Coronavirus Update: Emergency Legislation Passes Council

Dear Neighbors,

Today, the Council unanimously passed the "COVID-19 Emergency Amendment Act of 2020" to better enable the District to respond immediately to the ever-changing conditions of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The legislation is the result of extensive coordination between the Council, Mayor, agency staff, Budget Office, and the critical input provided by residents and small businesses who have already felt the effects of closures and economic uncertainty.

As we have seen over the past few weeks, the circumstances of this public health emergency are constantly changing. And, while this may be the first legislative effort, it most certainly will not be the last. This emergency legislation provides the Council with the authority to vote remotely, and that change will enable us to make legislative adjustments during this rapidly evolving situation while also heeding DC Health's social distancing and safety guidelines. On that note, please keep my staff and me updated as new issues and problems present themselves and please help us widely share the new provisions and protections listed below—especially so that those residents and businesses in need may take advantage of them:

COVID-19 Emergency Amendment Act of 2020

Protections for Residents

Prohibits all evictions or loss of public benefits
Prohibits utilities (gas, water, and electric) from disconnecting service
Establishes limitations on price gauging and stockpiling of supplies
Extends TOPA deadlines
Prohibits landlords from charging late fees
Enables District agencies to extend the validity of licenses, registrations, and other certifications—such as drivers’ licenses—to eliminate the need for residents to visit agency offices in-person

Supporting Small Businesses & Workers

Expands unemployment protections for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to work—this includes those employees who are quarantined, self-quarantined, or whose work has reduced or closed operations entirely during the public health emergency
Establishes a small business grant program to provide financial relief for businesses, non-profits, and independent contractors effected by the public health emergency—this includes grants for employee wages and benefits, operating costs, and the repayment of small business loans
Allows businesses to defer February and March sales taxes until July 20th, 2020
Permits sealed beer and wine deliveries as part of the new carryout, delivery, or grab-and-go restaurant requirements

Public Health Efforts

Authorizes pharmacists to issue larger refills of prescription drugs to ensure residents have access to their medications
Expands the Mayor's authority under the Public Emergencies Act
Enables the Mayor to declare a public health emergency for up to 30 days and to extend the emergency in 30 day increments with Council approval

There are additional provisions of the bill that are not listed above. For the legislation in its entirety, please see: B23-0718, the "COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020."

Regards,

Mary