Stay Up-To-Date on the Council of the District of Columbia's Legislative Actions
When the DC Council enacted its first emergency bill related to COVID-19 last month, the legislature adjusted its rules so that they can continue to meet but virtually. Like many other legislative bodies, this will allow the DC Council to meet without sharing a room and they plan to do so via a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

Only Councilmembers and officers will be permitted to actively participate in the meeting, but the public may register to join the Zoom meeting via the DC Council website to watch the meeting. Should you wish to watch the meeting we encourage you to register on the Council's website linked below. Additionally, The meeting will be live-streamed on the Council’s Facebook page as well as on the   OCTFME’s website , and aired live on the District Council Channel (Channel 13). A recording of the meeting will be posted on the Council website once available (about 24 hours after).
COVID-19 Response Supplemental Emergency Amendment Act of 2020
Yesterday, Chairman Mendelson has circulated the COVID-19 Response Supplemental Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 to be on the agenda for next week's meeting. The Chairman indicated in his memo to the full Council that " This emergency act would make a number of additional changes to the law to assist the District government with providing an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to provide additional resources to address those who have become unemployed as a result of the public health emergency. The legislation also provides additional relief to affected businesses and additional housing protections for residents during the pandemic."

The DC Chamber is asking its members to review the legislation and provide us with your comments and feedback on how the bill would impact and/or support your respective business. The bill as drafted, among many things, includes an amendment to the District's paid sick and safe leave law to add a new declared emergency leave requirement that covers up to 14 consecutive days of paid leave; it would allow for the suspension of both commercial and residential mortgage payments; it would increase the small business retailer property tax credit; it would authorize DC government to provide advance payment to CBE contractors; and for the upcoming June 2, 2020, Primary Election and the June 16, 2020 Ward 2 Special Election authorize every registered qualified elector to receive by mail an absentee ballot application and a postage-paid, self-adhesive return envelope.

DC Chamber of Commerce | i nfo@dcchamber.org | 202-347-7201 | dcchamber.org