Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Extension Temporary Amendment Act of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Christina Henderson

The bill temporary extends safety protections for entertainment venue employees in DC, requiring enhanced protections and enforcement for a limited period.

Agendized; not considered at the request of Bonds

Purpose and intent

The bill creates a temporary amendment to existing entertainment establishment safety requirements, extending certain protections for employees working in entertainment venues.

The temporary nature suggests a sunset or limited duration, designed to address an immediate safety or labor concern affecting entertainment workers while a longer-term solution is considered.

Key provisions and changes

Extension of safety protections: The act would extend specific safety standards or enforcement mechanisms applicable to employees of entertainment establishments. This could involve enhanced protections around working conditions, injury reporting, training, or hazard mitigation.

Scope of applicability: Applies to employees working in entertainment venues within the District of Columbia, potentially including bars, clubs, theaters, concert venues, and similar establishments that operate as entertainment venues.

Compliance and enforcement: Likely introduces requirements for venue operators to maintain certain safety protocols, provide training, display notices, or comply with inspections. The act may designate who enforces these provisions (e.g., Department of Employment Services, Department of Health, or a comparable agency) and outline penalties for noncompliance.

Temporary duration: The amendment is temporary, with a specified end date or conditions under which it expires, after which the provisions may sunset or be replaced by a permanent framework.

Who would be affected

Employers/owners: Entertainment establishments and their managers would need to implement or maintain extended safety measures and reporting.

Employees: Workers in entertainment venues would benefit from extended safety protections, potentially improved working conditions, safer equipment, and clearer reporting processes.

Regulatory agencies: District agencies responsible for labor and safety enforcement would enforce and monitor compliance with the temporary provisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and sponsorship: Introduced by Councilmember Henderson, with Christina Henderson listed as a co-sponsor.

Action history: Retained by the Council as of June 30, 2026, indicating the bill passed a stage in the legislative process and is awaiting further action or approval.

Effective period: As a temporary amendment, it would include an expiration or sunset clause. The exact dates or conditions for expiration are not provided in the summary but would be specified in the text.

Next steps: If retained, the bill may proceed to committee review, potential amendments, and a final vote. Upon enactment, the relevant agencies would implement the provisions by the effective date.

Potential impacts and considerations

Public safety: Aimed at improving safety conditions for entertainment workers during the temporary period.

Economic impact: Compliance costs for venue operators, potential fines for noncompliance, and any required training programs.

Transition considerations: If the temporary extension is intended to address gaps, stakeholders may seek a longer-term permanent standard or alternative safety measures after sunset.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections once the bill text is available, including exact sunset dates, enforcement penalties, and detailed definitions.

Bill