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B 26-0676

Clarifying Licensing Enriching All Neighbors (CLEAN) Amendment Act of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Robert White

The act disqualifies license applicants who owe $1,000 or more in past-due DoB civil infractions.

Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0676 Published in the District of Columbia Register
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Bill Summary · B 26-0676

Summary of Bill B26-0676: Clarifying Licensing Enriching All Neighbors (CLEAN) Amendment Act of 2026

Purpose

The CLEAN Amendment Act of 2026 seeks to modify the District of Columbia licensing framework by adding a debt-threshold condition. Specifically, it would prohibit issuing a license or permit to an applicant who owes the District at least $1,000 in past-due fines, penalties, or interest that have been assessed pursuant to a notice of infraction issued by the Department of Buildings (DoB) under the Civil Infractions Act. The overall aim is to ensure licensees have resolved certain outstanding civil infractions before licensure.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to licensure standard: Updates DC Official Code, Title 47 (Chapter 28) to add a new disqualifying criterion for licensing.
  • New disqualification threshold: An applicant is disqualified if they owe the District $1,000 or more in past-due fines, penalties, or interest related to a DoB-issued notice of infraction (per the Civil Infractions Act of 1985, as amended).
  • Code changes:
    • Section 47-2862(a) is amended by reformatting existing subsections (the text shows adjustments to punctuation for subsections 8 and 9).
    • A new subsection (10) is added to capture the new debt-based disqualification criterion.
  • Effective date and review: The act takes effect after the Mayor’s approval (or Council override of a veto) and a 30-day Congressional review period as required for DC Local Acts.

Who is Affected

  • Applicants seeking licenses or permits issued under the DC licensing framework governed by Title 47, Chapter 28.
  • Individuals or entities with DoB-issued civil infractions where past-due fines, penalties, or interest total at least $1,000.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Legislative history:
    • Introduced: April 29, 2026 by Councilmember Robert White (with co-sponsor Councilmember Anita Bonds and a noted sponsor role for Zachary Parker in the document).
    • Referred to: Committee of the Whole (May 5, 2026).
  • Fiscal impact statement: The bill adopts the fiscal impact statement from the committee report as required by law.
  • Effective date: Contingent upon mayoral approval (or Council override) and a 30-day Congressional review period under the DC Home Rule Act.
  • Citation and naming: Official name to be used: “Clarifying Licensing Enriching All Neighbors (CLEAN) Amendment Act of 2026.”

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Licensing discipline: May increase prerequisites for licensure, emphasizing debt resolution of certain infractions before licensure is granted.
  • Fines collection: Could incentivize repayment of past-due DoB infractions and improve compliance with civil infractions.
  • Compliance burden: Applicants with outstanding DoB infraction debts may experience delays or denial of licensing until debt is resolved or arrangements are made.
  • Enforcement scope: Applies specifically to past-due fines under the DoB’s civil infraction authority and the Civil Infractions Act of 1985.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to current licensing standards or provide a plain-language FAQ for residents and small business owners.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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