This bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally recognizes ANC Commissioner Harold Cunningham for his advocacy work on behalf of returning citizens and his efforts to restore educational programs at the District of Columbia Jail. The text highlights his personal journey from incarceration to becoming a community leader and details how he successfully lobbied for funding for the Lead Up! Lead Out! initiative to support rehabilitation and reentry services. The resolution expresses gratitude for his leadership and officially names the document the "ANC Commissioner Harold Cunningham Recognition Resolution of 2026," which takes effect immediately.
This bill is a procedural confirmation resolution that formally appoints Joe Houston, Jr. as a voting member of the District of Columbia's Commission on Re-Entry and Returning Citizen Affairs. The measure fills a vacant seat on the commission, which is responsible for advising the government on policies to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society, for the remainder of the unexpired term ending in August 2028. By confirming the nominee, the Council enables Houston, Jr. to participate in the commission's work, leveraging his background in community wellness and reentry support to inform the agency's activities. The resolution itself contains no new laws or funding changes, serving only to complete the administrative process of adding a member to the existing board.
This bill confirms James Berry, Jr. as a member of the District of Columbia Sentencing Commission, filling a vacant seat for a term ending in 2026 and a subsequent term ending in 2029. The resolution formally approves his appointment to this advisory body, which helps shape sentencing policies and practices in the District. Berry brings extensive experience in criminal justice reform and community-based reentry programs from his previous roles in public defense and offender supervision agencies.
This bill allows the D.C. Clemency Board to waive the standard five-year waiting period for pardon applicants under specific conditions. The key provision permits the Board to grant this waiver only if the U.S. Pardon Attorney or the President has already approved a similar waiver for the applicant, while also prohibiting waivers for individuals currently on probation, parole, or supervised release. The legislation requires the Board to request supporting information from applicants, potentially including a meeting, and mandates that applications be paused until a decision is made. This emergency measure is designed to remain in effect for no longer than 90 days after the Mayor's approval or a veto override.
This bill allows the District of Columbia Clemency Board to waive the standard five-year waiting period for individuals seeking a pardon, but only under specific conditions. The waiver can be granted if the applicant has already received a waiver of the waiting period from the U.S. Pardon Attorney or the President, provided the applicant is not currently on probation, parole, or supervised release. The Clemency Board retains the authority to decline the waiver even when the federal waiver exists, and the applicant's application will be paused until the Board decides on the waiver request. The law is set to expire within 90 days after it takes effect, as it is an emergency measure tied to congressional review.
This ceremonial resolution officially designates April 2026 as Second Chance Month in the District of Columbia to honor returning citizens and their contributions to the community. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of the resilience and dignity of individuals reintegrating after incarceration. It highlights existing District policies and programs that support reentry, such as employment access and housing assistance initiatives. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges facing returning citizens and celebrate ongoing efforts to promote successful community reintegration.
This bill (B 26-0557) amends the Clemency Board Establishment Act of 2018 to allow the District of Columbia Clemency Board to waive the standard 5-year waiting period for pardon applicants under specific conditions. It directly affects individuals seeking pardons who have already received a federal waiver from the Office of the Pardon Attorney or President (per DOJ Manual § 9-140.112). The Board may grant such a waiver only if it has official federal notice, cannot grant it to those on probation/parole/supervised release, and must provide written notice of its decision. The bill requires applicants to submit written requests and may defer applications until a waiver decision is made.
This bill temporarily allows the District of Columbia Clemency Board to waive the 5-year waiting period for applicants seeking a pardon, but only under specific conditions. It directly affects individuals applying for pardons who have already received a federal waiver from the Pardon Attorney or President (as required by federal law). The Board must verify this federal waiver, cannot grant it to those on probation/parole, and may still deny the request even with federal approval. The waiver authority expires 225 days after the bill takes effect.
The LEARNS Amendment Act of 2025 requires the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DOC) to evaluate incarcerated students for special education services if they weren't assessed before entering custody, and to continue services for those with existing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). It also sets specific qualifications for the contractor providing these services and mandates DOC to create a public online system tracking resident complaints and service requests, including resolution timelines and contact information for oversight bodies. This bill directly affects students in DC Jail who need special education services but previously lacked a pathway for evaluation while incarcerated. The legislation makes permanent changes previously implemented through temporary measures, ensuring all eligible incarcerated students can access appropriate educational support.
This bill approves four contract modifications to an existing agreement with Umbrella Therapeutic Services, Inc., to provide pre- and post-transitional care home services for District youth involved in the juvenile justice system who have been arrested or failed probation. It authorizes additional payments totaling $2.6 million (increasing the contract value to $2,636,803.80) to cover services already delivered and to be delivered under the third option year of the contract. Without this approval, the District cannot pay for these essential services provided since March 2025.
