PRIA Logo™
District of ColumbiaB26-0163Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Unlicensed Establishment Enforcement Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Became Law

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Shops cannot sell Schedule I substances

The law makes it illegal for any licensed or unlicensed shop to sell, exchange, or deliver Schedule I substances or products that contain them. A business at a fixed D.C. location that sells or delivers these substances counts as an unlicensed establishment for enforcement. A “Schedule I substance” means a drug listed under D.C.’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Breaking these rules triggers penalties and other enforcement under the act.

Faster closures and seizures for illegal shops

Beginning April 1, 2025, ABCA can take enforcement against all unlicensed shops, even if a license application is pending. After April 1, 2025, unlicensed locations can be closed and padlocked right away. Before April 1, 2025, enforcement is allowed when a shop sells Schedule I substances. The ABC Board can keep a place closed and keep seized items until the danger is gone, and longer if the danger is likely to come back. Seizures can include cannabis, cannabis products, and Schedule I substances.

Quick hearings after licensed shop closures

If ABCA finds an imminent danger at a licensed shop after an inspection, the Board can order a quick closure and padlock. ABCA or MPD can also seize cannabis, cannabis products, and Schedule I substances. ABCA must give written notice to the owner and the property owner. The owner has 5 business days to request a hearing. If requested, the hearing happens within 5 business days and a decision comes within 5 business days. If not requested, the Board issues a decision within 10 business days. The Board can keep the closure and seizure until the danger ends, and longer if the danger is likely to recur.

Temporary law ends 225 days after start

The act takes effect after the Mayor approves it (or a veto is overridden), after 30 days of congressional review, and after publication. It expires 225 days after it takes effect. The enforcement changes only apply during this window.

Signs and on-site testing for enforcement

ABCA or the police can post signs at licensed or unlicensed locations showing that violations happened there. ABCA investigators can test cannabis for THC and test other substances and products for Schedule I drugs at these sites. Testing supports enforcement and safety, but results can lead to seizure or penalties.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Phil Mendelson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2025

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

Other

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

First Reading

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Law L26-0010, Effective from Jun 10, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 006764, Expires on Jan 21, 2026

    6/20/2025House

  2. Transmitted to Congress

    4/28/2025House

  3. Act A26-0047 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 004892

    4/25/2025House

  4. Returned from Mayor

    4/22/2025House

  5. Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0047

    4/22/2025House

  6. Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Apr 22, 2025

    4/7/2025House

  7. Legislative Meeting

    4/1/2025House

  8. Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0163 Published in the District of Columbia Register

    3/7/2025House

  9. Legislative Meeting

    3/4/2025House

  10. Retained by the Council with comments from the Committee on Business and Economic Development

    3/4/2025House

  11. B26-0163 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary

    2/28/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrollment

    4/1/2025

    PDF

  • Amendment

    3/4/2025

    PDF

  • Engrossment

    3/4/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/28/2025

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation