COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20004

 

               

TO:                  Nyasha Smith, Secretary to the Council

              

FROM:            Phil Mendelson, Chairman

                                                     

DATE:             July 23, 2020

 

                               

               The following measures are placed on the agenda for the July 28, 2020 Legislative Meeting:

 

§  Coronavirus Support Second Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2020

§  Coronavirus Support Second Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2020

 

               Bill 23-757, the “Coronavirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2020” was adopted by the Council on May 19, 2020 (D.C. Act 23-326) and expired on June 9, 2020.  Bill 23-759, the “Coronavirus Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2020” was adopted by the Council at the same meeting (D.C. Act 23-328) and will expire on September 6, 2020.  Bill 23-776, the “Coronavirus Support Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2020,” amending Bill 23-759, was adopted by the Council on June 9, 2020 (D.C. Act 23-328).  Bill 23-758, the temporary version of the underlying emergency act, as amended by D.C. Act 23-328, was adopted on second reading by the Council on June 9, 2020.  However, the temporary act has not yet completed its 30-day congressional review period.  A second congressional review emergency act is necessary to prevent a gap in the law given that the Council will not meet again until September 8, 2020.

 

               The purpose of the underlying emergency measure is to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of District residents and for support to businesses during the coronavirus public health emergency; and for other purposes.  This second congressional review emergency act is identical to the temporary act as adopted.  It is my intent that after returning from the Council’s recess, there will be superseding legislation to adjust several of the provisions of the law that are triggered by the Mayor’s public health emergency declaration, given that the public health emergency authority is likely necessary for the foreseeable future.