Rep. Robert White

Maddy summaryThe Powering Local Utility Guidance in Housing Act of 2025 (PLUG in Housing Act) helps affordable housing developers navigate utility approval processes during construction. It directs the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to create a "housing utility readiness team" that provides three key services: (1) administrative assistance to coordinate utility inspections, (2) access to technical consultants to prevent design issues, and (3) coordination to integrate utility permitting data into government tracking systems. This directly affects developers of affordable housing projects, particularly in high-cost areas where utility delays have caused costly project pauses or redesigns. The bill aims to streamline the permitting process by reducing administrative hurdles with utility companies, without changing utility regulations themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides targeted housing relief to 46 former homeowners displaced from River East at Grandview condominiums in Ward 8 after structural issues forced evacuations in 2021. It offers three specific mechanisms: HPAP grants for those who haven’t repurchased a home, conversion of existing HPAP loans to grants for those who have, and shortening inclusionary zoning affordability covenants to 15 years for qualifying new purchases. All relief is tax-exempt under District law and uses existing housing programs without new funding. The District must track progress through annual reporting to ensure these measures restore stability for families who lost generational wealth through displacement.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the life and legacy of Sister Juanita Mary Tillman White, a community leader and advocate from Ward 8 who passed away in June 2026. The bill formally recognizes her decades of service, which included organizing neighborhood programs, supporting social services, and engaging in civic activities across Washington, D.C. It expresses the Council's condolences to her family and community while officially citing the measure as the "Sister Juanita Mary Tillman White Remembrance Recognition Resolution of 2026."

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens tenant protections by clarifying and expanding the process for appointing receivers (court-appointed managers) in severely neglected rental properties. It directly affects landlords who fail to maintain habitable conditions (e.g., mold, broken appliances, or utility outages) and tenants in affected buildings. Key provisions include requiring landlords to disclose financial information for receivership costs, adding specific violations as grounds for receivership, and granting receivers authority to manage properties, collect rents, and address safety hazards. The bill also streamlines court procedures for receivership petitions and mandates notice to tenants, utility providers, and mortgage holders. These changes aim to expedite repairs and stabilize housing conditions in District of Columbia properties.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Laurice Gadson Redhead on her eightieth birthday by recognizing her lifelong contributions to education, faith, and community service in Washington, DC. The bill formally acknowledges her volunteer work, including her role as a docent at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and her mentorship of students at public schools and Howard University. It does not create new laws or funding but instead establishes a formal citation for the resolution and declares the Council's celebration of her achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires D.C. utilities to base multiyear rate plans on actual historical costs (not projected future costs) and prohibits mechanisms that let companies later raise rates to cover shortfalls. It mandates refunds for excess profits to customers and requires clear, quantifiable evidence of customer benefits for all rate changes. For major gas infrastructure projects (like pipe replacements), utilities must prove cost-effective alternatives were considered before approving surcharges. These changes aim to prevent further bill increases for D.C. residents and businesses, who have seen average annual costs rise by nearly $600 despite existing protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Metropolitan Police Department officers to include identifying information for all law enforcement officers present at an arrest scene and any use of force in arrest reports and probable cause affidavits. It also amends existing body-worn camera regulations to mandate public release of footage and incident descriptions when federal law enforcement officers use serious force in the presence of DC police officers. The bill applies only to DC police officers and federal officers, excludes non-DC law enforcement from disclosure obligations, and includes definitions for federal law enforcement officers and probable cause affidavits. The law would expire 225 days after it takes effect, making it a temporary measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of rental properties in Washington, D.C. that are exempt from rent stabilization to report specific information when registering their units. The new requirement mandates that owners disclose the current monthly rent, the rent charged in each of the two prior calendar years, and details about utilities, facilities, services, and appliances included with the rental. This data collection is a one-time submission at registration and does not create ongoing annual reporting obligations. The law is temporary and will expire 225 days after it takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates Friday, May 8, 2026, as Provider Appreciation Day in the District of Columbia to honor childcare workers. The measure directly affects childcare providers by officially recognizing their essential role in supporting children's development and helping families maintain employment. It does not create new laws, funding, or operational requirements but serves as a formal declaration of appreciation for the childcare system. The resolution takes effect immediately upon publication in the District of Columbia Register.