B 26-0321 Legislature · 26th Council Period (2025-2026)

DC Water Disconnection and Billing Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill amends District laws to clarify water billing and disconnection procedures for DC Water customers. It requires DC Water to submit monthly reports to the Council, Attorney General, and Tenant Advocate detailing disconnection notices, actual disconnections, service restorations, payment plans, and receiverhips. It caps late payment penalties at 10% after 30 days and 1% monthly compounded after 60 days. It also mandates 30-day advance notice in English, Spanish, or other relevant languages to building occupants before disconnection, with specific information about delinquent charges. These changes directly affect residential and commercial property owners and tenants who receive water service from DC Water.

Issues: ✓ Housing

Bill status signed all 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jul 2025

Committee Review

Council Passage

Jul 2025

Signed into Law

Aug 2025

Introduced Jul 11, 2025 Signed Aug 1, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction → Enrollment · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill was converted from an introduction draft to an enrolled version, meaning it has passed both legislative chambers and is ready for the Mayor's signature. The core policy changes remain consistent between versions, focusing on water service disconnection procedures, late payment penalties, and reporting requirements for DC Water and Sewer Authority. The enrolled version includes minor formatting adjustments and clarifies some language while maintaining the same substantive provisions.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains unchanged; it still applies to DC Water and Sewer Authority operations regarding water service disconnections, late payment penalties, and tenant notification requirements.

TECHNICAL

Formatting and layout changes occurred during the legislative process, including page number reorganization and text alignment adjustments in the enrolled version.

REQUIREMENT

Minor wording adjustments in the enrolled version clarify that notices should be posted 'if publicly accessible and where practicable' rather than at every unit, providing more flexibility for the Authority.

The enrolled version adds 'as provided in' language to the receivership reference, clarifying the legal citation for when properties are placed in receivership.

TIMELINE

The enrolled version includes an effective date section specifying the bill takes effect after Mayor approval or Council veto override, and limits its duration to 90 days as an emergency measure.

Floor votes · Council Jul 14, 2025

How they voted

12–0

Passed

Total votes 12

Jul 14, 2025

D Democratic10

10 Yea

100% Yea

I Independent2

2 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jul 14, 2025

Council · Passed

Council Vote: pass (12-0)

council

Jul 14, 2025

Introduced

Amendment (Allen)

legislature

Jul 11, 2025

Introduced

B26-0321 Introduced by Councilmember Allen at Office of the Secretary

legislature

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors