District of Columbia Local Ordinances

Current Legislation

• Bill – B26-0361 – WASHINGTON, DC CITY COUNCIL (TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE)

  Summary:

  The “Shine Safely Act of 2025” amends the District of Columbia Official Code to: (1) prohibit the sale and distribution of mercury-containing, compact fluorescent lamps and linear fluorescent lamps; and (2) establish periodic inspections of distributors or retailers to determine compliance.

  Status:

  Bill Location:

  WASHINGTON, DC CITY COUNCIL (TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE)

  Bill Action:

  INTRODUCED ON 9/22/25 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON 10/7/25 – PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON 12/11/25

• Bill – B26-0544 – BUSINESS & ECON DEVELOP COMMITTEE/HOUSING COMMITTEE

  Summary:

  The “Pets in Housing Amendment Act of 2025” amends the “Pets in Housing Amendment Act of 2024” by adding a new Title 1 (Home Insurance Restrictions Affecting Pets to: (1) prohibit insurance providers from inquiring about the specific breed or breed mixture of dogs kept on a property; and (2) to prevent insurers from increasing a homeowner’s insurance premium based on the breed or breed mixture of such dogs.

  Status:

  Bill Location:

  BUSINESS & ECON DEVELOP COMMITTEE/HOUSING COMMITTEE

  Bill Action:

  INTRODUCED ON 12/15/25

• Bill – 2025001 – WASHINGTON, DC CITY COUNCIL (COMMITTEE ON HEALTH)

  Summary:

  The “Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2025” amends Chapter 18 (Animal Control) and Chapter 7A (Functions of the Department of Health) of Washington, DC Official Code by: (1) creating an Animal Population Health & Education Program; (2) establishing a pet food registration fee to be deposited in the Animal Education & Outreach Fund; and (3) strengthening regulatory oversight of pet care facilities to improve animal welfare and public health.

  Status:

  Bill Location:

  WASHINGTON, DC CITY COUNCIL (COMMITTEE ON HEALTH)

  Bill Action:

  INTRODUCED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON 10/21/25 – NOTICE OF INTENT TO ACT (IN NOT LESS THAN 15 DAYS) PUBLISHED IN DC REGISTER ON 10/24/25

• Bill – B25-0827 – WASHINGTON, DC (MAYOR’S OFFICE)

  Summary:

  The “Pets in Housing Amendment Act of 2024”: (1) Amends the Rental Housing Act of 1985 of Washington, DC to limit the amount of fees and deposits that a housing provider may charge a prospective tenant associated with owning a pet and to prohibit certain restrictions on common household pets; and (2) Amends the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005 of Washington, DC to ensure access to shelter for individuals with pets.

  Status:

  Bill Location:

  WASHINGTON, DC (MAYOR’S OFFICE)

  Bill Action:

  ENACTED W/O MAYOR’S SIGNATURE ON 1/22/25 – EFFECTIVE ON 3/21/25