WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

B 26-0163

Unlicensed Establishment Enforcement Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

Temporary DC law clarifies and speeds enforcement against unlicensed establishments, defining agency powers, notices, penalties, and closures, with a sunset on Jan 21, 2026.

Law L26-0010, Effective from Jun 10, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 006764, Expires on Jan 21, 2026
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · B 26-0163

Summary — B 26-0163: Unlicensed Establishment Enforcement Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

Status: Enacted as Law L26‑0010 (effective June 10, 2025); published in DC Register Vol. 72. Temporary law — expires Jan 21, 2026. Introduced Feb 28, 2025. Enacted as Act A26‑0047 (signed Apr 22, 2025) and transmitted to Congress Apr 28, 2025.

Purpose / Intent

Based on the bill title and legislative history, this temporary amendment was intended to clarify enforcement procedures and authority relating to “unlicensed establishments” in the District of Columbia. The aim appears to be to provide a short-term, legally clear framework for agency enforcement actions (e.g., inspections, notices, penalties, closures) against businesses operating without required local licenses or permits while the Council or agencies consider longer-term rulemaking or statutory changes.

Key elements (based on available information)

The legislative record provided does not include the bill text. However, the Act’s title and the pattern of similar DC measures indicate the measure likely does one or more of the following:

  • Clarifies which District agencies have authority to investigate or take action against establishments operating without required licenses (for example, licensing, permitting, health or alcohol-related licenses).
  • Defines or streamlines procedural steps for enforcement (notice, inspection, hearing or appeal timelines).
  • Temporarily adjusts penalty, fine, or closure authority to permit more effective short-term enforcement.
  • Provides transitional or evidentiary rules to support prosecutions or administrative actions during the temporary period.
  • Sets an explicit sunset date (Jan 21, 2026) for the temporary amendments.

Because the law is temporary and time-limited, it likely was crafted to address an immediate enforcement gap or legal uncertainty.

Who is affected

  • Business owners and operators of establishments required to hold District licenses/permits (retail, food service, entertainment, alcohol, etc.).
  • Licensing and enforcement agencies of the District government (agency names not specified in the record).
  • Residents and patrons to the extent enforcement affects neighborhood operations and public safety.

Timeline & procedural history

  • 2025-02-28: Introduced by Chairman Mendelson.
  • 2025-03-04: Retained by Council with committee comments; amendment in the nature of a substitute.
  • 2025-04-01: Final Reading.
  • 2025-04-07: Transmitted to Mayor (response due Apr 22).
  • 2025-04-22: Signed by Mayor; Act A26‑0047.
  • 2025-04-25: Act published in DC Register (Vol. 72, p. 004892).
  • 2025-04-28: Transmitted to Congress.
  • 2025-06-10: Law L26‑0010 became effective; published in DC Register Vol. 72, p. 006764.
  • 2026-01-21: Statutory expiration (sunset).

Where to find the full text

To review exact provisions, consult:
- Act A26‑0047 (published Apr 25, 2025) — DC Register Vol. 72, p. 004892.
- Law L26‑0010 (effective Jun 10, 2025) — DC Register Vol. 72, p. 006764.
These documents will contain the operative language and specific agency/penalty details.

Note on interpretation

This summary is based on the bill title and legislative actions because the bill text was not included in the materials provided. For precise legal obligations, affected parties should read the enacted text in the DC Register or consult District legal counsel or the issuing agency.

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

Sign in to ask a question.