent agenda.
2193	2193	(d) Before the vote on the consent agenda at a legislative meeting, and without objection
2194	2194	from any other Councilmember, a Councilmember may request that a measure on the
2195	2195	non-consent agenda be moved to the consent agenda.
2196	2196	(e) Approval of the consent agenda during a legislative meeting will include the
2197	2197	unanimous approval of all matters included in the consent agenda. If a Councilmember asks for
2198	2198	his or her vote to be recorded on a particular measure, the measure shall be removed from the
2199	2199	consent agenda.
2200	2200	412. EMERGENCY LEGISLATION.
2201	2201	(a)(1) When a Councilmember proposes a measure to be approved immediately due to
2202	2202	emergency circumstances, the Council may debate the question of the existence of an emergency
2203	2203	and then shall vote on whether emergency circumstances exist.
2204	2204	(2) A Councilmember may debate the merits of a measure to determine whether
2205	2205	emergency circumstances exist.
2206	2206	(3) If 2/3rds of the members find that emergency circumstances exist, the Council
2207	2207	shall consider the measure on its merits.
2208	2208	(b) For the purposes of this section, an “emergency” means a situation that adversely
2209	2209	affects the health, safety, welfare, or economic well-being of the District, its residents, its
2210	2210	businesses, or other persons or entities for which legislative relief is deemed appropriate and
2211	2211	necessary by the Council, and for which adherence to the ordinary legislative process would
2212	2212	result in delay that would adversely affect the circumstances which the legislation is intended to
2213	2213	protect.
2214	2214	(c) An emergency resolution shall take effect, according to its terms, either immediately
2215	2215	or at a specific time. Pursuant to section 412(a) of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-
2216	2216	204.12(a)), an emergency act shall be effective law for no more than 90 days.
2217	2217	(d) As required by Rule 309, no emergency measure may be approved by the Council
2218	2218	without a fiscal impact statement presented to the Council at the time of its consideration;
2219	2219	provided, that the Chairman may waive this requirement if the Chairman concurs with the
2220	2220	Budget Director that the measure does not have a netive fiscal impact. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2221	2221
2222	2222	64
2223	2223
2224	2224	(e) As required by Rule 310, no emergency measure may be approved by the Council
2225	2225	without a lel sufficiency determination presented to the Council at the time of its
2226	2226	consideration; provided, that the Chairman may waive this requirement if the Chairman concurs
2227	2227	with the General Counsel that the measure is lelly sufficient.
2228	2228	(f) An emergency measure on the agenda for the legislative meeting shall be moved by
2229	2229	the Councilmember who noticed the measure or, in the absence of that Councilmember, may be
2230	2230	moved by another Councilmember designated by the Councilmember who noticed the measure.
2231	2231	If no Councilmember has been designated to move the measure in the absence of the
2232	2232	Councilmember who noticed the measure, the measure shall be considered to have been
2233	2233	withdrawn.
2234	2234	(g) The Chairman may rule out of order an emergency measure that is subject to
2235	2235	inclusion in an approved budget and financial plan.
2236	2236	413. TEMPORARY LEGISLATION.
2237	2237	If the Council approves an emergency bill under Rule 412, the Council may, at the same
2238	2238	legislative meeting, consider a temporary bill on first reading without committee referral. At first
2239	2239	reading, the temporary bill must be substantially similar to the emergency bill and may remain
2240	2240	effective for no more than 225 days.
2241	2241	414. TECHNICAL-AMENDMENT LEGISLATION.
2242	2242	(a) On an occasional basis, the General Counsel shall prepare a technical-amendment bill
2243	2243	for introduction by the Chairman.
2244	2244	(b) Notwithstanding Rule 501(a), no hearing is required before final adoption of a
2245	2245	technical-amendment bill prepared in accordance with this section.
2246	2246	(c) A technical-amendment bill shall contain only amendments to existing law, and no
2247	2247	amendment included in the technical-amendment bill may make substantive changes to the
2248	2248	existing law. Any amendment to the technical-amendment bill must be certified as technical by
2249	2249	the General Counsel.
2250	2250	(d) An amendment to a technical-amendment bill that has not been certified as technical
2251	2251	by the General Counsel shall be out of order for Council consideration.
2252	2252	415. ENACTMENT LEGISLATION.
2253	2253	(a) On an occasional basis, the General Counsel shall prepare an enactment bill for
2254	2254	introduction by the Chairman. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2255	2255
2256	2256	65
2257	2257
2258	2258	(b) Notwithstanding Rule 501(a), no hearing is required before final adoption of an
2259	2259	enactment bill prepared in accordance with this section.
2260	2260	(c) An enactment bill shall present, for each title of the District of Columbia Official
2261	2261	Code proposed to be enacted into positive law, a compilation, restatement, and revision of the
2262	2262	general and permanent laws of the District of Columbia that conforms to the understood policy,
2263	2263	intent, and purpose of the Council or Congress in the original enactments, with such amendments
2264	2264	and corrections as to remove ambiguity, contradictions, and other imperfections, both of
2265	2265	substance and of form.
2266	2266	(d) An amendment to an enactment bill that has not been proposed by the General
2267	2267	Counsel as an amendment consistent with subsection (c) of this section shall be out of order for
2268	2268	Council consideration.
2269	2269	416. VETOED LEGISLATION.
2270	2270	(a) Whenever the Mayor disapproves and returns an act pursuant to section 404(e) of the
2271	2271	Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.04(e)), the disapproved act shall be the property of the full
2272	2272	Council. The Chairman may solicit comments or recommendations on the disapproved act from
2273	2273	a committee or committees. A Councilmember may move for the Council to reenact the
2274	2274	disapproved act before the end of the 30-day review period provided in section 404(e) of the
2275	2275	Charter. If 2/3rds of the Councilmembers present and voting vote to reenact the act, the act shall
2276	2276	become law subject to the provisions of section 602(c) of the Home Rule Act (D.C. Official
2277	2277	Code § 1-206.02(c)).
2278	2278	(b) Whenever the Mayor disapproves and returns any item or provision of a budget act
2279	2279	pursuant to section 404(f) of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.04(f)), the act containing
2280	2280	the disapproved item or provision shall be the property of the full Council. The Chairman may
2281	2281	solicit comments or recommendations on the disapproved item or provision from a committee or
2282	2282	committees. A Councilmember may move for the Council to reenact any disapproved item or
2283	2283	provision of the budget act before the end of the 30-day review period provided in section 404(f)
2284	2284	of the Charter. If 2/3rds of the Councilmembers present and voting vote to reenact any item or
2285	2285	provision of the budget act, the item or provision so reenacted shall be incorporated in the budget
2286	2286	and become law subject to the provisions of section 602(c) of the Home Rule Act (D.C. Official
2287	2287	Code § 1-206.02(c)).
2288	2288	417. TRANSMISSION OF ACTS.
2289	2289	The Chairman shall transmit adopted acts to the Mayor and enacted acts to the United
2290	2290	States Senate and the United States House of Representatives as required by the Charter. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2291	2291
2292	2292	66
2293	2293
2294	2294	418. EFFECT OF END OF COUNCIL PERIOD.
2295	2295	(a)(1) A measure that has not been finally adopted by the Council before the end of the
2296	2296	Council Period in which the measure was introduced lapses without prejudice to the measure’s
2297	2297	reintroduction in a subsequent Council Period.
2298	2298	(2) If temporary legislation has been passed on first reading pursuant to Rule 413
2299	2299	in a Council Period, it may be considered on final reading during the next Council Period.
2300	2300	(3) A matter transmitted by the Mayor or an independent agency for a designated
2301	2301	period of Council review that is pending at the end of a Council period shall be in the same status
2302	2302	that the matter was at the end of the prior Council period and the legislation assigned a new
2303	2303	number. If notice required by these Rules has been given in the prior Council period, no
2304	2304	additional notice shall be required before action on the matter.
2305	2305	(4) A sanction resolution introduced pursuant to Rule 652 that is pending at the
2306	2306	end of a Council period shall be in the same status that the resolution was in at the end of the
2307	2307	prior Council period and assigned a new number. If notice required by these Rules has been
2308	2308	given in the prior Council period, no additional notice shall be required before action on the
2309	2309	matter.
2310	2310	(b) Legislation that has been finally adopted by the Council during a Council Period shall
2311	2311	not lapse simply because any of the following occurs:
2312	2312	(1) Approval or veto by the Mayor;
2313	2313	(2) Approval by operation of law;
2314	2314	(3) Reenactment after a veto;
2315	2315	(4) Submission to referendum; or
2316	2316	(5) Transmittal to Congress.
2317	2317	C. NOTICE AND PUBLICATION OF INTENDED ACTIONS.
2318	2318	421. GENERAL NOTICE BY PUBLICATION OF INTENDED ACTIONS AND
2319	2319	HEARINGS.
2320	2320	(a)(1) Except as provided in these Rules, 15 days’ notice by publication in the Register is
2321	2321	required before Council adoption of a measure.
2322	2322	(2) Abbreviated notice under this subsection may be given upon good cause found
2323	2323	and published in the Register with the notice. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2324	2324
2325	2325	67
2326	2326
2327	2327	(b) No prior notice by publication in the Register is required for the adoption of a
2328	2328	ceremonial resolution, an emergency bill or resolution, an emergency-declaration resolution, a
2329	2329	contract approval resolution (including multiyear) submitted by the Executive, or a resolution
2330	2330	adopting Council Rules, appointing Council officers and committee chairpersons and members,
2331	2331	or otherwise pertaining to the internal operation or ornization of the Council.
2332	2332
2333	2333	(c) Except as provided in these Rules, 15 days’ notice by publication in the Register or
2334	2334	abbreviated notice published in the Register is required before the conduct of a hearing.
2335	2335	(d) Abbreviated notice under subsection (c) of this section may be given:
2336	2336	(1) For a hearing on a permanent bill for the purpose of rescheduling the hearing
2337	2337	when the hearing was previously noticed in the Register;
2338	2338	(2) For a hearing on a resolution, when a hearing is required, upon good cause
2339	2339	found and published in the Register with the notice, and when the abbreviated notice provides at
2340	2340	least 3 business days’ notice;
2341	2341	(3) For an oversight or investitive hearing, when such notice is posted on the
2342	2342	Council website or published in the Register;
2343	2343	(4) For a hearing that was scheduled on a day when there is an unscheduled
2344	2344	closing of the government and when the abbreviated notice provides at least 3 business days’
2345	2345	notice; or
2346	2346	(5) For a hearing on any matter on which a notice has been filed to add any item
2347	2347	that does not otherwise require a hearing and when the abbreviated notice provides at least 3
2348	2348	business days’ notice.
2349	2349
2350	2350	(e)(1) Notice of a roundtable on a resolution or an oversight roundtable shall be filed with
2351	2351	the Secretary and circulated to Councilmembers at least 24 hours before the roundtable.
2352	2352	(2) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection, when a
2353	2353	committee elects to conduct a roundtable on a confirmation resolution, 5 calendar days’ notice is
2354	2354	required before the conduct of the roundtable, such notice to be filed with the Secretary and
2355	2355	circulated to Members. The notice shall also be posted on the Council website.
2356	2356
2357	2357	(f) A notice of a cancellation of a hearing or roundtable shall be filed and circulated at
2358	2358	least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing or roundtable, unless the reason for the cancellation
2359	2359	precludes such notice.
2360	2360
2361	2361	422. PERSONAL SERVICE OR ACTUAL NOTICE.
2362	2362	COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2363	2363
2364	2364	68
2365	2365
2366	2366	Notice by publication is not required if all persons subject to an intended action are
2367	2367	named, and in accordance with law, either are served personally or have actual notice of the
2368	2368	Council’s intended action.
2369	2369
2370	2370	423. METHODS OF NOTICE.
2371	2371	(a) When not otherwise required by these Rules or other provisions of law to be done in
2372	2372	specific fashion, notice may be given by:
2373	2373	(1) Publication in the Register;
2374	2374	(2) Publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation;
2375	2375	(3) Mailing notices to a mailing list of ornizations and individuals established
2376	2376	and maintained by the Secretary;
2377	2377	(4) Use of other news media;
2378	2378	(5) Posting notice in a prominent place in the John A. Wilson Building and other
2379	2379	public buildings or posting places;
2380	2380	(6) Facsimile;
2381	2381	(7) E-mail;
2382	2382	(8) Posting on the Council’s official website; or
2383	2383	(9) In any other manner directed by the Council.
2384	2384	(b) When notice to the public is required under these Rules, by law, or otherwise, the
2385	2385	notice shall be posted on the Council website.
2386	2386	424. NOTICE OF EMERGENCY ACTIONS.
2387	2387
2388	2388	(a)(1) When an emergency measure is to be considered, a notice that includes the
2389	2389	following shall be circulated by noon on the third business day before the legislative meeting at
2390	2390	which the emergency measure is to be considered, unless the nature of the emergency precludes
2391	2391	such notice:
2392	2392
2393	2393	(A) A statement of the circumstances making it necessary that the measure
2394	2394	be considered on an emergency basis, which shall comply with Rule 412(b);
2395	2395
2396	2396	(B) A statement of the intended effect of the emergency measure; and
2397	2397	COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2398	2398
2399	2399	69
2400	2400
2401	2401	(C) A draft of the emergency measure and emergency-declaration
2402	2402	resolution.
2403	2403
2404	2404	(2) If the nature of the emergency precludes the notice required by paragraph (1)
2405	2405	of this subsection, the sponsor of the legislation shall circulate and file the measure with the
2406	2406	Secretary and take steps to ensure that Councilmembers have notice at the earliest possible time
2407	2407	before the meeting at which the emergency measure is to be considered.
2408	2408
2409	2409	(b) In addition to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, public notice of intended
2410	2410	emergency action shall be given by the Council before adoption of an emergency bill or
2411	2411	resolution by at least one method provided in Rule 423.
2412	2412
2413	2413	425. NOTICE OF TEMPORARY LEGISLATION.
2414	2414	(a) Each temporary bill adopted pursuant to Rule 413 shall be circulated and filed with
2415	2415	the accompanying emergency measure in accordance with Rule 424. Following approval on first
2416	2416	reading, the Secretary shall publish a notice of intent to adopt the temporary bill on second
2417	2417	reading in the Register.
2418	2418	(b) When temporary legislation is to be considered under Rule 413, the notice of
2419	2419	emergency action under Rule 424 shall include notice of the temporary legislation.
2420	2420	426. NOTICE OF WAIVER OF RULE 231(c).
2421	2421	(a) A notice of a request to waive Rule 231(c) shall be filed and circulated no later than
2422	2422	noon on the third business day before the legislative meeting at which a measure is to be
2423	2423	considered. The notice shall include a rationale for the request.
2424	2424	(b) If the committee report for a measure is not filed before noon on the third business
2425	2425	day before the legislative meeting, a motion to waive Rule 231(c) may not be placed on the
2426	2426	legislative agenda.
2427	2427	(c) Before approval of a motion to waive Rule 231(c), a certification shall be made of a
2428	2428	measure’s lel sufficiency and technical compliance with the drafting rules of the Council; the
2429	2429	fiscal impact; the completion of the record; and a determination made of the fiscal impact.
2430	2430	(d) Approval of a motion to waive Rule 231(c) shall require a vote of 2/3rds of the
2431	2431	Members present and voting.
2432	2432	(e) A motion to waive Rule 231(c) is not in order if the legislation includes amendments
2433	2433	made by one or more committees that are beyond the jurisdiction of the committee or
2434	2434	committees. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2435	2435
2436	2436	70
2437	2437
2438	2438	(f) At the discretion of the Chairman, a notice of a request to waive Rule 231(c) may be
2439	2439	considered as notice of a request to consider the measure at a meeting of the Committee of the
2440	2440	Whole, pursuant to Committee of the Whole Rule 403(b), preceding the legislative meeting for
2441	2441	which the request to waive was filed.
2442	2442	427. CEREMONIAL RESOLUTIONS.
2443	2443	Each ceremonial resolution shall be circulated and filed by noon on the business day
2444	2444	before the legislative meeting at which it is to be considered.
2445	2445	428. NOTICE AND PUBLICATION OF ADOPTED LEGISLATION.
2446	2446	Each measure adopted by the Council shall be published in the Register.
2447	2447	429. NOTICE OF NEW BUSINESS.
2448	2448	Except as provided in these Rules, a Councilmember shall file a notice of intent by noon
2449	2449	on the third business day before a legislative meeting, to make any of the following motions:
2450	2450	(1) A motion to reconsider a measure that was considered at a prior legislative
2451	2451	meeting;
2452	2452	(2) A motion to take from the table a measure that was laid on the table at a prior
2453	2453	legislative meeting;
2454	2454	(3) A motion to discharge;
2455	2455	(4) A point of personal privilege;
2456	2456	(5) A motion to override a Mayoral veto; or
2457	2457	(6) Any other motion that brings new business before the Council.
2458	2458	430. NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
2459	2459	(a)(1) A committee shall file and circulate notice, which shall be made publicly available
2460	2460	at least 24 hours before a meeting, of the date, hour, and place of a committee meeting. Such
2461	2461	notice shall include a copy of the agenda and a draft, including a comparative print when
2462	2462	required by Rule 803(e)(7), of any measures to be considered at the meeting.
2463	2463	(2) In addition to the requirements in paragraph (1) of this subsection, during the
2464	2464	last 2 months of a council period, when an agenda for a committee meeting contains more than 3
2465	2465	bills, a committee shall file and circulate notice at least 48 hours before a meeting of the date,
2466	2466	hour, and place of a committee meeting. Such notice shall include a copy of the agenda and a
2467	2467	draft of the bills to be considered at the meeting. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2468	2468
2469	2469	71
2470	2470
2471	2471	(b) If at least 4 members of the committee agree in writing to a shorter notice, the
2472	2472	committee may consider matters not included on the agenda.
2473	2473	(c) A committee shall file and circulate notice, at least 24 hours before a meeting, of the
2474	2474	cancellation of a committee meeting.
2475	2475	ARTICLE V—HEARING PROCEDURES.
2476	2476	A. PROCEDURES FOR HEARINGS.
2477	2477	501. AUTHORITY TO CALL HEARINGS.
2478	2478	(a)(1) The Council shall hold a hearing when required by law and may hold a hearing on
2479	2479	any matter relating to the affairs of the District. A Council hearing may be called by the
2480	2480	Chairman.
2481	2481	(2) A hearing shall be held on all permanent bills before final adoption by the
2482	2482	Council. A hearing shall not be required when a hearing on the same or a similar bill was held in
2483	2483	the same or immediately preceding Council Period.
2484	2484	(b) A committee of the Council shall hold a hearing when required by law and may hold
2485	2485	a hearing on any matter relating to the affairs of the District that is properly within the
2486	2486	committee’s jurisdiction as provided in these Rules.
2487	2487	(c) Unless a hearing is required by law or regulation, a committee may hold a roundtable
2488	2488	on any matter relating to the affairs of the District that is properly within the committee’s
2489	2489	jurisdiction as provided in these Rules. A roundtable shall comply with the hearing requirements
2490	2490	set forth in this Article.
2491	2491	(d) A notice of a hearing or roundtable shall be filed with the Secretary.
2492	2492	502. QUORUM.
2493	2493	One Councilmember, for the Council, or one member of a committee, for the committee,
2494	2494	shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of holding a hearing or a roundtable.
2495	2495	503. PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS.
2496	2496	(a) Each Councilmember may participate in hearings of the Council or of a committee,
2497	2497	without rerd to whether the Councilmember is a member of the committee conducting the
2498	2498	hearing.
2499	2499	(b) Each Councilmember may question witnesses for no more than 10 minutes until after
2500	2500	each Councilmember has had an opportunity to question the witnesses. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2501	2501
2502	2502	72
2503	2503
2504	2504	504. WITNESSES AT A PUBLIC HEARING.
2505	2505	(a) If a committee, in the publication of notice of a hearing or roundtable, sets a deadline
2506	2506	before which a person must contact the committee to be permitted to be a witness at the public
2507	2507	hearing, then at the time that the public hearing is held, each person who complied with the
2508	2508	committee’s requirements shall be given an opportunity to testify.
2509	2509	(b) A person who fails to comply with the requirements of this section may not testify
2510	2510	unless the presiding member allows the person to testify.
2511	2511	(c) The Secretary shall maintain a Hearing Management System (“HMS”) to facilitate
2512	2512	witness registration, allow for the submittal of public testimony, and make available to the public
2513	2513	such testimony for all committee hearings and roundtables. A committee shall add a hearing or
2514	2514	roundtable to HMS within 48 hours of the approval of a filed notice pursuant to Rule 421, and
2515	2515	the Secretary shall endeavor to approve a hearing or roundtable within 24 hours of a committee
2516	2516	adding the hearing or roundtable to HMS. Each committee shall manage its hearings and
2517	2517	roundtables utilizing HMS.
2518	2518	B. RECEIVING TESTIMONY.
2519	2519	511. QUESTIONING WITNESSES.
2520	2520	(a) The Mayor and all agency witnesses shall be affirmed or sworn to give truthful
2521	2521	testimony.
2522	2522	(b) Witnesses may be questioned by Councilmembers and, with the consent of the
2523	2523	presiding member, by authorized staff or counsel.
2524	2524	512. DECORUM OF WITNESSES.
2525	2525	(a) A witness may address a Councilmember only through the presiding member.
2526	2526	(b) A witness shall confine their remarks to the question under discussion and shall avoid
2527	2527	making netive personal comments.
2528	2528	(c) The presiding member shall maintain order in the hearing or roundtable and, after
2529	2529	issuing a warning, may order the removal of a disorderly person as provided in Rule 322.
2530	2530	C. RIGHTS OF WITNESSES.
2531	2531	521. RIGHT TO COUNSEL.
2532	2532	Any witness who appears before the Council or a committee has the right to be
2533	2533	represented by counsel. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2534	2534
2535	2535	73
2536	2536
2537	2537	522. RIGHT TO MAKE OPENING STATEMENT.
2538	2538	(a) Each witness testifying on behalf of the Executive Branch, including an agency,
2539	2539	entity, board, commission, or independent agency of the Executive Branch must submit written
2540	2540	testimony to the chair of the committee before which the witness is to testify at least 48 hours
2541	2541	before the commencement of a hearing or roundtable. This requirement may be waived by the
2542	2542	presiding chairperson if the presiding chairperson determines there is good cause.
2543	2543	(b) Any witness testifying at a hearing or roundtable may submit an opening statement,
2544	2544	which shall be placed in the record of the hearing or roundtable if timely submitted. The
2545	2545	presiding member may permit the witness to read the witness’s statement at the hearing or
2546	2546	roundtable.
2547	2547	D. RECORD OF HEARINGS.
2548	2548	531. HEARING RECORDS, REQUIRED.
2549	2549	(a) Within 20 business days after the close of the record for a hearing or roundtable, a
2550	2550	committee shall file with the Secretary a hearing record, which shall be a complete record of the
2551	2551	hearing or roundtable. The hearing record shall contain the following:
2552	2552	(1) A copy of the published notice;
2553	2553	(2) A copy of the witness list;
2554	2554	(3) Copies of written testimony;
2555	2555	(4) Statements or other materials submitted for the record;
2556	2556	(5) Important correspondence with the Mayor, if applicable; and
2557	2557	(6) Other information that the committee chairperson considers necessary.
2558	2558	(b) If new materials are provided to the committee after the close of the record, the
2559	2559	committee chairperson may supplement the hearing record.
2560	2560	532. CLOSE OF RECORD.
2561	2561	Unless otherwise provided in the hearing notice or stated at the hearing, the record for a
2562	2562	hearing or roundtable shall close 10 business days after the hearing or roundtable. A committee
2563	2563	may not mark-up a measure within its jurisdiction until after the official close of the record on
2564	2564	such measure.
2565	2565	COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2566	2566
2567	2567	74
2568	2568
2569	2569	ARTICLE VI—INVESTIGATIONS AND SUBPOENAS.
2570	2570	A. PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATIONS USING SUBPOENAS.
2571	2571	601. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF SUBPOENAS IN AN
2572	2572	INVESTIGATION.
2573	2573	(a) In order to use subpoenas to obtain testimony or documents, the Council shall adopt a
2574	2574	resolution authorizing an investition by the Council.
2575	2575	(b) In order to use subpoenas to obtain testimony or documents, a standing committee, an
2576	2576	ad hoc committee, or, if authorized by the resolution establishing it, a special committee, shall
2577	2577	adopt a resolution of the committee authorizing an investition. This resolution shall be filed in
2578	2578	the Office of the Secretary.
2579	2579	(c) To afford witnesses adequate notice of the scope of the inquiry, a resolution
2580	2580	authorizing an investition under this section shall delineate the purpose of the investition
2581	2581	and the subject matter to be investited.
2582	2582	602. NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION.
2583	2583	The Secretary shall publish a notice of each investition authorized under Rule 601 in
2584	2584	the Register, which notice shall include a copy or description of the resolution authorizing the
2585	2585	investition and the date the resolution was filed in the Office of the Secretary.
2586	2586	603. REPORT OF INVESTIGATION.
2587	2587	(a) Within 90 days after the conclusion of an investition under this article, a committee
2588	2588	shall submit to the Council the results of the investition, unless the Council, by majority vote
2589	2589	of the Members present and voting, extends the time limit.
2590	2590	(b) The committee, by a majority vote of the Members present and voting, may vote not
2591	2591	to release all or part of its report. The Council, by a majority vote of Members present and
2592	2592	voting, may direct a committee to release its report under terms that the Council sets.
2593	2593	604. TESTIMONY UNDER OATH.
2594	2594	A witness may be affirmed or sworn to give truthful testimony.
2595	2595	605. ISSUING THE OATH.
2596	2596	Any person authorized by law may issue an oath or affirmation to a witness. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2597	2597
2598	2598	75
2599	2599
2600	2600	606. DEPOSITIONS.
2601	2601	The Council or committee may authorize a Councilmember, staff, or counsel to take the
2602	2602	testimony of witnesses by oral or written depositions.
2603	2603	B. SUBPOENAS.
2604	2604	611. ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS.
2605	2605	The Council, any standing committee of the Council, an ad hoc committee, and, if
2606	2606	authorized by the resolution establishing it, any special committee, may subpoena the attendance
2607	2607	and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents and other tangible items at
2608	2608	meetings, hearings, and depositions in connection with an investition. Subpoenas shall be
2609	2609	issued in the form set forth in Appendix A, and, except as provided in Rule 613(b), shall be
2610	2610	served not less than 5 business days before the return date.
2611	2611	612. REPORT TO SECRETARY REGARDING USE OF SUBPOENA.
2612	2612	Before issuing a subpoena, the Council, a standing committee, an ad hoc committee, or
2613	2613	authorized special committee shall submit a report to the Secretary outlining the nature and scope
2614	2614	of the investition and the type of information sought through the use of the subpoena.
2615	2615	613. SERVICE OF SUBPOENAS.
2616	2616	(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a subpoena shall be served
2617	2617	personally on the witness or the witness’s designated agent in one of the following ways, which
2618	2618	may be attempted concurrently or successively:
2619	2619	(1) By a person at least 18 years of age, designated by the committee or the
2620	2620	Council from among the staff appointed by the Secretary who is not directly involved in the
2621	2621	investition; or
2622	2622	(2) By a person, at least 18 years of age, enged by the committee or the Council
2623	2623	for this purpose.
2624	2624	(b) If, after a reasonable attempt, personal service on a witness or witness’s designated
2625	2625	agent cannot be obtained, service may be effectuated by registered or certified mail not less than
2626	2626	8 business days before the return date.
2627	2627	614. ENFORCEMENT OF SUBPOENAS.
2628	2628	A committee may refer to the Council any case of contumacy by a person subpoenaed to
2629	2629	appear before the committee. The Council may refer by resolution any case of contumacy by any
2630	2630	person subpoenaed by the Council or a committee to the Superior Court of the District of
2631	2631	Columbia as provided in section 413 of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.13). COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2632	2632
2633	2633	76
2634	2634
2635	2635	C. RIGHTS OF WITNESSES.
2636	2636	621. RIGHT TO ASSERT PRIVILEGES.
2637	2637	(a) A witness has the right to refuse to answer a question that might tend to incriminate
2638	2638	the witness by claiming the witness’s Fifth Amendment privilege ainst self-incrimination,
2639	2639	other Constitutional privileges, or statutory or common law privileges recognized in the Superior
2640	2640	Court of the District of Columbia.
2641	2641	(b) If a witness asserts a privilege, the presiding member shall inquire into the witness’s
2642	2642	reasons for claiming the privilege. If the presiding member determines that the claim of privilege
2643	2643	is not warranted, the presiding member shall direct the witness to answer the question. A
2644	2644	witness’s continued claim of privilege in the face of an order by the presiding member to answer
2645	2645	a specific question constitutes contumacy by the witness.
2646	2646	622. NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS.
2647	2647	When a witness under subpoena is not represented by counsel, the presiding member
2648	2648	shall advise the witness of the witness’s privilege ainst self-incrimination.
2649	2649	623. RIGHT TO TRANSCRIPT.
2650	2650	A witness under subpoena is entitled to receive, at the cost of producing it, a written
2651	2651	transcript or a transcription of the witness’s testimony in connection with an investition.
2652	2652	624. RIGHTS OF PERSONS WHO ARE SUBJECTS OF INVESTIGATIONS.
2653	2653	Any person who is the subject of an investition authorized under Rule 601 may submit
2654	2654	written questions for the cross-examination of other witnesses at a public investitive hearing
2655	2655	called by the Council or a committee. With the consent of the Councilmembers present and
2656	2656	voting, the questions may be put to the witness by a Councilmember, by staff, or by counsel.
2657	2657	625. RIGHTS OF PERSONS IDENTIFIED IN INVESTIGATIONS.
2658	2658	Any person, who is named or specifically identified in connection with an investition
2659	2659	and who believes that the testimony or other evidence or comment by a member of the Council
2660	2660	or a committee or its staff does not comport with the truth, may file a sworn statement of facts
2661	2661	relevant to the testimony or other evidence or comment complained of. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2662	2662
2663	2663	77
2664	2664
2665	2665	D. REPRIMAND, CENSURE, AND EXPULSION PROCEDURES.
2666	2666	651. ESTABLISHING AN AD HOC COMMITTEE.
2667	2667	(a) An ad hoc committee may be established pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of this
2668	2668	section for the purposes of considering alletions of a violation of a law or rule by a
2669	2669	Councilmember and making recommendations for further action.
2670	2670	(b) An ad hoc committee shall be established, pursuant to subsection (d) of this section,
2671	2671	within 3 business days after:
2672	2672	(1) BEGA censures a Councilmember;
2673	2673	(2) Outside counsel delivers to the Council an investitive report that contains a
2674	2674	finding that a Councilmember has violated the Council’s sexual harassment policy; or
2675	2675	(3) 5 Councilmembers file with the Secretary a written request for the
2676	2676	establishment of an ad hoc committee, which shall include a description of the alleged violation
2677	2677	of law or rule that forms the basis of the request.
2678	2678	(c) The Chairman may establish an ad hoc committee pursuant to this section at the
2679	2679	Chairman’s discretion, rerdless of whether one of the events described in subsection (b) of this
2680	2680	section has occurred. If the Chairman establishes an ad hoc committee under this subsection, the
2681	2681	memorandum filed pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall include a description of the
2682	2682	alleged violation of law or rule committed by the Councilmember whose conduct will be under
2683	2683	consideration by the ad hoc committee.
2684	2684	(d) To establish an ad hoc committee, the Chairman shall file a memorandum with the
2685	2685	Secretary appointing 3 or more Councilmembers to serve on the ad hoc committee, and
2686	2686	designating one of the appointed members to serve as the chairperson. The ad hoc committee
2687	2687	shall not include any Councilmember whose conduct is under consideration by the ad hoc
2688	2688	committee.
2689	2689	(e) The Secretary shall deliver a copy of the memorandum filed pursuant to subsection
2690	2690	(d) of this section to each Councilmember, including the Councilmember whose conduct is under
2691	2691	consideration by the ad hoc committee, within 48 business hours of the Secretary’s receipt of that
2692	2692	memorandum.
2693	2693	(f) No sanction pursuant to Rule 655 shall be imposed unless:
2694	2694	(1) First recommended by an ad hoc committee; and
2695	2695	(2) A proceeding is held pursuant to Rule 653. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2696	2696
2697	2697	78
2698	2698
2699	2699	(g) The ad hoc committee’s proceedings may be conducted in executive session in
2700	2700	accordance with Rule 375, except that its recommendation for further action shall be made
2701	2701	public. In connection with any action taken under this part, the Council shall take all reasonable
2702	2702	steps to protect the identity of any complainant who alleges sexual harassment, as defined in the
2703	2703	Sexual Harassment Policy. Such actions may include voting to close meetings under Part H of
2704	2704	Article III and withholding or redacting identifying information in written documents.
2705	2705	(h) For the purposes of this part, the term “Chairman” means, if the Chairman is the
2706	2706	Councilmember whose conduct is under consideration by the ad hoc committee, the Chairman
2707	2707	Pro Tempore.
2708	2708	652. AD HOC COMMITTEE PROCEDURES.
2709	2709	(a) An ad hoc committee established pursuant to Rule 651 shall:
2710	2710	(1) In the case of an ad hoc committee established pursuant to Rule 651(b)(1) or
2711	2711	(2), consider BEGA’s findings or outside counsel’s investitive report;
2712	2712	(2) In the case of an ad hoc committee established pursuant to Rule 651(b)(3),
2713	2713	consider the description of the alleged violation of law or rule in the written request filed
2714	2714	pursuant to Rule 651(b)(3);
2715	2715	(3) In the case of an ad hoc committee established pursuant to Rule 651(c),
2716	2716	consider the description of the alleged violation of law or rule in the memorandum filed pursuant
2717	2717	to Rule 651(d);
2718	2718	(4) Permit testimony from the Councilmember whose conduct is under
2719	2719	consideration by the ad hoc committee;
2720	2720	(5) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, collect more evidence, as
2721	2721	needed, including by authorizing an investition pursuant to Rule 601(b); except, that the
2722	2722	Chairman, pursuant to an authorizing resolution, may appoint any person to perform the actions
2723	2723	described in this paragraph in lieu of the ad hoc committee;
2724	2724	(6) Consider the findings of any other investition of the conduct that is under
2725	2725	consideration by the ad hoc committee; and
2726	2726	(7) File a report, as described in subsection (c) of this section, with the Secretary
2727	2727	within:
2728	2728	(A) In the case of an ad hoc committee established pursuant to Rule
2729	2729	651(b)(1) or (2), 45 days after the ad hoc committee is established; or COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2730	2730
2731	2731	79
2732	2732
2733	2733	(B) In the case of an ad hoc committee established pursuant to Rule
2734	2734	651(b)(3) or (c), 90 days after the ad hoc committee is established; provided, that the ad hoc
2735	2735	committee may extend the time required to file a report by up to an additional 30 days if
2736	2736	requested by the ad hoc committee and approved by the Council.
2737	2737	(b) An ad hoc committee created pursuant to Rule 651(b)(2) may not enge in additional
2738	2738	fact finding and shall rely on the findings of outside counsel for the purposes of the report
2739	2739	required by subsection (a)(7) of this section.
2740	2740	(c)(1) The report required by subsection (a)(7) of this section shall:
2741	2741	(A) Summarize the actions taken by the ad hoc committee;
2742	2742	(B) Describe the findings of the ad hoc committee, including identifying
2743	2743	the law or rule that has been violated and summarizing the evidence in support of those findings;
2744	2744	and
2745	2745	(C) Recommend sanctions, if any, including reprimand, censure, or
2746	2746	expulsion.
2747	2747	(2)(A) If the report required by subsection (a)(7) of this section recommends a
2748	2748	sanction that would require a resolution of the Council to implement, the chairperson of the ad
2749	2749	hoc committee or the Chairman shall introduce such resolution at the same time the report is
2750	2750	filed; except, that, if the report recommends multiple actions, including censure or expulsion, the
2751	2751	resolution of censure or expulsion shall be introduced as a separate measure.
2752	2752	(B)(i) A resolution of censure or expulsion introduced pursuant to this
2753	2753	paragraph shall identify specific charges ainst the accused.
2754	2754	(ii) Each charge shall set forth an offense of which the accused is
2755	2755	alleged to have committed, including a citation to the law or rule alleged to have been violated.
2756	2756	(iii) Each charge shall be accompanied by at least one
2757	2757	specification, which shall state what actions the accused is alleged to have taken, which, if true,
2758	2758	would constitute an instance of the offense indicated in the charge, and a description of the
2759	2759	evidence supporting the specification.
2760	2760	(iv) The resolution(s) introduced pursuant to this paragraph shall
2761	2761	be retained by the Council.
2762	2762	(d) Failure of an ad hoc committee to file its report by the deadline provided in subsection
2763	2763	(a)(7) of this section shall be construed as having failed to reach a decision. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2764	2764
2765	2765	80
2766	2766
2767	2767	653. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF REPORT .
2768	2768	(a)(1) If an ad hoc committee recommends censure or expulsion, the Chairman, or
2769	2769	another Councilmember designated by the Chairman, shall hold a proceeding within 45 days
2770	2770	after the ad hoc committee files its report pursuant to Rule 652.
2771	2771	(2) At least 30 days before the proceeding, the Secretary shall provide written
2772	2772	notice of the proceeding to the accused or the accused’s Council office, which shall include a
2773	2773	copy of the report and resolution filed pursuant to Rule 652.
2774	2774	(3)(A) The Chairman, or another Councilmember designated by the Chairman,
2775	2775	shall preside over the proceeding. At the beginning of the proceeding, the Chairman shall:
2776	2776	(i) Read the charges and specifications listed in the resolution filed
2777	2777	pursuant to Rule 652(c)(2); and
2778	2778	(ii) Ask the accused how the accused answers—admit or deny—
2779	2779	first to each specification, and then to each charge.
2780	2780	(B) If the accused admits all charges, no further action at the proceeding
2781	2781	shall be required and the Council shall consider the resolution of censure or expulsion at the next
2782	2782	legislative meeting.
2783	2783	(C) At the proceeding, the chairperson of the ad hoc committee, or the
2784	2784	chairperson’s designee, shall be given the opportunity to make an opening and a closing
2785	2785	statement, to call witnesses, and to question any witnesses called by the accused; except, that
2786	2786	nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require the chair to present evidence ainst the
2787	2787	accused at the proceeding.
2788	2788	(D) At the proceeding, the accused shall be given the opportunity to make
2789	2789	an opening and a closing statement, to call witnesses on the accused’s behalf, and to question any
2790	2790	witnesses called by the chairperson of the ad hoc committee; except, that the accused shall have
2791	2791	no right to have the Council compel the production of evidence or the testimony of witnesses.
2792	2792	(E) The accused may be represented by a person of the accused’s choice,
2793	2793	whether or not the person is an attorney at law, and may have that representative speak or
2794	2794	question witnesses on the accused’s behalf.
2795	2795	(F) The questioning or cross-examining of witnesses, if any witnesses
2796	2796	testify, may be reasonably limited by the presiding member.
2797	2797	(G) If testimony is taken from witnesses, such testimony shall only be
2798	2798	taken from witnesses having direct knowledge of facts or circumstances relevant to the specific
2799	2799	charges under consideration. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2800	2800
2801	2801	81
2802	2802
2803	2803	(H) The rules of evidence and judicial procedure applicable in courts of
2804	2804	law shall not be applicable to this proceeding, and the procedures shall be generally informal.
2805	2805	(4) The accused shall have no rights beyond those stated herein and the accused
2806	2806	shall not be entitled to any process beyond notice and an opportunity to be heard.
2807	2807	(5)(A) Following the proceeding, the chairperson of the ad hoc committee shall
2808	2808	request that the resolution of censure or expulsion be agendized for the next legislative meeting.
2809	2809	(B) During the consideration of a resolution of censure or expulsion, a
2810	2810	Councilmember may offer an amendment to the resolution; except, that a resolution of censure
2811	2811	may not be amended to impose expulsion.
2812	2812	(6) The accused shall be recused from voting on a resolution of expulsion.
2813	2813	(7) The accused may participate but shall not vote on a resolution of censure.
2814	2814	(b) Any other resolution pertaining to sanctions, introduced pursuant to Rule 652(c)(2),
2815	2815	shall be placed on the agenda of a forthcoming legislative meeting by the Chairman.
2816	2816	654. REPRIMAND.
2817	2817	(a) A reprimand is a formal statement of the Council officially disapproving the conduct
2818	2818	of one of its members. A reprimand shall be directed to a particular member of the Council based
2819	2819	on a particular action or set of actions that is determined to be in violation of the Council’s
2820	2820	Rules, law, or policy, or otherwise inappropriate, but is considered to be not sufficiently serious
2821	2821	to require censure or expulsion.
2822	2822	(b) The Council may adopt a resolution of reprimand in the same manner as provided for
2823	2823	the adoption of any resolution; provided, that the Councilmember who is the subject of the
2824	2824	resolution is permitted to speak in his or her defense prior to action on the motion for adoption of
2825	2825	the resolution. The fact that the Councilmember who is the subject of a reprimand does not
2826	2826	choose to respond to the resolution or does not attend the meeting at which the resolution is to be
2827	2827	adopted shall not prevent the Council from adopting the resolution; provided, that the
2828	2828	Councilmember had actual notice of the inclusion of the resolution on the agenda and had a
2829	2829	reasonable opportunity to attend the meeting.
2830	2830	655. CENSURE AND EXPULSION.
2831	2831	(a)(1) Censure is a formal statement of the Council officially disciplining one of its
2832	2832	members. It is a punitive action, which serves as a penalty imposed for wrongdoing, but it carries
2833	2833	no fine or suspension of the rights of the Member as an elected official. Censure should be used
2834	2834	for cases in which the Council determines that the Councilmember committed a violation of a
2835	2835	law or rule of a serious nature. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2836	2836
2837	2837	82
2838	2838
2839	2839	(2) The Council may, by a 2/3rds vote of Councilmembers present and voting,
2840	2840	adopt a resolution of censure if it finds, based on substantial evidence contained in the resolution
2841	2841	or presented at the proceeding, that the Councilmember committed a violation of a law or rule of
2842	2842	a serious nature.
2843	2843	(b)(1) Expulsion is the most severe punitive action, serving as a penalty imposed for
2844	2844	egregious wrongdoing. Expulsion results in the removal of the Member. Expulsion should be
2845	2845	used for cases in which the Council determines that the Councilmember committed a violation of
2846	2846	law of the most serious nature, including a violation that substantially threatens the public trust.
2847	2847	(2) The Council may, by a 5/6 vote of Councilmembers, adopt a resolution of
2848	2848	expulsion if it finds, based on substantial evidence contained in the resolution or presented at the
2849	2849	proceeding, that the Councilmember committed a violation of law that amounts to a gross failure
2850	2850	to meet the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
2851	2851	(c) To protect the exercise of official Councilmember duties and the overriding principle
2852	2852	of freedom of speech, the Council shall not impose censure or expulsion on any Councilmember
2853	2853	for the exercise of the Councilmember’s First Amendment right, no matter how distasteful the
2854	2854	expression of that right was to the Council and the District.
2855	2855	(d) For the purposes of this section, the term “substantial evidence” means proof that a
2856	2856	reasonable person would accept as adequate to support a conclusion or decision in favor of
2857	2857	censure or expulsion.
2858	2858	ARTICLE VII—BUDGET PROCEDURES.
2859	2859	A. BUDGET REVIEW PROCEDURES.
2860	2860	701. ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
2861	2861	The Mayor’s annual proposed budget for the District government and any revised,
2862	2862	supplemental, or deficiency budget submitted to the Council pursuant to section 442 of the
2863	2863	Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.42) shall be referred to the Committee of the Whole.
2864	2864	702. BUDGET-REVIEW SCHEDULE.
2865	2865	(a) The Budget Director, at the direction of the Chairman, shall prepare a budget-review
2866	2866	schedule, including committee hearings; and other budget activities as necessary or appropriate.
2867	2867	(b) The budget-review schedule shall be presented to the Committee of the Whole for
2868	2868	approval. The Budget Director may change the schedule as necessary or appropriate and shall
2869	2869	circulate the updated budget-review schedule and publish it on the Council website. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2870	2870
2871	2871	83
2872	2872
2873	2873	703. ROLE OF COUNCIL COMMITTEES.
2874	2874	(a) Each standing committee shall be responsible, in accordance with the budget-review
2875	2875	schedule, for reviewing the proposed budget for agencies within its purview, including:
2876	2876	(1) Holding public hearings;
2877	2877	(2) Recommending funding and personnel levels for each agency;
2878	2878	(3) Identifying additional budget needs not included in the committee's
2879	2879	recommendation under paragraph (2) of this subsection, for which funding is sought;
2880	2880	(4) Identifying legislative actions required to implement the committee’s budget
2881	2881	recommendations; and
2882	2882	(5) Identifying issues for further analysis by the Mayor pursuant to section
2883	2883	442(a)(6) of the Charter (D.C. Official Code § 1-204.42(a)(6)).
2884	2884	(b)(1) Each standing committee shall hold a markup of its report of recommendations to
2885	2885	the Committee of the Whole for the proposed budget for agencies within its purview, in
2886	2886	accordance with report requirements issued by the Budget Director.
2887	2887	(2) The committee report of recommendations shall be balanced. No report shall
2888	2888	result in a net increase in the total amount of the budget request for all agencies under its purview
2889	2889	unless that report also identifies additional revenue sources, additional budget reductions, or
2890	2890	both, within the committee’s jurisdiction, sufficient to provide funding for the increase, except
2891	2891	where another committee has directed funds to the committee.
2892	2892	(3) Each proposed subtitle in the committee report shall be within the purview of
2893	2893	the committee.
2894	2894	(4) No amendment offered at markup shall have the effect of putting the
2895	2895	committee budget recommendations out of balance.
2896	2896	(5) No transfers or substantive changes shall be made after the markup that were
2897	2897	not approved at the markup.
2898	2898	(c)(1) Each standing committee shall submit its committee report to the Budget Director
2899	2899	for certification by close of business the day before the Committee of the Whole working
2900	2900	session.
2901	2901	(2) Following certification by the Budget Director, each committee shall file its
2902	2902	report with the Secretary. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2903	2903
2904	2904	84
2905	2905
2906	2906	704. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED BUDGET.
2907	2907	(a) The Budget Director, upon receipt of committee reports and at the direction of the
2908	2908	Chairman, shall prepare a summary of committee recommendations for presentation at a working
2909	2909	session of the Committee of the Whole.
2910	2910	(b) Following the working session, the Budget Director, at the direction of the Chairman,
2911	2911	shall prepare a draft report and print for the budget measures that includes the Chairman’s
2912	2912	recommendations. The report shall include a comparison of the budget levels recommended by
2913	2913	committees with any changes recommended by the Chairman. The Committee of the Whole shall
2914	2914	meet to consider and mark up the draft report and print.
2915	2915	(c) An amendment offered to a budget measure shall be accompanied by a fiscal impact
2916	2916	statement and a lel sufficiency determination, as required by Rules 309 and 310, respectively.
2917	2917	No amendment shall have the effect of putting the budget out of balance.
2918	2918	705. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET.
2919	2919	(a) Following the markup and report on the budget by the Committee of the Whole, the
2920	2920	reported budget shall be presented for 2 readings at the next legislative meetings or additional
2921	2921	meetings called by the Chairman for that purpose.
2922	2922	(b) An amendment offered to a budget measure shall be accompanied by a fiscal impact
2923	2923	statement and a lel sufficiency determination, as required by Rules 309 and 310, respectively.
2924	2924	No amendment shall be in order if it has the effect of putting the budget out of balance.
2925	2925	B. REPROGRAMMING POLICY ACT PROCEDURES.
2926	2926	711. EFFECT OF RECESS ON PROCEDURES.
2927	2927	Reprogramming requests and grant budget modification requests may not be submitted to
2928	2928	the Council during a recess of the Council. No time period provided in this part for the
2929	2929	consideration of the requests will continue to run during a recess of the Council.
2930	2930	712. COMMITTEE REFERRAL OF REQUESTS.
2931	2931	The Chairman may refer reprogramming requests for comments to the standing
2932	2932	committee having oversight responsibility for the program or agency affected.
2933	2933	713. CIRCULATION OF REQUESTS.
2934	2934	The Secretary shall circulate a copy of a reprogramming request or a grant budget
2935	2935	modification request within one business day after the filing of the request with the Secretary. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2936	2936
2937	2937	85
2938	2938
2939	2939	714. PUBLICATION OF NOTICE.
2940	2940	Upon receipt of a reprogramming request or a grant budget modification request, the
2941	2941	Secretary shall publish a “notice of reprogramming request” or a “notice of grant budget
2942	2942	modification request”, as the case may be, in the Register that, at a minimum, includes:
2943	2943	(1) A description of the action requested;
2944	2944	(2) The date the request was received by the Council; and
2945	2945	(3) A statement that the request will be deemed approved 14 days from the date it
2946	2946	was received by the Council unless a notice of disapproval has been filed before that time by a
2947	2947	member of the Council, and that, if a notice of disapproval is filed, the request will be deemed
2948	2948	approved 30 days from the date the request was received unless, before that time, the Council
2949	2949	adopts a resolution to disapprove the request.
2950	2950	715. WITHDRAWAL OF REPROGRAMMING REQUESTS.
2951	2951	The Mayor may withdraw a reprogramming request or grant budget modification request
2952	2952	at any time before the Council takes final action on the request, or before it takes effect without
2953	2953	Council action.
2954	2954	716. REQUIREMENTS FOR DISAPPROVAL OF REQUESTS.
2955	2955	(a) To initiate disapproval of a reprogramming request or a grant budget-modification
2956	2956	request, a Councilmember shall file a written notice of disapproval with the Secretary within 14
2957	2957	days after the Council receives the request. The Secretary shall circulate copies of the written
2958	2958	notice of disapproval.
2959	2959	(b) If this notice is given, the Council may consider and take final action, as provided in
2960	2960	this section, to disapprove the request within 30 calendar days after the Council receives the
2961	2961	request.
2962	2962	717. AUTOMATIC APPROVAL OF REQUESTS.
2963	2963	If the notice of disapproval provided in Rule 716 is not given within 14 days after the
2964	2964	Council receives the request, the reprogramming request or a grant budget modification request
2965	2965	shall be deemed approved. If the notice is given as provided in Rule 716(a) and the Council does
2966	2966	not take final action to disapprove the request as provided in Rule 716(b), the reprogramming
2967	2967	request or a grant budget modification request shall be deemed approved. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
2968	2968
2969	2969	86
2970	2970
2971	2971	718. TRANSMITTAL TO MAYOR.
2972	2972	The Chairman shall transmit, by letter to the Mayor, notification of the Council’s
2973	2973	disapproving or failure to disapprove a reprogramming request or a grant budget modification
2974	2974	request.
2975	2975	C. FUNDS CONTROL ACT PROCEDURES.
2976	2976	[RESERVED].
2977	2977	D. SPECIFIED FUNDING ALLOCATION PROCEDURES.
2978	2978	730. REQUIRED INFORMATION PRIOR TO APPROVAL.
2979	2979	(a) To receive an earmarked grant through the budget process or a supplemental budget,
2980	2980	each grantee, no later than 7 days following the inclusion of funding in the budget at first
2981	2981	reading, or if applicable, at second reading, shall submit electronically to the Budget Director the
2982	2982	following:
2983	2983	(1) The ornization’s Articles of Incorporation;
2984	2984	(2)(A) Internal Revenue Service certification that the ornization is tax-exempt
2985	2985	under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3); or
2986	2986	(B) A notarized statement that the ornization has filed for tax-exempt
2987	2987	status and the application is still under consideration by the Internal Revenue Service;
2988	2988	(3)(A) The ornization’s most recent financial audit, not more than 2 years old;
2989	2989	or
2990	2990	(B) A recent financial statement, not more than one year old, prepared by
2991	2991	a certified accountant that shows that the ornization is in good financial standing and that
2992	2992	delineates its:
2993	2993	(i) Existing assets and liabilities;
2994	2994	(ii) Pending lawsuits, if any; and
2995	2995	(iii) Pending and final judgments, if any;
2996	2996	(4) The most recently filed Internal Revenue Service Form 990 or 990EZ
2997	2997	covering one of the ornization’s most recently completed 2 fiscal years;
2998	2998	(5) A notarized statement from the grantee certifying that:
2999	2999	(A) The ornization is current on District and federal taxes; COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3000	3000
3001	3001	87
3002	3002
3003	3003	(B) The Council of the District of Columbia is authorized to verify the
3004	3004	ornization’s tax status with the District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue and the Office
3005	3005	of Tax and Revenue is authorized to release this information to the Council, the Mayor, and the
3006	3006	Auditor;
3007	3007	(C) The ornization focuses primarily on services to District of
3008	3008	Columbia; and
3009	3009	(D) The District government shall have access to its financial,
3010	3010	administrative, and operational records, including specific consent for the Auditor to access its
3011	3011	books, accounts, records, findings, and documents related to the grant; and
3012	3012	(6) A comprehensive program statement that includes a detailed:
3013	3013	(A) Scope of work for the grant funds; and
3014	3014	(B) Budget that describes how the grant funds shall be spent.
3015	3015	(b) Nothing in this part shall be construed as waiving the requirements to submit
3016	3016	information required of all grantees by the grantor agencies or ornizations.
3017	3017	(c)(1) If an ornization cannot meet the submission requirements established in
3018	3018	subsection (a) of this section, the ornization shall be required to submit:
3019	3019	(A) A notarized statement designating a nonprofit ornization that does
3020	3020	meet the criteria to serve as its fiscal agent or fiscal sponsor postmarked or hand delivered to the
3021	3021	Council’s Office of the Budget Director no later than the time prescribed in subsection (a) of this
3022	3022	section; and
3023	3023	(B) The information required by subsection (a)(5) of this section.
3024	3024	(2) The fiscal agent or fiscal sponsor shall be required to submit the following to
3025	3025	the Council’s Office of the Budget Director no later than the time prescribed in subsection (a) of
3026	3026	this section:
3027	3027	(A) A notarized statement agreeing to serve as fiscal agent or fiscal
3028	3028	sponsor; and
3029	3029	(B) The information required by subsection (a) of this section.
3030	3030	(d)(1) All earmarked grants shall be listed in the Budget Support Act to include the
3031	3031	grantee name, grant amount, and purpose of the grant.
3032	3032	(2) Before the second reading of the Budget Support Act, the Council's Budget
3033	3033	Director shall certify which grantees have met the requirements of subsection (a) of this section. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3034	3034
3035	3035	88
3036	3036
3037	3037	Any grantee that has not met the requirements shall be removed from the Budget Support Act on
3038	3038	second reading and shall not receive funding through an earmarked grant.
3039	3039	(e) This part shall not apply to funds or grants provided to instrumentalities of the District
3040	3040	or entities that are named in a Local Budget Act.
3041	3041	731. [RESERVED].
3042	3042	732. LIMITS ON AWARD AMOUNTS.
3043	3043	Specified funding allocations per fiscal year shall be limited to $250,000 for non-capital
3044	3044	projects and $1 million for all capital projects.
3045	3045	733. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS.
3046	3046	(a) Grantees shall be notified that the District of Columbia Auditor may randomly audit
3047	3047	grant recipients.
3048	3048	(b) The District of Columbia Auditor’s report, if applicable, shall be issued no later than
3049	3049	March 1st of the fiscal year immediately following the year for which the grant was awarded.
3050	3050	734. DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.
3051	3051	Councilmembers and staff and the officers and directors of a proposed grantee shall
3052	3052	disclose the existence of any personal, familial, or financial relationship between a
3053	3053	Councilmember or staff and any officer or director of the grantee.
3054	3054	E. REPORTS ON BILLS SUBJECT TO INCLUSION IN THE BUDGET AND
3055	3055	FINANCIAL PLAN.
3056	3056	735. REPORTS ON BILLS SUBJECT TO INCLUSION IN THE BUDGET AND
3057	3057	FINANCIAL PLAN.
3058	3058	The Budget Director shall circulate and publish quarterly reports in accordance with Rule
3059	3059	283(b) no later than 15 days after the end of each quarter, identifying the bills adopted by the
3060	3060	Council that are subject to inclusion in the budget and financial plan or subject to appropriation.
3061	3061	736. REPEAL OF LAWS SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION .
3062	3062	(a) A law, or provision of a law, that will be applicable subject to inclusion in a budget
3063	3063	and financial plan that remains unfunded for 2 fiscal years shall be subject to repeal in the
3064	3064	Budget Support Act on the third fiscal year following its enactment. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3065	3065
3066	3066	89
3067	3067
3068	3068	(b) The Budget Director shall prepare and submit a list of the laws, or provisions thereof,
3069	3069	that meet the criteria for repeal to the Chairman that the Chairman may propose for approval by
3070	3070	the Committee of the Whole for inclusion in the Budget Support Act.
3071	3071	ARTICLE VIII—COUNCIL RECORDS
3072	3072	A. COUNCIL RECORDS.
3073	3073	801. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS.
3074	3074	(a) The Secretary shall maintain accurate and up-to-date Council records, described in
3075	3075	Rules 806 and 807, and shall make the records available to the public.
3076	3076	(b) Each committee shall make records on legislation assigned to the committee and on
3077	3077	other committee activities and shall file the records, when the record on a matter is closed post-
3078	3078	hearing in accordance with Rule 532, with the Secretary. When records are in the custody of the
3079	3079	committee, the committee shall make them available to the public.
3080	3080	802. FORM FOR INTRODUCTIONS.
3081	3081	(a) Each measure shall be introduced in typewritten form, signed by the Councilmember
3082	3082	introducing it, include a long title that summarizes the subject matter of the measure, and be in
3083	3083	substantial compliance with the form required for final adoption. The Secretary shall make the
3084	3084	determination as to whether the measure complies with this subsection.
3085	3085	(b) Co-introduction of a measure shall be evidenced by the signature of the co-introducer
3086	3086	on the face of the measure. Co-sponsorship shall be permitted up to the close of business the day
3087	3087	following the legislative meeting or Committee of the Whole work session at which the measure
3088	3088	was officially referred.
3089	3089	(c) A Councilmember may withdraw as a co-introducer or a co-sponsor pursuant to Rule
3090	3090	402.
3091	3091	803. REPORTS ON LEGISLATION.
3092	3092	(a) Each measure that is adopted by a committee shall be accompanied by a report.
3093	3093	(b) The report shall be adopted by the committee at the same meeting at which the
3094	3094	measure is approved.
3095	3095	(c) Each adopted report on a measure shall be in writing, signed by the committee’s
3096	3096	chairperson, accompanied by the final measure, and dated as of the date of the markup.
3097	3097	(d) Each adopted report shall contain the following information, in the order listed,
3098	3098	rerding the reported legislation: COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3099	3099
3100	3100	90
3101	3101
3102	3102	(1) A comprehensive section stating the measure’s background, need, purpose,
3103	3103	and effect. This section shall also include the committee’s reasoning, analysis of relevant issues,
3104	3104	legislative intent, and, if applicable, guidance on statutory construction;
3105	3105	(2) A chronology of action, including the date:
3106	3106	(A) Of introduction;
3107	3107	(B) That the notice of intent to act on the measure was published in the
3108	3108	Register;
3109	3109	(C) That each notice of hearing or roundtable was published in the
3110	3110	Register;
3111	3111	(D) Of each hearing or roundtable on the measure; and
3112	3112	(E) Of the committee meeting at which the measure and report were
3113	3113	adopted;
3114	3114	(3) The position of the Executive, if any, on the measure;
3115	3115	(4) The committee’s response to the relevant recommendations adopted by a
3116	3116	resolution of an affected Advisory Neighborhood Commission, if any, that has been provided to
3117	3117	the committee before the close of the record;
3118	3118	(5) A list of witnesses who testified at the hearing or roundtable, or who
3119	3119	submitted a statement for the record before close of the record, and a brief summary of each
3120	3120	witness’s position;
3121	3121	(6) An explanation of the impact on existing provisions of law that the measure
3122	3122	would modify or affect;
3123	3123	(7) A summary of the fiscal impact, including whether funds are sufficient to
3124	3124	implement the legislation, and, if applicable, a summary of the tax abatement financial analysis
3125	3125	conducted pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 47-4701;
3126	3126	(8) A summary of the racial equity impact, if an assessment has been provided
3127	3127	pursuant to Rule 311, and the committee’s response to the assessment;
3128	3128	(9) A detailed section-by-section analysis of the measure’s substantive provisions;
3129	3129	(10) Any additional information that the committee decides to include;
3130	3130	(11) A summary of the committee’s markup of the measure, including: COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3131	3131
3132	3132	91
3133	3133
3134	3134	(A) Dissenting, separate, and individual views of committee members, if
3135	3135	members demanded the opportunity to state their views;
3136	3136	(B) A record of the results of a voice vote or, if a roll-call vote, the votes
3137	3137	to adopt the legislation and the motion to adopt the report; and
3138	3138	(C) Any recorded votes on amendments to the measure or other motions;
3139	3139	and
3140	3140	(12) The report adopted by the final committee in cases of a sequential referral
3141	3141	may summarize paragraphs (2), (4), and (5) of this subsection, if the previous committee report
3142	3142	(in the sequential referral) is included (with or without attachments).
3143	3143	(e) Attached to each report, in the following order, shall be:
3144	3144	(1) The measure, as introduced, along with any transmittal letter, if applicable
3145	3145	(but not necessarily any other attachments to the introduction), and the Secretary’s memorandum
3146	3146	of referral;
3147	3147	(2) Any written statements or materials that the committee decides to attach;
3148	3148	(3) The Racial Equity Impact Assessment, if one has been issued pursuant to Rule
3149	3149	311;
3150	3150	(4) As required by Rule 309, a fiscal impact statement;
3151	3151	(5) The tax abatement financial analysis conducted pursuant to D.C. Official Code
3152	3152	§ 47-4701, if applicable;
3153	3153	(6) As required by Rule 310, a lel sufficiency determination;
3154	3154	(7) If reporting a bill repealing or amending existing law, a comparative print
3155	3155	showing, by italic, underscore, strikethrough, or other typographical device, the changes
3156	3156	proposed; except, that when a new section, or greater part is being added, such as a new chapter
3157	3157	or title, a comparative print shall not be required but a reference to the new section or part shall
3158	3158	be included in the committee report; and
3159	3159	(8) A committee print that states the number of the measure and, in the top left-
3160	3160	hand corner of the measure, the name of the committee, the date of the committee markup, and
3161	3161	the words “committee print”.
3162	3162	(f) Each report prepared by the Committee of the Whole on a Council appointment to
3163	3163	another body and each report prepared by another committee on a confirmation shall include a
3164	3164	current resume of the nominee. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3165	3165
3166	3166	92
3167	3167
3168	3168	(g) As required by Rule 309, no measure may be approved by a committee without a
3169	3169	fiscal impact statement on the measure that is included in the committee report at the time of its
3170	3170	consideration.
3171	3171	(h) As required by Rule 310, no measure may be approved by a committee without a
3172	3172	lel sufficiency determination on the measure that is included in the committee report at the
3173	3173	time of its consideration.
3174	3174	(i)(1) A committee chairperson shall file a reported bill or resolution with the Secretary
3175	3175	within 20 business days after committee action on the bill or resolution unless the committee
3176	3176	votes to reconsider the bill or resolution.
3177	3177	(2) If a committee chairperson has failed to file a reported measure within the
3178	3178	period of time specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the committee, by a majority vote of
3179	3179	the members of the committee, may vote to have the measure as reported filed immediately with
3180	3180	the Secretary, to be agendized at the next scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting.
3181	3181	(j) This section shall not apply to a budget measure or an emergency or temporary
3182	3182	measure.
3183	3183	(k) The Secretary shall determine whether the report complies with this section.
3184	3184	804. SUPPLEMENTAL COMMITTEE REPORT .
3185	3185	A committee may adopt a supplemental committee report on a measure that expounds on
3186	3186	the intent of that measure and explains the reasoning for any amendments to the measure by the
3187	3187	Council after the filing of the committee report on the measure. A supplemental committee
3188	3188	report adopted by a Committee shall be filed with the Secretary.
3189	3189	805. IDENTIFICATION OF COUNCIL DOCUMENTS.
3190	3190	(a) Legislative documents shall be identified by a name that describes the type of
3191	3191	document and a 2-part document number.
3192	3192	(b) Legislative documents shall be identified by the following names:
3193	3193	(1) A bill, whether permanent, temporary, or emergency, shall be known as a
3194	3194	“Bill”;
3195	3195	(2) A resolution, before its adoption, shall be known as a “Proposed Resolution”;
3196	3196	(3) An enacted bill signed by the Mayor, a bill vetoed by the Mayor and approved
3197	3197	by members of the Council, or an approved initiative certified by the Board of Elections shall be
3198	3198	known as a “District of Columbia Act”; COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3199	3199
3200	3200	93
3201	3201
3202	3202	(4) An adopted resolution shall be known as a “Resolution”;
3203	3203	(5) A ceremonial resolution, whether proposed or adopted, shall be known as a
3204	3204	“Ceremonial Resolution”;
3205	3205	(6) An act that has taken effect following a congressional review period shall be
3206	3206	known as a “District of Columbia Law”;
3207	3207	(7) A proposed reornization plan shall be known as a “Reornization Plan”;
3208	3208	(8) A request for a reprogramming shall be known as a “Reprogramming
3209	3209	Request”;
3210	3210	(9) A proposed state plan shall be known as a “Proposed State Plan”; and
3211	3211	(10) A request for a grant budget modification shall be known as a “Grant Budget
3212	3212	Modification”.
3213	3213	(c) The Secretary shall assign 2-part numbers to Council documents identified in
3214	3214	subsection (b) of this section in the order of introduction, filing, adoption, or approval. The first
3215	3215	part of the number consists of the current Council Period, and the second part consists of a
3216	3216	consecutive serial number beginning with the number “1” in each Council Period.
3217	3217	(d) A report on a measure or a topic shall be titled as a “Report on ______________”
3218	3218	(with the name to be filled in as appropriate under subsection (b) of this section). Titled reports
3219	3219	shall be further identified by:
3220	3220	(1) A number corresponding to the number, if any, assigned to a measure; or
3221	3221	(2) If the report is not on a measure, a sequential number preceded by the year
3222	3222	filed.
3223	3223	806. LEGISLATIVE FILES.
3224	3224	(a) The Secretary shall maintain an official file on each bill and proposed resolution,
3225	3225	which shall include the original of the following:
3226	3226	(1) The introduced version of the bill or proposed resolution;
3227	3227	(2) Any recordings, transcripts, or items submitted for the record of hearings on
3228	3228	the legislation;
3229	3229	(3) The committee report on the legislation; COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3230	3230
3231	3231	94
3232	3232
3233	3233	(4) Files transmitted from the committee rerding committee consideration of the
3234	3234	bill or resolution;
3235	3235	(5) Any amendments to the bill or proposed resolution presented in legislative
3236	3236	meetings;
3237	3237	(6) The engrossed and enrolled versions of the legislation;
3238	3238	(7) Records of the publication and notice given of Council consideration of the
3239	3239	legislation;
3240	3240	(8) Records of official transmittal of the legislation to the Mayor, to Congress, or
3241	3241	other agencies or entities as required by law or the legislation; and
3242	3242	(9) Records from the Mayor, including vetoes and other statements transmitted to
3243	3243	the Council by the Mayor, records from independent agencies or entities, such as the Office of
3244	3244	the Chief Financial Officer and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and
3245	3245	records from Congress or a member of Congress.
3246	3246	(b) The posting of draft measures and associated notices on the Council’s website shall
3247	3247	not be considered official documents unless expressly incorporated in the official file by the
3248	3248	Secretary pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
3249	3249
3250	3250	807. OTHER OFFICIAL RECORDS.
3251	3251
3252	3252	The Secretary shall maintain other official Council records, including:
3253	3253
3254	3254	(1) Transcripts and recordings of all legislative meetings;
3255	3255	(2) Audio and video recordings and minutes of all committee meetings;
3256	3256	(3) Audio and video recordings and documents submitted for the record of all
3257	3257	legislative hearings;
3258	3258	(4) Audio and video recordings and documents submitted for the record of
3259	3259	investitive hearings, recordings and transcripts of depositions and other testimony taken in
3260	3260	connection with investitions, and reports of investitions;
3261	3261	(5) Records of all committee meetings to include the meeting agenda, the draft
3262	3262	committee print considered at the meeting, and each amendment to a measure moved at the
3263	3263	meeting; and
3264	3264	(6) Any other document or record required by law or these Rules to be filed with
3265	3265	the Council or with the Secretary. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3266	3266
3267	3267	95
3268	3268
3269	3269	808. RECORDS OF LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS.
3270	3270	A recording of each legislative meeting shall be produced and maintained by the
3271	3271	Secretary. A written transcript or a transcription of each legislative meeting shall be made
3272	3272	available upon request. The Council may establish a fee to cover the cost of production of any
3273	3273	recording or transcript.
3274	3274	809. COMMITTEE RECORDS.
3275	3275	Whenever there is a change in the chairperson of a committee, the incumbent committee
3276	3276	chairperson shall ensure that official committee files and records are maintained and transmitted
3277	3277	to the incoming committee chairperson.
3278	3278	B. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS.
3279	3279	811. FOIA PROCEDURES.
3280	3280	(a) For the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act (D.C. Official Code § 2-531 et
3281	3281	seq.) (“FOIA”), the General Counsel, or the General Counsel’s designee, shall be the Council’s
3282	3282	FOIA Officer.
3283	3283	(b) To ensure accurate and timely compliance with FOIA, if a Councilmember, staff
3284	3284	member, or Council office receives a request for information contained in a record or access to a
3285	3285	record, the request shall be forwarded to the FOIA Officer within one business day after receipt.
3286	3286	The FOIA Officer shall endeavor to provide documents under FOIA to requesters as soon as
3287	3287	possible, and within the time period prescribed in D.C. Official Code § 2-532.
3288	3288	(c)(1) Within one business day after receiving a finalized FOIA request, the FOIA Officer
3289	3289	shall inform the Councilmember or Council office that is the subject of the request.
3290	3290	(2) For FOIA requests for public records within the control and possession of a
3291	3291	Councilmember or Council office, the FOIA Officer shall instruct the subject to put a
3292	3292	preservation hold on, to search for, and to provide copies of any public records responsive to the
3293	3293	request to the FOIA Officer.
3294	3294	(3) For FOIA requests for public records in any electronic format, the FOIA
3295	3295	Officer shall instruct the subject to put a preservation hold on such records responsive to the
3296	3296	request.
3297	3297	(d)(1) Upon receipt of a written request for access to a record, the FOIA Officer shall
3298	3298	make a good-faith effort to determine if the record requested is a public record and whether the
3299	3299	Council possesses the identified record. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3300	3300
3301	3301	96
3302	3302
3303	3303	(2) If a requester specifically identifies a public record that is not in the possession
3304	3304	of the Council and has made a reasonable showing that the record is in the possession of a
3305	3305	Council employee, including the Chairman and each Councilmember, the FOIA Officer shall
3306	3306	request that the employee search for and produce the public record believed to be in the
3307	3307	employee’s possession. An employee receiving a request under this paragraph shall make
3308	3308	reasonable efforts to search for and produce the public record to the FOIA Officer within the
3309	3309	time and in the form prescribed by the FOIA Officer and shall verify in writing that reasonable
3310	3310	efforts were made.
3311	3311	(e) Before releasing any documents, emails, or materials, the FOIA Officer shall give the
3312	3312	subject 2 business days to review the documents, emails, and materials, and to assert any lelly
3313	3313	cognizable privileges or statutory exemptions from disclosure for a specific document, email, or
3314	3314	material.
3315	3315	(f) The General Counsel shall make the final determination on whether particular public
3316	3316	records are responsive to the request and privileged or otherwise subject to disclosure.
3317	3317	(g) For the purposes of this rule, the term “public record” shall have the same meaning as
3318	3318	provided in D.C. Official Code § 2-539.
3319	3319	812. TRANSACTION OF PUBLIC BUSINESS BY ELECTR ONIC FORMAT.
3320	3320	A Council employee, including the Chairman and each Councilmember, shall use only
3321	3321	the employee’s government-provided email account, cellular phone, or tablet device to transact
3322	3322	public business by email, text or other electronically transmitted message, including official
3323	3323	action of any kind, unless the employee takes steps to ensure that any emails, text messages, or
3324	3324	other electronically transmitted messages including those designed to disappear after a certain
3325	3325	time period, sent or received on an account other than the email account, cellular phone, or tablet
3326	3326	device provided by the government are otherwise incorporated into the Council’s records in a
3327	3327	text-searchable format.
3328	3328	813. SERVICE OF PROCESS.
3329	3329	(a) For the purpose of receiving lel correspondence (including summonses, complaints,
3330	3330	and subpoenas), only the Secretary and the General Counsel, or their designees, may accept
3331	3331	service of process for the Council or any Councilmember in an official capacity.
3332	3332	(b) To ensure timely responses to lel pleadings, and to timely assert the Council’s
3333	3333	legislative privilege for actions taken within the scope of a Member’s legislative duties, the
3334	3334	Office of the General Counsel shall be notified immediately of receipt of any lel
3335	3335	correspondence, and such lel correspondence shall be transmitted to the Office of the General
3336	3336	Counsel within one business day after receipt. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3337	3337
3338	3338	97
3339	3339
3340	3340	(c) A Member may not accept service of process of a lel document on behalf of the
3341	3341	Council or for another Member.
3342	3342	ARTICLE IX—AUDITOR.
3343	3343	901. SELECTION.
3344	3344	The Chairman shall nominate the Auditor, and the Council shall, by resolution, act on the
3345	3345	nomination.
3346	3346	902. TERM AND COMPENSATION.
3347	3347	The Auditor shall serve for a term of 6 years and shall be paid at a rate of compensation
3348	3348	as may be established from time to time by the Council.
3349	3349	903. VACANCY.
3350	3350	A vacancy in the Office of the Auditor shall be filled in the manner prescribed for
3351	3351	full-term appointments to that office, and any person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve
3352	3352	until the end of the predecessor’s term.
3353	3353	904. STAFF.
3354	3354	The Auditor shall appoint, remove, and set the relative remuneration, in accordance with
3355	3355	the budget of the Office of the Auditor, of the Auditor’s subordinate staff.
3356	3356	905. REPORTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
3357	3357	The Council shall make audit reports submitted to the Council by the Auditor, and any
3358	3358	other material it deems pertinent to the report, available for public inspection.
3359	3359	ARTICLE X—CONSTRUCTION, SUSPENSION, AND AMENDMENT OF RULES.
3360	3360	1001. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY.
3361	3361	Matters not covered by these Rules shall be governed by Mason’s Manual of Legislative
3362	3362	Procedure. It is the duty of the Chairman to interpret the Rules. Matters not covered by Mason’s
3363	3363	Manual of Legislative Procedure shall be determined by the Chairman subject to the right of a
3364	3364	Member to appeal the Chairman’s ruling. The Council recognizes the principle of stare decisis in
3365	3365	resolving questions of order.
3366	3366	1002. GENDER RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
3367	3367	Unless the context indicates otherwise, words importing one gender include other
3368	3368	genders. COUNCIL RULES, PERIOD XXV I
3369	3369
3370	3370	98
3371	3371
3372	3372	1003. SUSPENSION OF RULES.
3373	3373	(a) Except for rules rerding notice, quorum, or amendment of these Rules and any
3374	3374	requirement of the Charter or other law, any Rule governing procedures of the Council may be
3375	3375	suspended during the consideration of a specified matter by motion to suspend the Rules
3376	3376	approved by 2/3rds of the Members present and voting.
3377	3377	(b) A motion to suspend the Rules is not debatable and may not be reconsidered.
3378	3378	1004. AMENDMENT OF RULES.
3379	3379	(a) These Rules may be amended by a vote of a majority of the Council.
3380	3380	(b) The proposed rules to be adopted at the ornizational meeting pursuant to Rule 301
3381	3381	shall be filed by the Chairman with the Secretary no later than the business day before the
3382	3382	ornizational meeting. An amendment to the Rules at any other time shall be introduced by the
3383	3383	Chairman and shall be noticed and a draft circulated by noon on the third business day before the
3384	3384	meeting at which it is to be considered.
3385	3385	(c) The current version of these Rules shall be featured prominently on the Council
3386	3386	website, including any amendments adopted since the Rules were first adopted at the
3387	3387	ornizational meeting held pursuant to Rule 301.
3388	3388	1005. EFFECTIVE PERIOD.
3389	3389	These Rules shall be effective until superseded by Rules of Ornization and Procedure
3390	3390	adopted in a succeeding Council Period, as provided in Rule 301.
3391	3391	99
3392	3392
3393	3393	APPENDIX A.
3394	3394	TO: __________________
3395	3395	__________________
3396	3396	(Address)
3397	3397	PURSUANT TO D.C. Official Code § 1-204.13, YOU ARE COMMANDED TO APPEAR
3398	3398	before the (Council/Committee on) ___________, of the Council of the District of Columbia, at
3399	3399	____(a.m./p.m.) on the day of ________, 20__, to testify before the Council/Committee
3400	3400	concerning: ___________________________________ and bring with
3401	3401	you:____________________________________.
3402	3402	ISSUED BY: __________________ ATTEST: _______________________
3403	3403	Chairman/Member of the Secretary to the Council
3404	3404	Council of the District of Columbia (Seal of the District)
3405	3405	IMPORTANT: If you fail to appear at the time and place stated or to bring with you the
3406	3406	documents or items requested, the Council may refer the matter to the Superior Court of the
3407	3407	District of Columbia for an order compelling your attendance or the production of the documents
3408	3408	or items requested.
3409	3409	Failure to obey such an order may be punished as contempt of Court. DO NOT FAIL TO
3410	3410	APPEAR OR PRODUCE THE REQUESTED ITEMS AT THE REQUIRED TIME.
3411	3411	RETURN:
3412	3412	I, ___________ certify that I served a copy of this subpoena on the named party at
3413	3413	______________ (address), on the _______ day of ________, 20__, at _______, (a.m./p.m.)
3414	3414	by the following means:
3415	3415	PROCESS SERVER: _________________________
3416	3416	(Address) Washington, D.C.
3417	3417
3418	3418	DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: SS
3419	3419	SUBSCRIBED AND AFFIRMED TO ME BEFORE THIS __ DAY OF _____, 20__
3420	3420	__________________________
3421	3421	NOTARY PUBLIC, D.C.
3422	3422	MY COMMISSION EXPIRES:
3423	3423	100
3424	3424
3425	3425	You may obtain a copy of the Rules of Ornization and Procedure for the Council of the
3426	3426	District of Columbia and the Resolution authorizing this investition from the Council’s
3427	3427	Legislative Services Division, John A. Wilson Building, Room 10, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue,
3428	3428	N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004
3429	3429	1
3430	3430	COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
3431	3431	CODE OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT
3432	3432	COUNCIL PERIOD 26
3433	3433
3434	3434	TABLE OF CONTENTS
3435	3435	I. Conflicts of Interest ..........................................................................................................2
3436	3436	II. Outside Activities ............................................................................................................6
3437	3437	III. Gifts from Outside Sources ............................................................................................8
3438	3438	IV. Conferences, Travel, and Receptions and Donations to the Council ..........................12
3439	3439	V. Gifts Between Employees .............................................................................................15
3440	3440	VI. Use of Government Resources ....................................................................................16
3441	3441	VII. Use of Confidential Information ................................................................................18
3442	3442	VIII. Post-Governmental Employment Conflicts of Interest .............................................19
3443	3443	IX. Political Activities .......................................................................................................21
3444	3444	X. Official Mail Rules ........................................................................................................23
3445	3445	XI. Definitions, Financial Disclosures, and Ethics Counseling .........................................29
3446	3446	XII. Decorum of Councilmembers ....................................................................................30
3447	3447
3448	3448	2
3449	3449	I. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
3450	3450	(a) GENERALLY. No employee shall use his or her official position or title, or
3451	3451	personally and substantially participate, through decision, approval, disapproval,
3452	3452	recommendation, the rendering of advice, investigation, or otherwise, in a judicial
3453	3453	or other proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination,
3454	3454	contract, claim, controversy, charge, accusation, arrest, or other particular matter,
3455	3455	or attempt to influence the outcome of a particular matter, in a manner that the
3456	3456	employee knows is likely to have a direct and predictable effect on the employee’s
3457	3457	financial interests or the financial interests of a person closely affiliated with the
3458	3458	employee.
3459	3459	(b) WAIVERS. An employee other than a Councilmember may seek a waiver, and the
3460	3460	prohibition in subsection (a) of this section shall not apply, if the employee:
3461	3461	(1) Advises the employee’s supervisor and the Ethics Board of the nature and
3462	3462	circumstances of the particular matter;
3463	3463	(2) Makes full disclosure of the financial interest; and
3464	3464	(3) Receives in advance a written determination made by both the supervisor and
3465	3465	the Ethics Board that:
3466	3466	(A) The interest is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the
3467	3467	integrity of the services that the government may expect from such
3468	3468	employee; or
3469	3469	(B) Another legally cognizable basis for waiver exists.
3470	3470	(c)(1) An employee other than a Councilmember who, in the discharge of the employee’s
3471	3471	official duties, would be required to act in any matter prohibited under subsection
3472	3472	(a) of this section shall make full disclosure of the financial interest and:
3473	3473	(A) Prepare a written statement describing the matter and the nature of the
3474	3474	potential conflict of interest; and
3475	3475	(B) Deliver the statement to the employee’s supervisor and to the Ethics
3476	3476	Board.
3477	3477	(2) Upon receipt of the statement provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection,
3478	3478	the employee’s supervisor shall assign the matter to another employee who
3479	3479	does not have a potential conflict of interest.
3480	3480	3
3481	3481	(d) RECUSAL STATEMENT.
3482	3482	(1) A Councilmember who, in the discharge of the Councilmember’s official
3483	3483	duties, would be required to act in any matter prohibited under subsection (a) of
3484	3484	this section shall make full disclosure of the financial interest, prepare a written
3485	3485	statement describing the matter and the nature of the potential conflict of interest,
3486	3486	and deliver the statement to the Council Chairman.
3487	3487	(2) During a proceeding in which a Councilmember would be required to take
3488	3488	action in any matter that is prohibited under subsection (a) of this section, the
3489	3489	Chairman shall:
3490	3490	(A) Read the statement provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection into the
3491	3491	record of proceedings; and
3492	3492	(B) Excuse the elected official from votes, deliberations, and other actions
3493	3493	on the matter.
3494	3494	(3) No Councilmember excused from votes, deliberations, or other actions on a
3495	3495	matter shall in any way participate in or attempt to influence the outcome of
3496	3496	the particular matter in a manner that is likely to have a direct and predictable
3497	3497	effect on the employee’s financial interests or the financial interests of a
3498	3498	person closely affiliated with the employee.
3499	3499	(e) SPECIFIC CONFLICT SITUATIONS.
3500	3500	(1) An employee shall not receive any compensation, salary, or contribution to
3501	3501	salary, gratuity, or any other thing of value from any source other than the
3502	3502	District government for the employee’s performance of official duties.
3503	3503	(2) No employee or member of the employee’s household may knowingly
3504	3504	acquire:
3505	3505	(A) Stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate, or other property, whether held
3506	3506	individually or jointly, the acquisition of which could unduly influence
3507	3507	or give the appearance of unduly influencing the employee in the
3508	3508	conduct of his or her official duties and responsibilities; or
3509	3509	(B) An interest in a business or commercial enterprise that is related
3510	3510	directly to the employee’s official duties, or which might otherwise be
3511	3511	involved in an official action taken or recommended by the employee,
3512	3512	4
3513	3513	or which is in any way related to matters over which the employee
3514	3514	could wield any influence, official or otherwise.
3515	3515	(f) DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Rule, the term:
3516	3516	(1) “Affiliated organization” means an organization or entity:
3517	3517	(A) In which the employee serves as officer, director, trustee, general
3518	3518	partner, or employee;
3519	3519	(B) In which the employee or member of the employee’s household is a
3520	3520	director, officer, owner, employee, or holder of stock worth $1,000 or
3521	3521	more at fair market value;
3522	3522	(C) That is a client of the employee or member of the employee’s
3523	3523	household; or
3524	3524	(D) With whom the employee is negotiating for or has an arrangement
3525	3525	concerning prospective employment.
3526	3526	(2) “Direct and predictable effect” means there is:
3527	3527	(A) A close causal link between any decision or action to be taken in the
3528	3528	matter and any expected effect of the matter on the financial interest;
3529	3529	and
3530	3530	(B) A real, as opposed to a speculative possibility, that the matter will
3531	3531	affect the financial interest.
3532	3532	(3) “Member of the employee’s household” means a person who resides in the
3533	3533	same household as the employee and is:
3534	3534	(A) A spouse or domestic partner of the employee;
3535	3535	(B) A parent, sibling, or child of the employee or of any person in
3536	3536	subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; or
3537	3537	(C) A spouse or domestic partner of any person in subparagraph (B) of this
3538	3538	paragraph.
3539	3539	(4) “Particular matter” is limited to deliberation, decision, or action that is
3540	3540	focused upon the interests of specific persons, or a discrete and identifiable
3541	3541	class of persons.
3542	3542	5
3543	3543	(5) “Person closely affiliated with the employee” means a spouse, dependent
3544	3544	child, general partner, a member of the employee’s household, or an affiliated
3545	3545	organization.
3546	3546	6
3547	3547	II. OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
3548	3548	(a) GENERALLY.
3549	3549	(1) No employee shall engage in outside employment or private activity that
3550	3550	conflicts or would appear to conflict with the fair, impartial, and objective
3551	3551	performance of the employee’s official duties and responsibilities or with the
3552	3552	efficient operation of the Council.
3553	3553	(2) Before engaging in outside employment, an employee other than a
3554	3554	Councilmember shall obtain the approval of his or her supervisor.
3555	3555	(b) LIMITATIONS ON PERMISSIBLE ACTIVITIES.
3556	3556	(1) An employee may engage in outside employment or activities such as
3557	3557	teaching, writing for publication, consultative activities, and speaking
3558	3558	engagements if the activities are:
3559	3559	(A) Consistent with subsection (a) of this Rule;
3560	3560	(B) Not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation; and
3561	3561	(C) Conducted outside of regular working hours, while the employee is on
3562	3562	annual leave or leave without pay, or at a minimal level during work
3563	3563	hours in a manner that does not interfere with the employee’s official
3564	3564	duties.
3565	3565	(2) The information used by an employee engaging in outside employment or
3566	3566	activities shall not draw on official data or ideas that are not public
3567	3567	information, unless the employee has written authorization from the
3568	3568	employee’s supervisor to use such information.
3569	3569	(c) SPECIFIC RESTRICTION ON REPRESENTATION.
3570	3570	(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an employee shall not:
3571	3571	(A) Represent another person, have a financial interest, or provide
3572	3572	assistance in prosecuting a claim against the District of Columbia
3573	3573	before any regulatory agency or court of the District of Columbia; or
3574	3574	(B) Represent another person before any regulatory agency or court of the
3575	3575	District of Columbia in a matter in which the District of Columbia is a
3576	3576	party or has a direct and substantial interest.
3577	3577	7
3578	3578	(2) The prohibition in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply to an
3579	3579	employee, who, if not inconsistent with the faithful performance of the
3580	3580	employee’s duties, and acting without compensation, represents:
3581	3581	(A) A person who is the subject of disciplinary or other personnel
3582	3582	administration proceedings in connection with those proceedings; or
3583	3583	(B) A nonprofit cooperative, voluntary, professional, recreational, or
3584	3584	similar organization or group, if a majority of the organization’s or
3585	3585	group’s members are current officers or employees of the United States
3586	3586	government or of the District of Columbia government, or their spouses
3587	3587	or dependent children; provided, that this exception shall not apply to
3588	3588	any matter that:
3589	3589	(i) Is a claim under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection;
3590	3590	(ii) Is a judicial or administrative proceeding where the
3591	3591	organization or group is a party; or
3592	3592	(iii) Involves a grant, contract, or other agreement (including a
3593	3593	request for any such grant, contract, or agreement) providing for
3594	3594	the disbursement of federal funds to the organization or group.
3595	3595	8
3596	3596	III. GIFTS FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES
3597	3597	(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this Rule and Rule IV, an employee shall
3598	3598	not solicit or accept, either directly or indirectly, any gift from a prohibited source.
3599	3599	(b) An employee who receives a gift from a prohibited source shall:
3600	3600	(1) Return the gift to the donor;
3601	3601	(2) Reimburse the donor the market value of the gift; or
3602	3602	(3) If the gift is perishable and it would not be practical to return it to the donor,
3603	3603	donate the gift to charity, share it with the office staff, or destroy it.
3604	3604	(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Rule, an employee may accept the following
3605	3605	gifts:
3606	3606	(1) Greeting cards and items with little intrinsic value, such as plaques,
3607	3607	certificates, and trophies, which are intended solely for presentation;
3608	3608	(2) Loans from banks and other financial institutions on terms generally
3609	3609	available to the public;
3610	3610	(3) Rewards and prizes given to competitors in contests or events, including
3611	3611	random drawings, open to the public;
3612	3612	(4) Opportunities and benefits, including favorable rates and commercial
3613	3613	discounts:
3614	3614	(A) Available to the public or to a class consisting of all District
3615	3615	employees;
3616	3616	(B) Offered to members of a group or class in which membership is
3617	3617	unrelated to District employment; or
3618	3618	(C) Offered to members of an organization, such as an employees’
3619	3619	association or agency credit union, in which membership is related to
3620	3620	District employment if the same offer is broadly available to large
3621	3621	segments of the public through organizations of similar size;
3622	3622	(5) Pension and benefits resulting from continued participation in an employee
3623	3623	welfare and benefits plan maintained by a former employer;
3624	3624	(6) Anything that is paid for by the Council or the District or the employee or
3625	3625	secured by the Council or the District under contract;
3626	3626	9
3627	3627	(7)(A) Unsolicited gifts having an aggregate market value of $50 or less per source
3628	3628	per occasion; provided, that the aggregate market value of individual gifts
3629	3629	received from any prohibited source under the authority of this paragraph
3630	3630	shall not exceed $100 in a calendar year;
3631	3631	(B) When the market value of a gift or the aggregate market value of gifts
3632	3632	offered on any single occasion under this paragraph exceeds $50, the
3633	3633	employee may not pay excess value over $50 in order to accept that
3634	3634	portion of the gift or those gifts worth $50;
3635	3635	(C) When the aggregate value of tangible items offered on a single
3636	3636	occasion exceeds $50, the employee may decline any distinct and
3637	3637	separate item in order to accept those items aggregating $50 or less;
3638	3638	and
3639	3639	(D) This paragraph shall not apply to gifts of cash, stock, bonds, or
3640	3640	certificates of deposit;
3641	3641	(8) Gifts given to an employee under circumstances that make it clear that the
3642	3642	gift is motivated by a family relationship or personal friendship rather than
3643	3643	the position of the employee. Relevant factors in making such a
3644	3644	determination include the history of the relationship and whether the family
3645	3645	member or friend personally pays for the gift;
3646	3646	(9) Reduced membership or other fees for participation in organization activities
3647	3647	offered to all District employees by professional organizations if the only
3648	3648	restrictions on membership relate to professional qualifications; or
3649	3649	(10) Gifts approved in advance by the employee’s supervising Councilmember in
3650	3650	exceptional circumstances that are disclosed on Sterling and posted on the
3651	3651	Council’s website.
3652	3652	(d) A gift that is solicited or accepted indirectly includes a gift given:
3653	3653	(1) With the employee’s knowledge and acquiescence to his parent, sibling,
3654	3654	spouse, domestic partner, child, or dependent relative because of that
3655	3655	person’s relationship to the employee; or
3656	3656	(2) To any other person, including any charitable organization, on the basis of
3657	3657	designation, recommendation, or other specification by the employee, except
3658	3658	10
3659	3659	as permitted for the disposition of perishable items under subsection (b)(3) of
3660	3660	this Rule.
3661	3661	(e) SPECIFIC GIFT RESTRICTIONS. Except as provided in Rule IV, no employee shall:
3662	3662	(1) Solicit or accept anything of value from a registered lobbyist that is given for
3663	3663	the purpose of influencing the actions of the employee in making or
3664	3664	influencing the making of an administrative decision or legislative action or
3665	3665	(2) Directly or indirectly demand, seek, receive, accept, or agree to receive or
3666	3666	accept anything of value personally or for any other person or entity, in return
3667	3667	for:
3668	3668	(A) Any official act performed or to be performed by the employee;
3669	3669	(B) Being influenced in the performance of any official act;
3670	3670	(C) Being influenced to commit or aid in committing, or to collude in,
3671	3671	or allow, any fraud, or make opportunity for the commission of any
3672	3672	fraud, on the District of Columbia; or
3673	3673	(D) Being induced to do or omit to do any act in violation of the
3674	3674	employee’s official duty.
3675	3675	(f) GOVERNMENT RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. Employees are not
3676	3676	prohibited from accepting any material, article, or service that is available as part of any
3677	3677	District government program or provided free to District residents or visitors.
3678	3678	(g) DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Rule, the term:
3679	3679	(1) “Gift” means any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan,
3680	3680	forbearance, or other item having monetary value. Gifts may also consist of
3681	3681	training, transportation, local travel, lodgings and meals, whether provided
3682	3682	in-kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance, or reimbursement after
3683	3683	the expense has incurred.
3684	3684	(2) “Prohibited source” means any person or entity that:
3685	3685	(A) Has or is seeking to obtain contractual or other business or financial
3686	3686	relations with the District government;
3687	3687	(B) Conducts operations or activities that are subject to regulation by the
3688	3688	District government; or
3689	3689	11
3690	3690	(C) Has an interest that may be favorably affected by the performance or
3691	3691	non-performance of the employee’s official responsibilities.
3692	3692	12
3693	3693	IV. CONFERENCES, TRAVEL, AND RECEPTIONS AND
3694	3694	DONATIONS TO THE COUNCIL
3695	3695	(a) CONFERENCES AND TRAVEL.
3696	3696	(1) Employees may accept reasonable expenses for food, travel, lodging, and
3697	3697	scheduled entertainment to attend a meeting, conference, or to participate in
3698	3698	educational travel, if:
3699	3699	(A) The donor is neither a registered lobbyist nor a prohibited source;
3700	3700	(B) The meeting or conference is an organized event;
3701	3701	(C) The topics or subjects are related to official Council business;
3702	3702	(D) The event is widely attended by a range of attendees other than District
3703	3703	employees; and
3704	3704	(E) Other attendees are treated similarly in terms of the food, travel,
3705	3705	lodging, and entertainment expenses that they are offered.
3706	3706	(2) Spouses and domestic partners of employees may share lodging with the
3707	3707	employee who is attending an event under this subsection; however, the
3708	3708	spouse or domestic partner may not accept food, travel, or entertainment
3709	3709	expenses unless the spouse or domestic partner pays market value for the
3710	3710	same.
3711	3711	(3) Employees are encouraged to submit a copy of the itinerary of the meeting,
3712	3712	conference, or educational travel in advance to the General Counsel for
3713	3713	review.
3714	3714	(b) WIDELY ATTENDED EVENTS.
3715	3715	(1) An employee may accept:
3716	3716	(A) An offer of free attendance at a convention, conference, symposium,
3717	3717	forum, panel discussion, dinner, gala, viewing, reception, or similar
3718	3718	event; provided, that:
3719	3719
3720	3720	(i) At least 25 persons from outside the District government are
3721	3721	expected to be in attendance;
3722	3722	13
3723	3723	(ii) Attendance at the event is open to members from throughout a
3724	3724	given industry or profession, or to a range of persons interested in
3725	3725	an issue; and
3726	3726	(iii) Attendance is connected to the attendee’s official Council duties.
3727	3727	(B) Free attendance for one accompanying individual to the event described
3728	3728	in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
3729	3729	(C) A meal that is offered to all attendees as part of the event described in
3730	3730	subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
3731	3731	(2) For the purposes of this subsection, the term "connected to the attendee's
3732	3732	official Council duties" includes participation in the event as a speaker or a
3733	3733	panel participant, presenting information related to the Council or matters
3734	3734	before the Council, performing a ceremonial function appropriate to the
3735	3735	official position of such individual, or attending when otherwise appropriate
3736	3736	to the representative function of the Council.
3737	3737	(c) GIFT BAGS. An employee may not accept a gift bag for an event under subsection
3738	3738	(a) or (b) of this Rule if the organizing event sponsor is a prohibited source, unless
3739	3739	the contents of the bag meet the requirements under Rule III.
3740	3740	(d) DONATIONS TO THE COUNCIL.
3741	3741	(1) An employee may solicit or accept, pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 1-
3742	3742	329.01(a), a thing of a value as a donation made to the Council to carry out
3743	3743	authorized functions or duties of the Council. Donations are considered
3744	3744	Council property and may not be used for unauthorized purposes.
3745	3745	(2)(A) Recognition of Donors. Donors may be recognized for their donations
3746	3746	through letters of acceptance and appreciation, press releases, certificates,
3747	3747	and other items that commemorate the donation.
3748	3748	(B) Recognition of corporate donations must not give the impression of
3749	3749	advertising or commercialization. A short, discreet unobtrusive donor
3750	3750	credit line may be used as recognition, but no product names or logos
3751	3751	may be used.
3752	3752	(e) DISCLOSURE.
3753	3753	(1) An employee accepting a thing of value under this rule shall disclose the
3754	3754	acceptance in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
3755	3755	14
3756	3756	(2)(A) An employee accepting a thing of value under this rule shall, by the last
3757	3757	business day of the month, disclose on Sterling a list of the following for each
3758	3758	event and thing of value:
3759	3759	(i) Donor;
3760	3760	(ii) Date; and
3761	3761	(iii) Estimated value.
3762	3762	(B) Disclosures filed pursuant to this subsection shall be published on the
3763	3763	Council's website on the first Friday in the first full week of each
3764	3764	month or, if the Friday is a holiday, the next business day.
3765	3765	(C) Councilmembers who do not attend a qualifying event or accept a
3766	3766	donation during the reporting period shall file a report indicating that
3767	3767	nothing of value was accepted during the period.
3768	3768	(3) For the purposes of this subsection, the term "thing of value" shall not
3769	3769	include an offer of free attendance to an event if the employee does not attend
3770	3770	the event.
3771	3771	15
3772	3772	V. GIFTS BETWEEN EMPLOYEES
3773	3773	(a) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this Rule, an employee may not:
3774	3774	(1) Directly or indirectly, give a gift to or make a donation toward a gift for an
3775	3775	official superior; or
3776	3776	(2) Solicit a contribution from another employee for a gift to either the
3777	3777	employee’s official superior or the other employee’s official superior.
3778	3778	(b) An employee may not accept a gift, directly or indirectly, from an employee
3779	3779	receiving less pay unless:
3780	3780	(1) The 2 employees are not in a subordinate-official superior relationship; and
3781	3781	(2) There is a personal relationship between the 2 employees that would justify
3782	3782	the gift.
3783	3783	(c) On an occasional basis, including any occasion on which gifts are traditionally
3784	3784	given or exchanged, the following may be given to an official superior or accepted
3785	3785	from a subordinate or other employee receiving less pay:
3786	3786	(1) Items, other than cash, with an aggregate market value of $50 or less per
3787	3787	occasion;
3788	3788	(2) Items such as food and refreshments to be shared in the office among several
3789	3789	employees;
3790	3790	(3) Personal hospitality provided at a residence that is of a type and value
3791	3791	customarily provided by the employee to personal friends; or
3792	3792	(4) Items given in connection with the receipt of personal hospitality if of a type
3793	3793	and value customarily given on such occasions.
3794	3794	(d) A gift appropriate to the occasion may be given to an official superior or accepted
3795	3795	from a subordinate or other employee receiving less pay:
3796	3796	(1) In recognition of special occasions of personal significance such as marriage,
3797	3797	illness, or the birth or adoption of a child; or
3798	3798	(2) Upon occasions that terminate a subordinate-official superior relationship,
3799	3799	such as retirement, resignation, or transfer.
3800	3800	16
3801	3801	VI. USE OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
3802	3802	(a) GENERALLY. Employees shall not:
3803	3803	(1) Use Council time or government resources for purposes other than official
3804	3804	business or other government-approved or government-sponsored activities,
3805	3805	with the exception of de minimis use that does not interfere with an
3806	3806	employee’s official duties and responsibilities, including the incidental use of
3807	3807	Council time or resources for purposes of scheduling;
3808	3808	(2) Order, direct, or request an employee to perform, during regular working
3809	3809	hours, any personal services not related to official Council functions and
3810	3810	activities, with the exception of incidental use of Council time or resources
3811	3811	for purposes of scheduling; or
3812	3812	(3) Use or permit the use of government resources to support or oppose any
3813	3813	candidate for elected office, to promote a political committee, or to support or
3814	3814	oppose any initiative, referendum, or recall measure.
3815	3815	(b) PRESTIGE OF OFFICE.
3816	3816	(1) An employee may not knowingly use the prestige of office or public position
3817	3817	for that employee’s private gain or that of another.
3818	3818	(2) The performance of usual and customary constituent services, without
3819	3819	additional compensation, is not prohibited under paragraph (1) of this
3820	3820	subsection.
3821	3821	(3) Council employees shall not use or permit the use of their position or title or
3822	3822	any authority associated with their public office in a manner that could
3823	3823	reasonably be construed to imply that the Council sanctions or endorses the
3824	3824	personal or business activities of another, unless the Council has officially
3825	3825	sanctioned or endorsed the activities.
3826	3826	(4) A Councilmember may serve as an honorary chair or honorary member, or
3827	3827	speak or appear at of a nonprofit entity’s fundraising event, so long as the
3828	3828	entity for which funds are raised supports a nongovernmental bona fide
3829	3829	charitable activity. Use of the Councilmember’s name or title in fundraising
3830	3830	solicitations or announcements of general circulation shall be in accordance
3831	3831	with such terms and limitations as the Councilmember may prescribe. The
3832	3832	authority granted by this paragraph shall not extend to the use of the
3833	3833	17
3834	3834	Councilmember’s name or title in solicitations made by or on behalf of the
3835	3835	Councilmember directly to individual contributors.
3836	3836	(c) SPECIAL RULES FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION.
3837	3837	(1) Employees may sign a letter of recommendation using their official titles only
3838	3838	in response to a request for an employment recommendation or character
3839	3839	reference based upon personal knowledge of the ability or character of an
3840	3840	individual or entity with whom they have dealt in the course of their Council
3841	3841	employment.
3842	3842	(2) Letters of recommendation may be written on Council letterhead if the
3843	3843	applicant is a current or former Council employee or has worked with the
3844	3844	Council in an official capacity and the letter relates to the duties performed
3845	3845	by the applicant.
3846	3846	(3) If an employee does not have personal knowledge of an individual or entity’s
3847	3847	work ability or performance, the employee may sign a letter of
3848	3848	recommendation on Council letterhead addressing only the character or
3849	3849	residence of the individual or entity requesting the letter.
3850	3850	(d) DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Rule, the term:
3851	3851	(1) “Government Resources” means any property, equipment, or material of any
3852	3852	kind, including that acquired through lease, and the personal services of an
3853	3853	employee during his or her hours of work.
3854	3854	(2) “Usual and customary constituent services” includes an employee’s
3855	3855	representational activities, such as advocacy, communications, inquiry,
3856	3856	oversight, and other actions, made on another person’s behalf; provided, that
3857	3857	the employee does not, directly or indirectly:
3858	3858	(A) Threaten reprisal or promise favoritism for the performance or
3859	3859	nonperformance of another person’s duties; or
3860	3860	(B) Request that another person abuse or exceed the discretion available to
3861	3861	that person under law.
3862	3862	18
3863	3863	VII. USE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
3864	3864	Employees and former employees may not:
3865	3865	(1) Willfully or knowingly disclose or use confidential or privileged information
3866	3866	acquired by reason of their position without authorization or unless authorized or
3867	3867	required by law to do so; or
3868	3868	(2) Divulge information in advance of the time prescribed for its authorized issuance or
3869	3869	otherwise make use of or permit others to make use of information not available to
3870	3870	the general public.
3871	3871	19
3872	3872	VIII. POST-GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYMENT CONFLICTS
3873	3873	OF INTEREST
3874	3874	(a) PERMANENT RESTRICTIONS ON REPRESENTATION ON PARTICULAR MATTERS . No
3875	3875	employee, after the termination of his or her service or employment with the
3876	3876	Council, shall knowingly make, with the intent to influence, any communication to
3877	3877	or appearance before any officer or employee of any department, agency, court, or
3878	3878	court-martial of the District of Columbia, on behalf of any other person (except the
3879	3879	District of Columbia) in connection with a particular matter:
3880	3880	(1) In which the District of Columbia is a party or has a direct and substantial
3881	3881	interest;
3882	3882	(2) In which the person participated personally and substantially as such officer
3883	3883	or employee; and
3884	3884	(3) Which involved a specific party or specific parties at the time of such
3885	3885	participation.
3886	3886	(b) TWO-YEAR RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING PARTICULAR MATTERS UNDER OFFICIAL
3887	3887	RESPONSIBILITY. No employee shall, within 2 years after the termination of his or
3888	3888	her service or employment with the Council, knowingly make, with the intent to
3889	3889	influence, any communication to or appearance before any officer or employee of
3890	3890	any department, agency, court, or court-martial of the Council, on behalf of any
3891	3891	other person (except the District of Columbia), in connection with a particular
3892	3892	matter:
3893	3893	(1) In which the District of Columbia is a party or has a direct and substantial
3894	3894	interest;
3895	3895	(2) Which the person knows or reasonably should know was actually pending
3896	3896	under his or her official responsibility as such officer or employee within a
3897	3897	period of one year before the termination of his or her service or employment
3898	3898	with the Council; and
3899	3899	(3) Which involved a specific party or specific parties at the time it was pending.
3900	3900
3901	3901	(c) SPECIAL RULES FOR FORMER COUNCIL EMPLOYEES. A former Council employee
3902	3902	shall not, within one year after leaving government service or employment,
3903	3903	knowingly make, with the intent to influence, any communication to or appearance
3904	3904	20
3905	3905	before the Councilmember for whom the employee worked or any former
3906	3906	subordinate employee, on behalf of any other person, other than the District of
3907	3907	Columbia, in connection with any matter on which the former employee seeks
3908	3908	action by a Councilmember or Council employee in his or her official capacity.
3909	3909	(d)(1) EXCEPTIONS. The prohibitions contained in this Rule shall not apply to acts done in
3910	3910	carrying out official duties on behalf of:
3911	3911	(A) The United States or the District of Columbia, as an elected official of a
3912	3912	state or local government;
3913	3913	(B) An agency or instrumentality of a state or local government if the
3914	3914	appearance, communication, or representation is on behalf of such
3915	3915	government; or
3916	3916	(C) An accredited, degree-granting institution of higher education, as
3917	3917	defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965, approved November 8,
3918	3918	1965 (79 Stat. 1219; 20 U.S.C. § 1001), or a hospital or medical
3919	3919	research organization, exempted and defined under section 501(c)(3) of
3920	3920	the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, if the appearance, communication,
3921	3921	or representation is on behalf of such institution, hospital, or
3922	3922	organization.
3923	3923	(2) Nothing in this Rule shall prevent an individual from giving testimony under
3924	3924	oath, or from making statements required to be made under penalty of
3925	3925	perjury. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a former employee of the
3926	3926	Council who is subject to the restrictions in subsection (a) of this Rule with
3927	3927	respect to a particular matter may not, except pursuant to court order, serve as
3928	3928	an expert witness for any other person, other than the District of Columbia, in
3929	3929	that matter.
3930	3930	21
3931	3931	IX. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
3932	3932	(a) PROHIBITIONS. No Council employee shall:
3933	3933	(1) Use his or her official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering
3934	3934	with or affecting the result of an election or a nomination for office;
3935	3935	(2) Directly or indirectly solicit, accept, or receive a political contribution from
3936	3936	any person, except if the employee has filed as a candidate for political
3937	3937	office;
3938	3938	(3) Run for nomination or as a candidate for election to a partisan political office;
3939	3939	(4) Knowingly solicit or discourage the participation in any political activity of
3940	3940	any person who:
3941	3941	(A) Has a measure pending before the Council; or
3942	3942	(B) Is the subject of or a participant in an ongoing audit, investigation, or
3943	3943	enforcement action being carried out by the Council; or
3944	3944	(5) Knowingly direct, or authorize anyone else to direct, that any subordinate
3945	3945	employee participate in an election campaign or request a subordinate to
3946	3946	make a political contribution.
3947	3947	(b) No Council employee shall:
3948	3948	(1) Engage in political activity:
3949	3949	(A) While the employee is on duty;
3950	3950	(B) In any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by
3951	3951	an individual employed or holding office in the District government or
3952	3952	in the Government of the United States or any agency or
3953	3953	instrumentality thereof;
3954	3954	(C) While wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or
3955	3955	position of the employee; or
3956	3956	(D) Using any vehicle owned or leased by the District government or the
3957	3957	Government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality
3958	3958	thereof; or
3959	3959	(2) Coerce, explicitly or implicitly, any subordinate employee to engage in
3960	3960	political activity.
3961	3961	22
3962	3962	(c) DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES. Each member of the Council may designate one
3963	3963	employee while on annual or unpaid leave to perform any of the functions
3964	3964	described in subsection (a)(2) of this Rule; provided, that:
3965	3965	(1) The employee shall not perform the functions in the circumstances
3966	3966	described in subsection (b) of this Rule;
3967	3967	(2) The employee may only perform the functions for a principal campaign
3968	3968	committee, exploratory committee, or transition committee;
3969	3969	(3) Any designation pursuant to this subsection shall be made in writing by the
3970	3970	member of the Council to the Secretary to the Council; and
3971	3971	(4) Any designated employee shall file a report, in a form as prescribed by the
3972	3972	Ethics Board, with the Ethics Board within 15 days after being designated.
3973	3973	(d) DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Rule, the term:
3974	3974	(1) “Employee” shall not include members of the Council.
3975	3975	(2) “Political activity” means an activity that is regulated by the District directed
3976	3976	toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan
3977	3977	political office, partisan political group initiative, referendum, or recall. For
3978	3978	the purposes of subsection (b) of this Rule, political activity is not limited to
3979	3979	activities regulated by the District.
3980	3980	(e) CONSTRUCTION. Nothing in this rule should be construed as prohibiting a Council
3981	3981	employee from taking an active part in political management or in political
3982	3982	campaigns unless the employee’s activity violates subsection (a) or subsection (b)
3983	3983	of this Rule.
3984	3984	23
3985	3985	X. OFFICIAL MAIL RULES
3986	3986	(a) DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this rule, the term:
3987	3987	(1) “Electronic newsletter” means more than 500 substantially identical
3988	3988	newsletters or similar types of materials, transmitted through the internet at
3989	3989	public expense, during any 30-day period related to a Councilmember’s
3990	3990	activities, including such matters as the impact of laws and decisions on the
3991	3991	government and its citizens, reports on public and official action taken by a
3992	3992	Councilmember, and discussions of proposed or pending legislation or
3993	3993	governmental action.
3994	3994	(2) “Mass mailing” means more than 100 substantially identical newsletters or
3995	3995	similar types of material, transmitted through the mails, during any 30-day
3996	3996	period, but shall not include a response to a communication initiated by a
3997	3997	constituent.
3998	3998	(3) “Newsletter” means the usual and customary correspondence that deals with
3999	3999	such matters as the impact of laws and decisions on the government and its
4000	4000	citizens, reports on public and official action taken by a Councilmember, and
4001	4001	discussions of proposed or pending legislation or governmental action. The
4002	4002	term “newsletter” includes a news release.
4003	4003	(4) “Official mail” means correspondence, including newsletters or similar types
4004	4004	of materials, suitable to be mailed at public expense that pertains directly or
4005	4005	indirectly to the legislative process or to a Council legislative function,
4006	4006	including any matter related to a past or current Council, the performance of
4007	4007	official duties by a Councilmember in connection with a Council function, or
4008	4008	other related matters of public concern or public service.
4009	4009	(b) PERMITTED CATEGORIES OF OFFICIAL MAIL. Except as otherwise provided in this
4010	4010	Rule, an employee may not mail, as official mail, any matter, article, material, or
4011	4011	document for any reason other than the following:
4012	4012	(1) A request for a matter, article, material, or document that has been previously
4013	4013	received by the Council;
4014	4014	(2) The mailing of the document is required by law;
4015	4015	(3) The material or matter requests information pertinent to the conduct of the
4016	4016	official business of the Council;
4017	4017	24
4018	4018	(4) The material contains information relating to the activities of the Council or
4019	4019	to the availability of Council publications or other documents;
4020	4020	(5) The enclosures are forms, blanks, cards, or other documents necessary or
4021	4021	beneficial to the administration of the Council;
4022	4022	(6) The materials are copies of federal, state, or local laws, rules, regulations,
4023	4023	orders, instructions, or interpretations thereof; or
4024	4024	(7) The materials are being mailed to federal, state, or other public authorities.
4025	4025	(c) OFFICIALLY MARKED ENVELOPES . An envelope or other material that is used to
4026	4026	enclose official mail shall bear on its face the name and address of the Council and
4027	4027	the words “official business.” Envelopes and other materials shall not be used to
4028	4028	enclose materials, documents, or other articles except those enumerated in
4029	4029	subsections (b) and (e) of this Rule or other materials not prohibited by subsection
4030	4030	(d) of this Rule.
4031	4031	(d) PROHIBITED USES OF OFFICIAL MAIL BY ELECTED OFFICIALS.
4032	4032	(1) A Councilmember may not mail, as official mail, a mass mailing within the
4033	4033	90-day period that immediately precedes a primary, special, or general
4034	4034	election in which the Councilmember is a candidate for office.
4035	4035	(2) A Councilmember may mail, as official mail, newsletters; provided, that
4036	4036	these materials do not contain any of the following:
4037	4037	(A) Autobiographical articles;
4038	4038	(B) Political cartoons;
4039	4039	(C) Reference to past or future campaigns;
4040	4040	(D) Announcements of filings for reelection;
4041	4041	(E) Announcements of campaign schedules;
4042	4042	(F) Announcements of political or partisan meetings;
4043	4043	(G) Reports on family life;
4044	4044	(H) Personal references that are included for publicity, advertising, or
4045	4045	political purposes;
4046	4046	(I) Pictures of the official members with any partisan label such as
4047	4047	"Democrat," "Republican," "Statehood Party," or any other label that
4048	4048	25
4049	4049	purports to advertise the member rather than to illustrate the
4050	4050	accompanying text;
4051	4051	(J) Articles about community events that are unrelated to official
4052	4052	government business; or
4053	4053	(K) Reports on non-official activities of the Councilmember that have the
4054	4054	effect of lending the franking privilege to others, no matter how
4055	4055	worthwhile or charitable the endeavors of those to whom the franking
4056	4056	privilege would be loaned.
4057	4057	(3) A Councilmember may not use official mail to solicit directly or indirectly
4058	4058	funds for any purpose.
4059	4059	(4) A Councilmember may not use official mail for transmission of matter that is
4060	4060	purely personal to the sender and is unrelated to the official duties, activities,
4061	4061	and business of the member.
4062	4062	(5) A Councilmember may not mail, as official mail, cards or other materials that
4063	4063	express holiday greetings from the Councilmember or the Councilmember’s
4064	4064	family.
4065	4065	(e) AUTHORIZED USES OF OFFICIAL MAIL. The provisions of subsection (d) of this Rule
4066	4066	do not prohibit a Councilmember or the Councilmember’s staff from mailing, as
4067	4067	official mail, any of the following:
4068	4068	(1) The whole or part of a record, speech, debate, or report of the Council or a
4069	4069	committee of the Council;
4070	4070	(2) The tabulation of a Councilmember’s vote or explanation of the vote;
4071	4071	(3) An expression of condolences to a person who has suffered a loss or
4072	4072	congratulations to a person who has achieved some personal or public
4073	4073	distinction; provided, that mass mailings of a congratulatory nature that are
4074	4074	substantially the same except for individualized addresses are not authorized;
4075	4075	(4) Information concerning the Councilmember’s schedule of meeting
4076	4076	constituents;
4077	4077	(5) Information concerning the meeting schedule and agenda for committees and
4078	4078	subcommittees upon which the Councilmember serves;
4079	4079	(6) Information concerning financial disclosure information, whether or not
4080	4080	required by law;
4081	4081	26
4082	4082	(7) Matter that consists of federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or
4083	4083	publications paid for by public funds;
4084	4084	(8) Questionnaires that relate to matters on public policy or administration; or
4085	4085	(9) Matter that contains a picture of the member or biographical or
4086	4086	autobiographical data whenever the matter is mailed in response to a specific
4087	4087	request.
4088	4088	(f) USE OF ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTERS.
4089	4089	(1) A Councilmember or Council employee shall not transmit an electronic
4090	4090	newsletter within the 90-day period immediately before a primary, special, or
4091	4091	general election in which the Councilmember is a candidate for office, unless
4092	4092	the electronic newsletter conforms with the following requirements:
4093	4093	(A) The recipients have individually subscribed to receive the electronic
4094	4094	newsletter;
4095	4095	(B) The electronic newsletter contains a clear and conspicuous notice of the
4096	4096	method by which a recipient can request not to receive future electronic
4097	4097	newsletters; and
4098	4098	(C) The proposed newsletter has been submitted for review by the General
4099	4099	Counsel or the Office of Campaign Finance.
4100	4100	(2) An electronic newsletter shall comply with the requirements of subsection
4101	4101	(d)(2) of this Rule.
4102	4102
4103	4103
4104	4104	(3) An electronic newsletter shall not be transmitted at public expense unless,
4105	4105	when viewed as a whole, it:
4106	4106	(A) Is informational rather than self-promotional; and
4107	4107	(B) Is directly related to a Councilmember’s official legislative or
4108	4108	representative duties.
4109	4109	(g) PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES CONTAINED IN NEWSLETTERS. Each photograph or
4110	4110	sketch contained in a newsletter or report on constituent service activities shall
4111	4111	relate to the official legislative duties of the Councilmember and shall not, because
4112	4112	of excessive use and size, have the effect of advertising or publicizing the
4113	4113	27
4114	4114	Councilmember. In addition, to be mailed at public expense as official mail, a
4115	4115	newsletter or report on constituent service activities may not contain any of the
4116	4116	following:
4117	4117	(1) More than one photograph or likeness of the Councilmember appearing
4118	4118	alone;
4119	4119	(2) A photographic likeness of the Councilmember appearing alone that covers
4120	4120	more than 6% of a single page or that exceeds 6 square inches on 8 ½″ x 11″
4121	4121	paper;
4122	4122	(3) More than 2 photographs per page that include the Councilmember with other
4123	4123	persons;
4124	4124	(4) Two photographs on a single page that include the Councilmember and
4125	4125	exceed 20% of the page;
4126	4126	(5) A photograph of a Councilmember with a label such as “Democrat,”
4127	4127	“Republican,” “Statehood Party,” or any other label that purports to advertise
4128	4128	the Councilmember rather than to illustrate the accompanying text; or
4129	4129	(6) A photograph that does not relate to, illustrate, or explain the accompanying
4130	4130	text.
4131	4131
4132	4132	(h) SIZE AND PRINT TYPES FOR NAMES.
4133	4133	(1) A Councilmember’s name in the masthead of a newsletter shall not appear in
4134	4134	print type larger than ½″ in height.
4135	4135	(2) A Councilmember’s name in the text of a newsletter shall not appear in type
4136	4136	style or size larger than the other matter, nor in print size larger than 1/4″ in
4137	4137	height.
4138	4138	(i) USE OF OFFICIAL MAIL BY OFFICIALS-ELECT. In addition to Councilmembers, the
4139	4139	Chairman elect and members elect of the Council may mail materials as official
4140	4140	mail.
4141	4141	(j) GENERAL COUNSEL REVIEW. The General Counsel shall be available to
4142	4142	Councilmembers and their staff to review materials intended to be mailed as
4143	4143	official mail to ensure that the materials comply with the laws and rules governing
4144	4144	official mail. Upon written request of a Councilmember, the General Counsel shall
4145	4145	provide a written opinion concerning whether the materials, submitted by the
4146	4146	28
4147	4147	Councilmember and intended to be mailed as official mail, comply with the laws
4148	4148	and rules governing official mail.
4149	4149	29
4150	4150	XI. DEFINITIONS , FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE S, AND
4151	4151	ETHICS COUNSELING
4152	4152	(a) DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of the Code of Official Conduct, the term:
4153	4153	(1) “Employee” shall include all Council staff and Councilmembers, unless
4154	4154	specifically stated otherwise.
4155	4155	(2) “General Counsel” means the General Counsel to the Council of the District
4156	4156	of Columbia, or a designated employee within the Office of the General
4157	4157	Counsel to the Council of the District of Columbia.
4158	4158	(b) FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. An employee who is covered under section 224 or 225 of
4159	4159	the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability Establishment and
4160	4160	Comprehensive Ethics Reform Amendment Act of 2011, effective April 27, 2012
4161	4161	(D.C. Law 19-124; D.C. Official Code § 1-1162.24 or § 1-1162.25) (“Government
4162	4162	Ethics Act”), shall file the required disclosures in accordance with the Government
4163	4163	Ethics Act.
4164	4164	(c) ETHICS COUNSELING AND SAFE HARBOR.
4165	4165	(1) The General Counsel shall provide at the request of an employee confidential
4166	4166	advice about compliance with the Code of Official Conduct and any other
4167	4167	applicable laws and regulations.
4168	4168	(2)(A) An employee who, after providing full disclosure of all relevant facts,
4169	4169	obtains advice from the General Counsel and acts in accordance with that
4170	4170	advice, even if that action is later found to constitute a violation of this Code
4171	4171	of Official Conduct, shall not, subject to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph,
4172	4172	be found to have violated the provisions of the Code of Official Conduct.
4173	4173	(B) If the employee knows or has reason to know that the General
4174	4174	Counsel’s advice was based upon fraudulent, misleading, or otherwise
4175	4175	incorrect information provided by the employee, subparagraph (A) of
4176	4176	this paragraph shall not apply.
4177	4177	(C) An employee is responsible for providing and maintaining
4178	4178	appropriate documentation of the underlying facts.
4179	4179	30
4180	4180	XII. DECORUM OF COUNCILMEMBERS
4181	4181	(a) GENERALLY. During any meeting of the Council that is open to the public, as
4182	4182	defined by section 405 of the Open Meetings Act, effective March 31, 2011 (D.C.
4183	4183	Law 18-350; D.C. Official Code § 2-575), a Councilmember shall treat other
4184	4184	Councilmembers with dignity and respect and refrain from using profane, indecent,
4185	4185	or abusive language directed at another Councilmember or the Council as an
4186	4186	institution.
4187	4187	(b) REMOVAL OF COUNCILMEMBERS.
4188	4188	(1) The Chairman shall maintain order during any meeting of the Council. The
4189	4189	Chairman may order the removal of a Councilmember from a meeting if:
4190	4190	(A) The Chairman determines that:
4191	4191	(i) The Councilmember has violated subsection (a) of this Rule; and
4192	4192	(ii) Removal of the Councilmember is necessary to maintain order;
4193	4193	and
4194	4194	(B) The Chairman has warned the Councilmember to come to order.
4195	4195	(2) This subsection shall not be construed to apply to any regular, additional, or
4196	4196	special meeting of the Council or Committee of the Whole held pursuant to
4197	4197	Rules 231, 301, 302, or 303 of the Rules of Organization and Procedure for
4198	4198	the Council of the District of Columbia.
4199	4199	(3) This subsection shall not be construed to otherwise limit the ability of the
4200	4200	Council to enforce this Rule.
4201	4201	(c) CONSTRUCTION.
4202	4202	(1) The conduct prohibited by subsection (a) of this Rule shall not be considered
4203	4203	a violation of the Code of Official Conduct for purposes of discipline if a
4204	4204	Councilmember promptly comes to order upon warning by the Chairman.
4205	4205	(2) This Rule shall not be construed to prohibit the exercise of a
4206	4206	Councilmember’s First Amendment rights.
4207	4207
4208	4208
4209	4209
4210	4210	-1-
4211	4211
4212	4212	SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
4213	4213	Policy Statement
4214	4214	It is the policy of the Council of the District of Columbia (“Council”) to provide a work
4215	4215	environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of any employee has a debilitating
4216	4216	impact on employee morale and productivity and violates the law. This policy also prohibits
4217	4217	retaliation against employees who report sexual harassment or participate in a sexual harassment
4218	4218	complaint. If the Council receives an allegation of sexual harassment, or has reason to believe
4219	4219	sexual harassment is occurring, it will take necessary steps to ensure that any harassing conduct
4220	4220	immediately ceases and that the matter is promptly addressed. The Council is committed to
4221	4221	taking remedial action when it learns of possible sexual harassment, even if the purported target
4222	4222	of the harassment does not wish to file a complaint.
4223	4223	This policy serves as the Council’s official policy and supersedes any other existing policy.
4224	4224	Personnel authorities within the Council may individually adopt a sexual harassment policy, but
4225	4225	to the extent there is a conflict with other policies, this policy shall prevail.
4226	4226
4227	4227	I. SCOPE
4228	4228	This policy governs the conduct of the Council's employees, Councilmembers, and third parties
4229	4229	doing business with or carrying out the goals and objectives of the Council, e.g., vendors,
4230	4230	employees of D.C. agencies, and other persons visiting or working at the Council's worksite.
4231	4231
4232	4232	All Council employees and Councilmembers are required to comply with this policy. Employees
4233	4233	and Councilmembers are also expected to behave professionally and to exercise good judgment
4234	4234	in work-related relationships, whether with fellow employees, business colleagues, or members
4235	4235	of the public with whom they come into contact in the course of official duties. Further, all
4236	4236	employees and Councilmembers are expected to take appropriate measures to prevent sexual
4237	4237	harassment. Additionally, all employees and Councilmembers are encouraged to report incidents
4238	4238	of perceived sexual harassment so that any target of alleged sexual harassment may gain access
4239	4239	to available support. All Council employees and Councilmembers must take steps to stop
4240	4240	unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature before it becomes severe or pervasive and rises to a
4241	4241	violation of law.
4242	4242
4243	4243
4244	4244
4245	4245
4246	4246	-2-
4247	4247
4248	4248	II. DEFINITIONS.
4249	4249	Complainant
4250	4250	A Council employee who files a complaint under this policy. A complainant may be the target of
4251	4251	sexual harassment or a witness to sexual harassment.
4252	4252	Officer
4253	4253	For the purposes of this policy, the term “Officer” means the Secretary, Budget Director,
4254	4254	General Counsel, and Chief Technology Officer of the Council.
4255	4255	Sexual Harassment
4256	4256	(a) Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment.
4257	4257	Quid pro quo sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and
4258	4258	other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any one of the following criteria is
4259	4259	present:
4260	4260	(1) Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition
4261	4261	of an individual's employment; or
4262	4262	(2) Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for
4263	4263	employment decisions affecting the individual.
4264	4264	(b) Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment.
4265	4265
4266	4266	(1) Sexual harassment creates a hostile work environment when the conduct is
4267	4267	unwelcome in nature and has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
4268	4268	individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work
4269	4269	environment.
4270	4270	(2) The following, although not an exhaustive list, are examples of conduct that may
4271	4271	create a hostile work environment in violation of this policy, including during work-
4272	4272	related travel, events, and social gatherings:
4273	4273	(A) Sex acts;
4274	4274	(B) Display of sexual organs;
4275	4275	(C) Giving a preference to a third party who is engaged in a sexual or romantic
4276	4276	relationship, to the disadvantage of an employee who is not engaged in a sexual
4277	4277	relationship with a supervisor, hiring official, or person exercising authority over
4278	4278	the disadvantaged party (described legally as a “paramour preference”);
4279	4279
4280	4280
4281	4281
4282	4282	-3-
4283	4283
4284	4284	(D) Using sexually oriented or sexually degrading language describing an
4285	4285	individual or his/her body, clothing, hair, accessories or sexual experiences;
4286	4286	(E) Sexually offensive comments or off-color language, jokes, or innuendo that a
4287	4287	reasonable person would consider to be of a sexual nature, or belittling or
4288	4288	demeaning to an individual or a group's sexual orientation or gender identity;
4289	4289	(F) “Sexting” or seeking or sending pictures of intimate body parts, or taking or
4290	4290	displaying pictures of body parts meant to be covered up (such as “upskirting”
4291	4291	pictures), including by sending messages of a suggestive nature on self-
4292	4292	destructing messaging apps where evidence of the written word or images is
4293	4293	difficult to document;
4294	4294	(G) The display or dissemination of sexually suggestive objects, books,
4295	4295	magazines, photographs, music, cartoons, or computer internet sites or references;
4296	4296	(H) Unnecessary and inappropriate touching or physical contact, such as brushing
4297	4297	against a colleague's body, touching or brushing a colleague's hair or clothing,
4298	4298	massaging, groping, patting, pinching, or hugging, that a reasonable person would
4299	4299	consider to be of a sexual nature;
4300	4300	(I) Lascivious leering or sexually suggestive gestures or sounds, i.e. whistling or
4301	4301	kissing noises;
4302	4302	(J) Sexual comments, conduct, displays, and suggestions in the workplace
4303	4303	between two willing parties that would cause a reasonable third party to be
4304	4304	offended;
4305	4305	(K) Making inquiries about someone’s private sex life or describing one’s own
4306	4306	sex life;
4307	4307	(L) Any unwanted repeated contact, including but not limited to in-person or
4308	4308	telephonic, for romantic or sexual purposes;
4309	4309	(M) Sexual assault, stalking, trapping someone such that they are not free to leave
4310	4310	and a sexual encounter is expected or threatened, threats of bodily harm relating
4311	4311	to sex or the refusal to have sex, or crimes related to egregious acts of sexual
4312	4312	harassment.
4313	4313	(c) Anyone, regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation may be the target or perpetrator of
4314	4314	sexual harassment.
4315	4315
4316	4316
4317	4317
4318	4318	-4-
4319	4319
4320	4320	(d) Sexual harassment is not limited to inappropriate exercise of authority by persons in power
4321	4321	over an employee. It can occur by an employee toward a co-worker, by an employee toward a
4322	4322	supervisor, or by a non-employee toward an employee.
4323	4323	Sexual Harassment Officer
4324	4324	A Sexual Harassment Officer (“SHO”) is one of two individuals designated by the Secretary of
4325	4325	the Council and specially trained to receive complaints of sexual harassment and to conciliate
4326	4326	complaints of sexual harassment under this policy.
4327	4327	Sexual Consent
4328	4328	Sexual consent is positive, unambiguous, and voluntary agreement to engage in specific activity
4329	4329	throughout an encounter involving sexual activity. Consent should not be inferred from the
4330	4330	absence of a “no”. Consent to some activity does not constitute consent to others, nor does past
4331	4331	consent to a given activity constitute present or future consent. Consent can be revoked at any
4332	4332	time and cannot be obtained by threat, coercion, or force.
4333	4333
4334	4334	III. CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIPS
4335	4335
4336	4336	(a) Sexual/intimate relationships between employees and supervisors in the employee's chain of
4337	4337	command are strongly discouraged. The existence of a sexual/intimate relationship between an
4338	4338	employee and a supervisor will be a factor in any proceeding in which the relationship is alleged
4339	4339	to have contributed to a hostile work environment and/or adversely affected the terms and
4340	4340	conditions of employment.
4341	4341
4342	4342	(b) Employees who engage in a limited consensual relationship with a supervisor or colleague,
4343	4343	such as going out to dinner or on dates, remain free to refuse further sexual overtures and have the
4344	4344	right to demand that sexual or sexually harassing conduct going beyond that which was consented
4345	4345	to must stop. Alternatively, they also may seek the assistance of a supervisor or manager or the
4346	4346	Council’s SHOs to demand that sexually harassing conduct cease.
4347	4347
4348	4348	(c) Conduct that was once welcome or consensual may become unwelcome. Once the conduct is
4349	4349	no longer welcome, conduct of a sexually harassing nature must cease.
4350	4350
4351	4351
4352	4352	IV. REPORTING AND REMEDYING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
4353	4353
4354	4354	This policy provides several avenues an employee may pursue in response to witnessing or
4355	4355	experiencing sexual harassment. All complaints of sexual harassment will be treated with the
4356	4356
4357	4357
4358	4358
4359	4359	-5-
4360	4360
4361	4361	same rigor and gravity, regardless of the complaint avenue the complainant elects. All
4362	4362	complaints of sexual harassment by a Councilmember will generate an investigation by outside
4363	4363	counsel.
4364	4364
4365	4365	Any employee who believes he or she has been the target of sexual harassment can inform the
4366	4366	offending person orally or in writing that such conduct is unwelcome and offensive and ask the
4367	4367	offending person to stop the offensive conduct. If the employee does not wish to communicate
4368	4368	directly with the offending person, or if such communication has been ineffective, the employee
4369	4369	should report the sexual harassment.
4370	4370
4371	4371	(a) Reporting Harassment by a Council Employee.
4372	4372
4373	4373	Sexual harassment by a Council employee, if reported, shall be reported through the channels
4374	4374	described below. Complaints to supervisors will not automatically initiate an investigation by
4375	4375	outside counsel, whereas complaints to an SHO will.
4376	4376
4377	4377	(1) Target complaints to supervisors.
4378	4378
4379	4379	(A) An employee who believes they are the target of sexual harassment from
4380	4380	another Council employee may make a complaint to the employee’s supervisor
4381	4381	orally or in writing. The complainant’s supervisor should reduce the complaint to
4382	4382	writing and provide the complainant with section VII (External Reporting and
4383	4383	Resources) of this policy. Upon receipt of the complaint, the complainant’s
4384	4384	supervisor must inform the alleged harasser to cease all offending conduct (if the
4385	4385	alleged harasser is not in the supervisor’s chain-of-command, the supervisor must
4386	4386	enlist the assistance of an SHO or a supervisor in the alleged harasser’s chain of
4387	4387	command to inform the alleged harasser to cease all offending conduct). The
4388	4388	supervisor shall promptly seek to resolve the complaint in a manner that ensures
4389	4389	the offending conduct will not recur and take corrective action appropriate to the
4390	4390	severity of the offense. If a supervisor cannot resolve the complaint, the
4391	4391	supervisor must inform the complainant and encourage the complainant to make a
4392	4392	complaint to an SHO. Supervisors are encouraged to seek advice in resolving
4393	4393	complaints from an SHO or the General Counsel. A supervisor’s consultation or
4394	4394	request for assistance from an SHO is not considered a complaint to an SHO and
4395	4395	will not automatically initiate an investigation by outside counsel.
4396	4396
4397	4397	In appropriate circumstances, a complaint to a supervisor may be resolved
4398	4398	through conciliation. Conciliation is an informal method of alternative dispute
4399	4399	resolution in which an SHO works with the complainant and alleged harasser to
4400	4400	end the harassment and reach a resolution that is mutually agreeable to both
4401	4401
4402	4402
4403	4403
4404	4404	-6-
4405	4405
4406	4406	parties. A complainant may initiate conciliation by informing the complainant’s
4407	4407	supervisor, who shall inform an SHO, of the complainant’s desire to conciliate.
4408	4408	Participation in conciliation is voluntary and requires the cooperation of both the
4409	4409	target and alleged harasser. Ultimately, an SHO will make a case-by-case
4410	4410	determination of whether a complaint is appropriate for conciliation.
4411	4411
4412	4412	Upon resolution of a complaint, or in the event a supervisor cannot resolve a
4413	4413	complaint, the supervisor must provide a written report to an SHO and OGC,
4414	4414	which identifies the parties involved, the nature of the complaint, and steps taken
4415	4415	to resolve the complaint. The SHOs and OGC will evaluate the report to
4416	4416	determine whether further action, including further investigation or corrective
4417	4417	action, is warranted. The report shall be kept confidential consistent with the
4418	4418	terms of this policy.
4419	4419
4420	4420	(B) If an employee chooses not to complain to a supervisor or is unsatisfied with
4421	4421	the results of a complaint to a supervisor, the employee may make a complaint to
4422	4422	an SHO.
4423	4423
4424	4424	(2) Anonymous and Witness Complaints.
4425	4425
4426	4426	(A) The Council encourages all employees to report instances of sexual
4427	4427	harassment they witness to their supervisors, through the Council’s online
4428	4428	complaint portal (dccouncil.seamlessdocs.com/f/sexualharassmentcomplaint) or
4429	4429	directly to an SHO. A supervisor who receives a complaint of sexual harassment
4430	4430	from a witness should follow the procedures described in section (a)(1)(A) to
4431	4431	resolve and report the complaint’s resolution or refer the matter to an SHO for
4432	4432	resolution in accordance with subparagraph (C).
4433	4433
4434	4434	(B) An employee, whether a target or a witness of sexual harassment, may
4435	4435	anonymously report sexual harassment through the Council’s online complaint
4436	4436	portal by selecting the anonymous complaint option. An anonymous complaint
4437	4437	through the Council’s complaint portal will be transmitted to the SHOs.
4438	4438
4439	4439	(C) An SHO who receives a witness or anonymous complaint will perform an
4440	4440	initial assessment of the facts of the complaint, including interviewing the alleged
4441	4441	target and harasser, to determine what further action, including investigation by
4442	4442	outside counsel, is possible, desired, or warranted given the nature and severity of
4443	4443	the complaint.
4444	4444
4445	4445	(3) Target complaints to SHOs.
4446	4446
4447	4447
4448	4448
4449	4449	-7-
4450	4450
4451	4451
4452	4452	(A) A person who is sexually harassed may make a complaint directly to an SHO.
4453	4453	A complaint made directly to an SHO may be oral or written; the SHO who
4454	4454	receives an oral complaint shall reduce the complaint to writing. Complaints
4455	4455	made though the Council’s online complaint portal will be transmitted to the
4456	4456	SHOs.
4457	4457
4458	4458	(B) Upon receipt of a complaint under this policy, the SHO who receives the
4459	4459	complaint shall provide the complainant with section VII (External Reporting and
4460	4460	Resources) of this policy.
4461	4461
4462	4462	(C) The SHO shall notify the alleged harasser, in writing, that a complaint has
4463	4463	been made against him or her and direct the individual to cease all offending
4464	4464	conduct.
4465	4465
4466	4466	(4) Investigation of Target Complaints to SHOs.
4467	4467
4468	4468	(A) Upon receipt of a complaint from a target of sexual harassment, the SHO
4469	4469	shall inform the General Counsel, who shall contact outside counsel to investigate
4470	4470	the complaint. Supervisors of the alleged target and harasser will be notified of
4471	4471	the investigation, unless the target requests confidentiality, in which case, no
4472	4472	supervisor shall be notified until the investigation is complete, unless the
4473	4473	imposition of interim measures or the nature of the investigation necessitates
4474	4474	notification.
4475	4475
4476	4476	(B) The SHOs will recommend interim measures to ensure no further apparent or
4477	4477	alleged harassment occurs pending completion of an investigation. Supervisors
4478	4478	and Councilmembers agree to abide by and implement the interim measures
4479	4479	recommended by the SHOs. The following interim measures may be appropriate
4480	4480	to ensure cessation of alleged harassment during the pendency of an investigation:
4481	4481
4482	4482	(i) Administrative leave with pay;
4483	4483	(ii) Physical separation, including the use of available swing space or
4484	4484	shifting workspaces between physical offices;
4485	4485	(iii) Working from home; or
4486	4486	(iv) Other measures that limit contact between the target and
4487	4487	alleged harasser.
4488	4488
4489	4489	Acceptable interim measures are administrative in nature and are not per se an
4490	4490	adverse employment action to either party. Where a target of harassment requests
4491	4491
4492	4492
4493	4493
4494	4494	-8-
4495	4495
4496	4496	separation from the alleged harasser, the SHO must require the target of
4497	4497	harassment to make the request in writing.
4498	4498	(C) During the investigation, the SHO will be the point of contact for the
4499	4499	complainant’s or the alleged harasser’s questions or concerns related to the
4500	4500	complaint.
4501	4501	(D) Outside counsel has responsibility for investigating alleged sexual harassment
4502	4502	in a prompt, thorough, and impartial manner.
4503	4503
4504	4504	(E) Outside counsel’s investigation may take up to 30 days. If the investigation is
4505	4505	not completed during that time, the complainant may elect to pursue remedies
4506	4506	outside the Council, as further described in section VII (External Reporting and
4507	4507	Resources).
4508	4508
4509	4509	(5) Resolving Target Complaints to SHOs.
4510	4510
4511	4511	(A) At the end of the investigation, outside counsel shall submit a written report
4512	4512	of its findings and any recommendations of corrective action to the SHOs and the
4513	4513	General Counsel.
4514	4514
4515	4515	(B) If outside counsel does not find that harassment occurred, an SHO shall notify
4516	4516	the complainant and the alleged harasser of the result. No further action shall be
4517	4517	taken.
4518	4518
4519	4519	(C)(i) If the outside counsel does find that harassment has occurred, the report
4520	4520	shall also be submitted to:
4521	4521	(I) The Councilmember for whom the alleged harasser works; or
4522	4522	(II) The Officer for whom the alleged harasser works.
4523	4523	(ii) Councilmembers and Officers agree to take, at minimum, the
4524	4524	corrective action recommended in the report from outside counsel, up to
4525	4525	and including termination of the alleged harasser.
4526	4526
4527	4527	(b) Reporting Harassment by a Non-Council Employee.
4528	4528
4529	4529	A Council employee who experiences sexual harassment from a non-Council employee may
4530	4530	make a complaint to a supervisor or an SHO through the avenues described above. The
4531	4531	supervisor or SHO shall hand the complaint is the same manner as described above, including,
4532	4532	if the complaint is to a supervisor, by providing a written resolution report to an SHO and OGC
4533	4533	that identifies the parties involved, the nature of the complaint, and steps taken to resolve the
4534	4534
4535	4535
4536	4536
4537	4537	-9-
4538	4538
4539	4539	complaint. The Council’s ability to resolve or investigate the complaint may be limited by lack
4540	4540	of control over the alleged harasser. Resolution of a complaint of harassment against a non-
4541	4541	Council employee may include the following:
4542	4542
4543	4543	(1) Instituting a no-contact policy between the alleged harasser and the target, including
4544	4544	barring the alleged harasser from the personal or committee offices of a Councilmember,
4545	4545	as appropriate; and
4546	4546
4547	4547	(2) Notifying the alleged harasser’s employer of the alleged conduct and requesting the
4548	4548	employer take appropriate action.
4549	4549
4550	4550	(c) Reporting Harassment by a Councilmember
4551	4551
4552	4552	(1) If an employee is sexually harassed by a Councilmember, the target or witness may
4553	4553	make a complaint to an SHO. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, all
4554	4554	complaints against Councilmembers, including anonymous complaints, shall follow the
4555	4555	same investigation and reporting steps outlined in subsection (a)(4) and (5) of this
4556	4556	section, including investigation by outside counsel, imposition of interim measures, and
4557	4557	submission of a written report by outside counsel.
4558	4558
4559	4559	(2) If outside counsel finds that the Councilmember engaged in conduct that violates this
4560	4560	policy:
4561	4561
4562	4562	(A) The report shall not include recommendations for corrective action; but shall
4563	4563	include information and findings sufficient for members of an ad hoc committee
4564	4564	to recommend penalties, if any, against the offending member, pursuant to
4565	4565	Council Rule 652.
4566	4566
4567	4567	(B) The report shall be submitted to:
4568	4568	(i) The General Counsel;
4569	4569	(ii) The SHOs; and
4570	4570	(iii) The Chairman.
4571	4571
4572	4572	(C) If the Chairman is the subject of the complaint, the Chairman pro tempore
4573	4573	shall receive the report with no redactions.
4574	4574
4575	4575	(D) An ad hoc committee shall be established pursuant to Council Rule 651
4576	4576	within 3 business days after the investigative report is received from outside
4577	4577	counsel. Members of the ad hoc committee shall receive unredacted versions of
4578	4578	outside counsel’s investigative report and shall protect the identities of
4579	4579
4580	4580
4581	4581
4582	4582	-10-
4583	4583
4584	4584	individuals named in the report to the greatest extent possible. Based on the
4585	4585	findings in the report, the ad hoc committee may recommend penalties against the
4586	4586	member in accordance with Council Rule 652.
4587	4587
4588	4588
4589	4589	(d) Confidentiality
4590	4590
4591	4591	All reports of sexual harassment received pursuant to this policy shall be treated as confidential
4592	4592	consistent with the procedural mandates of this policy. Recipients of sexual harassment
4593	4593	complaints and those involved in any conciliation, investigation, or resolution of a complaint
4594	4594	have an obligation to protect the identities of the complainant, alleged target, harasser, and other
4595	4595	witnesses to the fullest extent possible in light of the nature of any investigation conducted and
4596	4596	remedial action sought or pursued. Disclosure of facts related to the complaint to an alleged
4597	4597	target and alleged harasser’s supervisor or Councilmember, the Office of General Counsel,
4598	4598	outside counsel, and the Council as a body, in the case of a complaint against a Councilmember,
4599	4599	may be necessary to achieve appropriate remedial action.
4600	4600	(e) Rights of the Alleged Harasser
4601	4601
4602	4602	Persons accused of sexual harassment deserve the full protections afforded to them under the
4603	4603	law in administrative matters, including, but not limited to, the right to respond to allegations of
4604	4604	sexual harassment, to counsel and representation, and the presumption of innocence. The right to
4605	4605	counsel does not include the right to have counsel paid for by the government or Council.
4606	4606
4607	4607
4608	4608
4609	4609
4610	4610	V. TRAINING
4611	4611
4612	4612	The Council will provide training on sexual harassment to all Councilmembers and employees at
4613	4613	least one time per year, which shall include training on retaliation. Annual sexual harassment
4614	4614	training is mandatory for all Councilmembers and employees.
4615	4615
4616	4616
4617	4617	VI. RETALIATION
4618	4618
4619	4619	It is a violation of this policy to retaliate against someone who has reported possible sexual
4620	4620	harassment.
4621	4621
4622	4622
4623	4623
4624	4624	-11-
4625	4625
4626	4626	Retaliation is conduct that punishes a person for exercising rights under this policy or
4627	4627	discourages a reasonable person from engaging in activity protected under this policy. Such
4628	4628	protected activity includes making a complaint under this policy, aiding or encouraging any
4629	4629	other person to make a complaint under this policy, participating in the investigation or
4630	4630	resolution of a complaint under this policy, opposing sexual harassment, refusing to follow
4631	4631	orders that would result in sexual harassment, or intervening to protect others from sexual
4632	4632	harassment.
4633	4633	Retaliatory behavior may include, but is not limited to, termination, unwarranted reprimands,
4634	4634	intimidation, threats, unfairly downgrading personnel evaluations, transfers to less desirable
4635	4635	positions, verbal or physical abuse, altered and more inconvenient work schedules, or coercion
4636	4636	intended to pressure an individual to participate, not participate, or provide false or misleading
4637	4637	information in a complaint or investigation under this policy.
4638	4638	The Council will take necessary steps to protect from retaliation employees who, in good faith,
4639	4639	report incidents of potential sexual harassment and participate in investigations under this policy.
4640	4640	Employees found to have engaged in retaliatory behavior shall be recommended for discipline,
4641	4641	up to an including termination.
4642	4642
4643	4643	VII. EXTERNAL REPORTING AND RESOURCES
4644	4644
4645	4645	The remedies and procedures available under this policy are in addition to the legal remedies
4646	4646	available under District and federal law. A target of sexual harassment, or a person acting on the
4647	4647	target’s behalf with or without the target's consent, may report sexual harassment within one year
4648	4648	of the alleged harassment or its discovery to the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights
4649	4649	(“OHR”) (D.C. Official Code § 2-1403.04(a)); a target of sexual harassment may also file a charge
4650	4650	with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) within 300 days of the
4651	4651	alleged harassment (42 U.S.C. 2000e-5(e)).
4652	4652	1
4653	4653	Filing a complaint under this policy does not extend
4654	4654	the time a target has to file a complaint or charge with OHR or the EEOC.
4655	4655	In addition to the remedies under this policy, the target is encouraged to report sexual harassment
4656	4656	that rises to the level of criminal misconduct, such as sexual assault, kidnapping, stalking, and
4657	4657	threats to do bodily harm, to a law enforcement agency, including the Metropolitan Police
4658	4658	Department (MPD).
4659	4659
4660	4660	Victims of sexual assault or other possible crimes may choose to call the DC Victim Hotline at
4661	4661	1-844-443-5732. The Hotline is available 24/7 by telephone, text, or online chat to connect
4662	4662	victims of crime to free resources and to help them navigate the physical, financial, legal, and
4663	4663
4664	4664	1
4665	4665	The timelines for filing with administrative agencies are accurate as of January 3, 2023.
4666	4666
4667	4667
4668	4668
4669	4669	-12-
4670	4670
4671	4671	emotional repercussions of crime. Victims may be matched with an advocate who can help them
4672	4672	decide whether to pursue a matter through the criminal justice process.
4673	4673
4674	4674