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District of ColumbiaB26-0059Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Tree Preservation Enhancement Amendment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Tree planting and hazardous-tree help for residents

The District transportation department runs the Tree Fund, supported by donations and tree-law fees and penalties. It funds public-space and District-owned land planting, including parks and schools, plus income-based help for residents removing and replacing hazardous trees. It can also fund private-land planting coordinated with the District's environment department, survival checks, and program costs, including administration. The Mayor must ensure survival checks at suitable times to measure tree canopy replacement and guide future planting. Unspent money stays in the Fund; approved budget funding remains available across fiscal years, subject to the District's budget and financial plan.

District tax deductions for Tree Fund donors

Private, voluntary gifts to the Tree Fund are deductible for District income and business franchise tax purposes. The provided text gives no deduction limit or exact tax savings.

Stricter tree rules and higher owner fees

The law lowers the minimum size for Special Tree status from 44 inches to 40 inches. This brings more trees under preservation rules affecting property owners. Beginning July 1, 2029, the Mayor must raise specified tree fees and fines every three years using the Consumer Price Index. The Mayor can also make additional increases by regulation. The provided text gives no charge amounts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Phil Mendelson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 25 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 2/3/2026

First Reading, CC

Yes: 12 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Law Number L26-0113 Effective from May 21, 2026

    5/21/2026House

  2. Transmitted to Congress

    4/9/2026House

  3. Act A26-0283 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 005086

    3/27/2026House

  4. Returned from Mayor

    3/24/2026House

  5. Enacted without Mayor's Signature with Act Number A26-0283

    3/24/2026House

  6. Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Mar 24, 2026

    3/9/2026House

  7. Legislative Meeting

    3/3/2026House

  8. Legislative Meeting

    2/3/2026House

  9. Committee Mark-up of B26-0059 by the Transportation and the Environment Committee

    12/18/2025House

  10. Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0059 Published in the District of Columbia Register

    1/24/2025House

  11. Referred to Committee on Transportation and the Environment

    1/21/2025House

  12. B26-0059 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary

    1/13/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrollment

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • Engrossment

    2/3/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/13/2025

    PDF

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