This bill changes how Congress reviews laws passed in Washington, D.C., giving them more time and clearer rules to approve or reject these laws. It aims to ensure that D.C. laws are properly checked by Congress.
District of Columbia Home Rule Improvement Act This bill establishes a uniform 60-day period of congressional review for all nonemergency legislation enacted by the District of Columbia (DC). It also authorizes congressional disapproval of DC regulations and other executive actions, specific provisions in legislation, and extensions of emergency legislation. Currently, DC legislation is generally subject to a 30-day period of congressional review during which time Congress may enact a joint resolution of disapproval to nullify the legislation. Legislation involving criminal law is subject to a 60-day period of congressional review. Emergency legislation is not subject to congressional review. The bill applies a 60-day period of congressional review to all DC legislation other than emergency legislation. It also authorizes Congress to nullify (1) extensions of emergency DC legislation, and (2) one or more discrete provisions in DC legislation. The bill prohibits the DC Council from withdrawing legislation that it has transmitted to Congress for review or enacting legislation that is substantially the same as legislation that Congress disapproved. The bill also establishes a 60-day period of congressional review for DC executive orders and regulations according to procedures comparable to those for legislation. The bill additionally specifies the procedures for expedited consideration of joint resolutions of disapproval for DC legislation in each chamber, particularly the Senate. Finally, the bill requires the DC Mayor and the chair of the DC Council to present a report on DC to specified congressional committees at least once every calendar year.