At today’s meeting of the DC Council, Councilmember Charles Allen introduced a number of new legislative efforts.  These include:

Safe At Home Act of 2015: Helps District seniors make safety and accessibility modifications to their homes to support successful aging-in-place in their homes and in their neighborhoods. Improvements and modifications can be supported through a new grant program and a new ‘Safe at Home’ tax credit for homeowners who pay outright to make accessibility modifications to their homes.

Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2015: Adds stronger protections for the District’s tree canopy by protecting large, mature trees and encouraging new plantings on District land including parks and schools. New requirements on survival checks of planted trees helps ensure successful canopy replacement and informs future planting decisions.

LGBT Equality Day Recognition Resolution of 2015: Recognizes June 26 as LGBT Equality Day in the District of Columbia. The resolution reflects on the importance of the 3 major rulings issued by the U. S. Supreme Court that have advanced the rights of LGBT people all took place on a June 26^th, and notes that the District acted legislatively on all of these issues previously, and celebrates the expansion to all, nationwide.

Enhanced Penalties for Operation of All-Terrain Vehicles and Dirt Bikes Amendment Act of 2015 – co-introduced with Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie:  To improve public safety, this effort targets new penalties and restrictions on the operation of ATVs and dirt bikes on District streets.

Consumer Disclosure Act of 2015 – co-introduced with Councilmember Mary Cheh: Strengthens consumer protections for persons who have been awarded a settlement from predatory cash-payout companies.

Assessment of Children of Incarcerated Parents – co-introduced with Councilmember LaRuby May: Requires the District to conduct a comprehensive assessment of children enrolled in DC public schools who have an incarcerated parent to recommend any needed academic supports.

The Council will adjourn for summer recess tomorrow, July 15, and resume its legislative schedule on September 16.