District Of Columbia 2025-2026 Regular Session

District Of Columbia Council Bill PR26-0279

Introduced
7/11/25  

Caption

DC Water Disconnection and Billing Clarification Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

Impact

If enacted, the bill would have significant implications for state law and the operation of DC Water by explicitly defining the authority it has to charge late fees on unpaid water bills. By reinforcing that late fees can be applied under certain conditions, the bill seeks to incentivize timely payments from both landlords and tenants. Moreover, it aims to establish protections for individuals living in multi-unit buildings so they are not unfairly penalized for their landlords' overdue bills, thereby addressing public health and welfare concerns.

Summary

PR26-0279, also known as the DC Water Disconnection and Billing Clarification Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025, aims to address ongoing issues related to the disconnection of water services by the DC Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water). The bill proposes to clarify the authority of DC Water regarding late fees and penalties on water service bills, as well as to enhance transparency by requiring regular updates to city agencies about disconnection activities. This initiative is partly in response to accumulating unpaid water bills and the challenges tenants face when their buildings are disconnected from water services due to the failure of landlords to pay bills.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, PR26-0279 has faced contention from various stakeholders. Advocates argue that it is essential for protecting vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, from the repercussions of water service disconnections. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential for increased fees burdening low-income residents while advocating for stronger protections against disconnections. The discussions indicate a broader debate on balancing the need for utility companies to collect debts while ensuring basic service access for all residents, particularly those in precarious financial situations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

DC PR25-0986

CRIAC Clarification Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2024

DC PR25-1075

CRIAC Clarification Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2024

DC PR25-0853

DC Water Critical Infrastructure FOI Clarification Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2024

DC PR25-0332

DC Water Critical Infrastructure Freedom of Information Clarification Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2023

DC B25-0986

CRIAC Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2024

DC B25-1053

CRIAC Clarification Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2024

DC B25-0831

Utility Disconnection Protection Act of 2024

DC PR25-0459

DC Water Critical Infrastructure Freedom of Information Clarification Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2023

DC PR25-0607

DC Health Care Alliance Financial Eligibility Rulemaking Approval Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2024

DC PR25-0087

Protecting Consumers from Unjust Debt Collection Practices Technical Clarification Amendment Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2023

Similar Bills

NJ A3133

Establishes position of Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson; establishes "School Disconnection Prevention Task Force."

NJ S3080

Establishes position of Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson; establishes "School Disconnection Prevention Task Force."; appropriates $200,000.

NJ A398

Establishes position of Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson; establishes "School Disconnection Prevention Task Force."

CA SB598

Public utilities: gas and electric service disconnections.

VA SB480

Public utilities; municipal utilities, disconnection of service, consumer protections.

VA HB906

Public utilities; municipal utilities, disconnection of service, consumer protections.