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District of ColumbiaB26-0737Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Certified Business Enterprise Program Compliance and Enforcement Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Wendell Felder (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Certified business partners must do their share

Beginning March 29, 2026, each certified business in a certified joint venture must perform work matching at least its ownership share. It must use its own organization and resources. If the venture subcontracts work, at least 35% of that effort must go to certified businesses. The emergency law lasts no longer than 90 days.

Ownership tests for DC business certification

Beginning March 29, 2026, DC local business certification requires one of three ownership arrangements. A business can qualify by being independently owned and operated. It can also qualify through more than 50% ownership, operation, and control by a District-based business or nonprofit. The third option is ownership by a non-District business that is itself more than 50% owned by District residents. Economically disadvantaged owners must own at least 51% of a business and meet the U.S. Transportation Department's personal net-worth limit. Equity impact businesses must qualify as resident-owned, small, and disadvantaged businesses—all three. The emergency law lasts no longer than 90 days.

Business certification bans allow early relief

Beginning March 29, 2026, businesses and joint ventures must wait 36 months after final certification revocation to apply again. The Department can lift a suspension or restore certification sooner when this serves DC's interests without endangering health, safety, or welfare. It must consider satisfactory proof that the cause has been corrected. After an investigation finds a violation poses imminent danger, the Department can suspend certification immediately, with a right to a hearing afterward. A timely requested hearing must occur within 14 days of the request, with a decision within 14 days after the record closes. The business or venture can agree to longer deadlines; final suspension and revocation notices must be posted on the Department's website. The emergency law lasts no longer than 90 days.

New ways to report business program violations

Beginning March 29, 2026, anyone can file a formal or informal complaint about DC certified business program violations. Formal complaints must be written, sworn, and notarized. Informal complaints can be made in person, by email, by phone, or through a required Department hotline. The Department must investigate unless it finds the complaint frivolous or without merit. It must keep formal complaint records and prepare a report explaining any dismissal on those grounds. The emergency law lasts no longer than 90 days.

Businesses get hearings but face strict deadlines

Beginning March 29, 2026, the Department must give notice before civil penalties or certification denials, suspensions, changes, or revocations. Except for emergency suspensions, notice comes first and explains the grounds, proposed penalty, and hearing process. The affected person or certified joint venture's representative has 10 days after receiving notice to request an Office of Administrative Hearings hearing. Without a request, the action becomes final and the chance for court review is waived. At a hearing, the Department must show the violation is more likely than not; the hearing office's decision is final for administrative purposes and subject to court review. The emergency law lasts no longer than 90 days.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Wendell Felder

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 7/14/2026

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 12 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Act A26-0389 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 011170, Expires on Oct 28, 2026

    8/7/2026House

  2. Returned from Mayor

    7/30/2026House

  3. Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0389, Expires on Oct 28, 2026

    7/30/2026House

  4. Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Aug 06, 2026

    7/23/2026House

  5. Legislative Meeting

    7/14/2026House

  6. Retained by the Council

    7/14/2026House

  7. B26-0737 Introduced by Councilmember Felder at Office of the Secretary

    7/9/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrollment

    7/14/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    7/9/2026

    PDF

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