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B 26-0072

Holding School Budgets Harmless During Modernizations Amendment Act of 2025

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

DC bill guarantees schools maintain operating budgets during facility modernization projects to prevent funding cuts during construction and infrastructure upgrades.

Public Hearing on B26-0072
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Bill Summary · B 26-0072

Legislative bill overview

Bill B 26-0072 protects DC school budgets from reductions during facility modernization projects. The bill ensures that schools undergoing building upgrades or renovations do not experience funding cuts as a consequence of those capital improvement efforts. This creates a "budget harmless" provision that maintains operational funding levels independent of infrastructure work.

Why is this important

School modernization projects often disrupt normal operations, requiring temporary relocations, adjusted schedules, or additional support services that can increase costs rather than decrease them. Without budget protection, schools could face the double burden of managing construction chaos while operating with reduced funds. This bill addresses a practical problem that affects student services, teacher retention, and educational continuity during necessary facility upgrades.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact unclear: The bill's cost depends on how many schools modernize simultaneously and how long the protection lasts, which could strain the district budget during multiple concurrent projects
  • Definition ambiguity: "Modernization" may be interpreted broadly, potentially allowing schools to claim budget protections for routine maintenance or minor upgrades
  • Equity concerns: Schools in wealthier neighborhoods may complete modernizations faster and claim protections longer, while under-resourced schools await funding for similar projects

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

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