District of ColumbiaB26-0526Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Leading Education Access for Reentry and Necessary Success (LEARNS) Amendment Act of 2025

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More special education for incarcerated students

The Department of Corrections must provide free, appropriate public education to eligible students with disabilities in secure custody. Coverage runs from age 18 through the end of special education eligibility under federal and District law. Students qualify even without a disability finding or individual education plan before incarceration. For people never assessed, the department must evaluate them when they or an authorized person requests it. Qualified contractors must provide diploma courses, planning for further education, and in-person teaching, including in segregated housing and medical units. They must carry out each student's individual education plan. The law also repeals special education rules 3001.16 and 3001.17; their contents are not provided. The education changes in sections 2 and 3 apply only after their costs enter an approved District budget and financial plan.

Online complaint tracking for incarcerated people

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Department of Corrections must offer online submission, tracking, and updates for requests, grievances, and complaints. It must also accept written and oral submissions. By July 1, 2027, each submission must receive a unique, searchable ticket number. Records must show the issue, dates, open or closed status, and contact options, including leadership and oversight contacts. The public can view grouped information, but not personal details, and cannot submit or change tickets. Within 30 days after launch, the department must add unresolved submissions received during the previous six months.

Simpler probate steps for estate representatives

The law revises abbreviated probate, the court process for handling an estate, through a petition from an interested person. Appointing an estate representative starts administration without court supervision unless the order requires supervision. The appointment cannot wait while the court decides which form of administration applies. A will is presumed properly signed; a qualifying witness statement or verified statement can support its acceptance. The Register of Wills can require more verified proof. Certain notices can appear in a District newspaper of general circulation, not just a legal periodical. The law also repeals probate paragraph 20-361(a)(4), whose contents are not provided. The Strengthening Probate Administration Amendment Act of 2024 applies to estates of people who died on or after March 21, 2025.

Specified victim rules limited to minors

The law specifies that victim-related rules in three District code sections apply to victims under age 18. This includes references to sexual-assault victims. The supplied text does not explain the underlying rules, so their practical effect on victims is unclear.

Revised deadlines for criminal justice work

The law sets September 30, 2026, as the latest deadline for two Criminal Justice Coordinating Council requirements. It links other requirements to the effective dates of the Prioritizing Public Safety Emergency and Secure DC Omnibus laws. Section 8(a) applies as of January 1, 2025. Two related deadlines are no later than June 2025 and no later than July 31, 2026. The supplied text does not describe the work due or show direct changes to household payments or benefits.

One Safe Passage provision is repealed

The law repeals section 3 of the Safe Passage Training and School Engagement Amendment Act of 2025. The supplied text does not explain what that section required. It therefore does not establish which activities or responsibilities end, or how schools and students are affected.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brooke Pinto
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 26 • No: 0

House vote • 6/2/2026

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 5/5/2026

First Reading, CC