Budget & Taxes (Fees & Licensing)

The Wealth Proceeds Tax Amendment Act of 2026 proposes a new 3 percent surcharge on passive income, such as capital gains, dividends, and interest, for high-income District of Columbia residents. This tax would apply to individuals earning over $400,000 annually and married couples earning over $500,000, targeting wealth generated without active labor. The legislation amends the local tax code to create a permanent provision for this surcharge, which is estimated to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for the city's general fund. By taxing unearned income from investments, the bill aims to broaden the tax base and reduce reliance on funding cuts to essential services like housing and healthcare.

This emergency bill supports the District of Columbia's Fiscal Year 2026 budget through multiple budget-related provisions enacted under congressional review requirements. It includes specific mechanisms like clarifying Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) procedures, modifying funding for cultural programs and community grants, establishing recreational facility assessments, and revising business license fee structures. The bill directly affects District government departments managing budgets, community organizations receiving human services and cultural grants, and local businesses subject to revised economic regulations. It does not introduce new policy initiatives but streamlines existing budget implementation processes for the 2026 fiscal year.