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B 26-0321

DC Water Disconnection and Billing Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Charles Allen

Emergency law clarifies DC Water's disconnection procedures and billing dispute resolution to protect customer access while establishing utility collection standards.

Act A26-0127 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 008607, Expires on Oct 30, 2025
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Bill Summary · B 26-0321

Legislative bill overview

This emergency amendment act modifies DC's water disconnection and billing procedures, establishing clearer standards for when and how DC Water can terminate service to customers and addressing billing dispute resolution. The bill was enacted as emergency legislation, meaning it took effect immediately upon the Mayor's signature rather than waiting for the standard review period.

Why is this important

Water disconnection directly affects residents' access to essential services, making billing accuracy and disconnection procedures critical consumer protections. The clarifications establish baseline protections for vulnerable populations and ensure transparent processes, impacting thousands of DC households and businesses that depend on reliable water service.

Potential points of contention

  • Balance between utility collection and service access: Stricter disconnection standards may reduce DC Water's revenue collection efficiency while protecting customers from service loss over disputed charges
  • Billing dispute resolution scope: The extent to which customers can challenge bills before disconnection, and whether timelines are sufficient for resolution, remains a point where customer advocates and the utility may disagree
  • Emergency authority use: Some may question whether this issue warranted emergency legislation (which bypasses standard review periods) or if normal legislative procedures would have been more appropriate

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

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