Press Release: D.C. Council Approves Multiple Initiatives Advanced by Councilmember Bonds’ Committee on Housing and Executive Administration

News Release — At-large DC Council member Anita Bonds

November 1, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin B. Chavous

The initiatives include two bills aimed at promoting limited equity coops, a period equity bill, and a bill that will strengthen the condominium warranty claims process.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the D.C. Council approved several measures moved by Councilmember Anita Bonds, Chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Executive Administration.

First, the Limited Equity Cooperative (LEC) bills will establish a permanent Limited Equity Cooperative Advisory Council to continue the work of the LEC Task Force that drafted the 2019 LEC report. Additionally, the Limited Equity Cooperative Property Tax Amendment Act of 2022 makes the five-year property tax abatement for LECs permanent for those households that meet certain income levels. “I fully support the LEC Task Force’s goal of getting us to 6,000 LEC units over the next several years,” said Councilmember Bonds. “I am committed to increasing homeownership in the District and limited equity coops are a great way for people to acquire that first piece of property.”

Next, the Period Equity bill would require the provision of free period products in District buildings and government operated spaces for menstruating individuals. “By requiring period products in public buildings and facilities, we can help our most vulnerable populations face one less barrier to ensure their basic needs are met.” said Councilmember Bonds.

The D.C. Council also approved Councilmember Bonds’ condo warranty measure, which ensures that condominium purchasers are adequately protected against structural defects. The bill will expand the definition of “structural defect” to include certain building code violations. The bill also ensures that the warranty bond is properly posted and creates a clear process for contested claims on that bond. Also, the bill ensures that financial support is available to income-eligible homeowners filing claims on the warranty bond.

Finally, the Council advanced the Uniform Electronic Wills Act, which protects the vulnerable population subject to guardianship or conservatorship and holds bad guardians or conservators responsible for bad acts.

These bills will be on the agenda at the next legislative meeting, currently scheduled for December 6, 2022.

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