District of ColumbiaB26-0066Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Youth Advisory Council on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation Establishment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Charles Allen (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Stipends and expense help for members

Members may receive a stipend up to $1,000 per year or recognition of volunteer hours. Schools may also grant academic credit for service. The law authorizes this stipend in the Personnel Act and lets the Mayor set rules. The environment department may reimburse reasonable travel and other costs, if funding is available.

District backs the council with staff

The environment department provides main staff support and runs meeting logistics. It must train each member within 60 days on DC government, environmental policy, duties, and open‑meeting rules. It also partners with other agencies and colleges and helps prepare and submit reports. The youth council may use District‑owned or rented space and supplies for its work.

Monthly meetings and youth leadership rules

The youth council meets at least once a month. The chair or vice‑chair calls meetings with help from the environment department. A majority of appointed members makes a quorum. Members elect a chair, vice‑chair, and secretary for one‑year terms. No member may serve more than two officer terms total across all offices.

Who serves on the youth council

The council has 17 voting members: nine named by the Mayor (six DC high schoolers and three DC residents ages 18–21) and eight high schoolers named by each Ward Councilmember. First appointments happen within 180 days after the law applies; initial terms are staggered (some one year, some two), then all terms are two years with a two‑term limit. A high school member who graduates or ages beyond 21 may finish the term if they still live, work, or study in DC. Applicants must live in DC, have strong local ties, show knowledge and interest, and have teamwork and leadership skills. Membership must include voices from disadvantaged communities found using tools like Equity Emphasis Areas, the Heat Sensitivity Exposure Index, and the Low Food Access Areas map.

New youth climate council advises DC

The law creates a Youth Advisory Council on Climate Change and Environmental Conservation. It advises the Mayor, the Council, the environment department, and other agencies on climate, conservation, and green jobs. Its actions are advisory only and are not binding. The council can give updates to the climate commission each quarter and must hold a joint meeting at least once a year. Council committees over environment must give the youth council at least one in‑person chance each year to present its findings. Staff help is provided so the youth council can submit comments on bills.

When this law takes effect

The law takes effect after Mayor approval or a Council veto override and a 30‑day congressional review. It applies on the date its fiscal effect is included in an approved budget and financial plan. The Chief Financial Officer must certify that date and notify the Budget Director, who must publish the notice in the DC Register. Publication does not change when the law applies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Charles Allen
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 26 • No: 0

House vote • 10/21/2025

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 10/7/2025

First Reading, CC