Dear Neighbor,
I hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween celebration over the weekend! The start of November brings another busy month, and I want to highlight some upcoming important hearings and community events happening in our city.
This Week
Today, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety is marking up and voting on several public safety bills:
- My bill, the “Emergency Medical Services Clarification Amendment Act,” which would improve and protect accuracy for emergency and non-emergency call responses to the Office of Unified Communications (OUC)
- My bill, the “Smoke Detector Safety Amendment Act,” which would prohibit the sale of smoke detectors that are not tamper-resistant in DC
- The “Let Our Vows Endure Amendment Act,” introduced by Councilmember Henderson that I co-introduced, which would authorize the mayor to issue marriage licenses and temporary marriage officiants during a federal government shutdown
- The “Clemency Board Waiver Authority Amendment Act,” introduced by the mayor, which would align eligibility for a letter of support from the DC Clemency Board with DOJ eligibility for clemency in cases where DOJ has waived the five-year waiting period
- My bill, the “Arena Safety Conformity Amendment Act,” which would prohibit unauthorized entry onto a playing surface to include Capital One Arena Downtown and Audi Field in Southeast
Tomorrow is Election Day. Polls are open from 7am-8pm. Find more information on voting locations here.
On Thursday, November 5th, I am holding an oversight hearing in the Committee on the heightened federal law enforcement and National Guard presence in the District. This comes after I held a community listening session at Bard High School in Ward 8 in partnership with Ward 8 DC State Board of Education Representative Dr. LaJoy Johnson-Law and the Bard PTO last month where we heard from residents about the impact of National Guard troops near our schools. Thursday’s hearing will also include discussion on my bill, the “Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Amendment Act,” the “Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Amendment Act,” and the “Safe Community Places and Policing Amendment Act.”
Check out more upcoming events and hearings this month in my list below.
Finally, last week, I held an important public hearing in the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety on domestic violence and sexual assault in the District. It included discussion of my bill, the “Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse Amendment Act,” which will assist survivors of domestic violence by reducing violence, increasing survivor support, and protecting victim privacy. I want to thank the dozens of public witnesses and government witnesses who shared their experiences and solutions to address this urgent need. We mustcommit to ensuring every person can feel safe in their own home. You can read more about our efforts here.
Yours in Service,
Brooke
Legislative Updates
AUDI FIELD REDEVELOPMENT BILL HEARING
On Friday, October 23rd, the Committee of the Whole held a hearing to discuss the “Soccer Stadium Redevelopment and Maintenance Act.” The bill authorizes the District to enter intoa public-private partnership with DC United to redevelop Audi Field. Councilmember Pinto strongly believes any agreement must include new housing, jobs for returning citizens, and ways to elevate women’s sports in DC including supporting the Washington Spirit soccer team as well as women’s professional volleyball.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEARING
On Tuesday, October 27th, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety held a public hearing on domestic violence and sexual assault in the District. It included discussion of Councilmember Pinto’s bill, the “Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse Amendment Act,” which will assist survivors of domestic violence by reducing violence, increasing survivor support, and protecting victim privacy. It also included discussion on the“Protecting Victims Amendment Act,” which was introduced at the request of the mayor.
DOC OVERSIGHT
Councilmember Pinto and Councilmember Robert White recently sent a letter to the Department of Corrections (DOC) regarding contact visitation, which has been suspended indefinitely – a decision that is deeply concerning. Multiple studies confirm that consistent, meaningful family contact is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry and post-release stability and also mitigates negative impacts on children. The joint letter requests information on contraband data, a detailed explanation of DOC’s strategy to combat contraband at DOC facilities, and a comprehensive plan to restore contact visits. You can read the full letter here.
Councilmember Pinto also co-introduced the “Contact Visitation Restoration Act” led by Councilmember Robert White, and co-introduced by Councilmembers Wendell Felder, Charles Allen, and Trayon White. The bill requires mandatory restoration of contact visitation at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) and a separate, phased pilot at the Central Detention Facility (CDF).
In the Community
Councilmember Pinto and Team Pinto recently have met with residents, advocacy groups, and local partners across the District, including:
- Celebrating the annual 17th Street High Heel Race with neighbors, which recognizes DC’s rich LGBTQ+ history and culture
- Joining the 14th annual Little Goblins Parade in Dupont Circle to enjoy family-friendly fun, spooky treats, and neighborhood haunts
- Joining neighbors at the Garrison Elementary School Fall Festival to enjoyfamily-friendly activities, the community market, and more fall fun
- Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Kramers Bookstore in Dupont Circle and presenting a proclamation honoring the occasion
- Celebrating the 2027 National Cherry Blossom Festival Launch with a sneakpeek of plans for the upcoming celebration
- Joining Fall Fun Day at Mitchell Park to enjoy live music, pumpkin painting, and delicious treats with neighbors
- Attending the Downtown Defined Summit & Downtown DC Transportation Plan Update to discuss development plans for Gallery Place – Chinatown, the Golden Triangle, and other Downtown neighborhoods
- Joining the Lilian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum's annual gala to honor the museum's rich history and dedication to supporting Jewish culture in our region
- Joining the Greater Washington Partnership to meet with business, government, and housing leaders to discuss solutions to improve housing development and affordability across the DMV
- Joining Shawn Townsend, President of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), behind the counter to shuck oysters at Cowbell in Union Market
- Joining the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington for its annual gala to celebrate community leadership, public service, and advocacy
- Joining the “Let’s Stop Domestic Violence” community awareness and prevention program held by ANC 8C07 Salim Adofo to discuss Councilmember Pinto’s bill to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in theDistrict
Announcements
DC HEALTH LINK OPEN ENROLLMENT
The 2027 open enrollment period for DC Health Link, the District’s health insurance marketplace, began November 1st. For residents who qualify, the new Healthy DC Plan has no monthly premiums and no cost for care. Plus, there’s dental and vision benefits.
There are multiple ways for District residents to shop and find out if they qualify for lower premiums or for the Healthy DC Plan.
- Go to: DCHealthLink.com
- Call: 855-532-LINK [5465]