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District of ColumbiaB26-0207Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Certified Business Enterprise Program Compliance and Enforcement Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New rules for local business certification

The law sets who counts as an economically disadvantaged owner. You must own at least 51% and meet the net‑worth limits in U.S. DOT rule 49 C.F.R. § 26.68. Your business must be independently owned and run day to day, not controlled by another company or nonprofit. To qualify, it must also be either more than 50% owned, operated, and controlled by a District‑based enterprise or nonprofit, or be owned by a non‑District business that is more than 50% owned by District residents. The law also defines an “equity impact enterprise” as resident‑owned, small, and disadvantaged, all at once.

New work rules for certified joint ventures

Each certified partner in a certified joint venture must do, with its own staff and tools, at least its ownership percent of the work. If the joint venture subcontracts, at least 35% of that subcontracted work must go to certified business enterprises.

Stronger enforcement and hearings for certified businesses

After an investigation, the Department may take enforcement actions, including fines or certification changes. Before most penalties or certification actions, it must send a notice that explains why, any proposed penalty, and how to ask for a hearing. You have 10 days after you get the notice to request a hearing. If you ask for a hearing, the Office of Administrative Hearings uses the Department’s record, the Department must prove a violation by a preponderance of the evidence, and its decision is the final agency decision for court review. The Department must post final suspensions or revocations on its website. If your certification is revoked, you cannot reapply for 36 months, but you can ask for early reinstatement; the Department may lift a suspension or reissue certification early if problems are fixed and it is in the District’s interest. For violations that pose an imminent danger, the Department can suspend right away with the notice; if you request a hearing, it must be held within 14 days and decided within 14 days after the record closes.

Complaint hotlines and records for certified businesses

Any person can file a complaint about program violations. A formal complaint must be written, sworn, and notarized. You can also file an informal complaint in person, by email, by phone, or through the required hotline. The Department investigates complaints but can dismiss ones it finds frivolous or without merit. When it dismisses a formal complaint as frivolous or without merit, it must write a report with the facts, law, the filer’s contact, and the accused party. The Department must keep a record of all formal complaints, listing the accused name, the date, and a description.

These changes last 225 days

The law takes effect after mayoral approval and a 30‑day congressional review. It expires 225 days after it takes effect.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Phil Mendelson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 23 • No: 0

House vote • 6/3/2025

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 11 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 5/6/2025

First Reading

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Law L26-0025, Effective from Aug 16, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 009564, Expires on Mar 29, 2026

    9/12/2025House

  2. Transmitted to Congress

    7/7/2025House

  3. Act A26-0087 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 007536

    7/4/2025House

  4. Returned from Mayor

    6/26/2025House

  5. Enacted without Mayor's Signature with Act Number A26-0087

    6/26/2025House

  6. Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Jun 25, 2025

    6/10/2025House

  7. Legislative Meeting

    6/3/2025House

  8. Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0207 Published in the District of Columbia Register

    5/9/2025House

  9. Legislative Meeting

    5/6/2025House

  10. Legislative Meeting

    4/1/2025House

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

    4/1/2025House

  12. B26-0207 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary

    3/26/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrollment

    6/3/2025

    PDF

  • Engrossment

    5/6/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    3/26/2025

    PDF

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