Bill > B26-0148

This bill clarifies the definition of "merchant" in the District of Columbia's consumer protection law to explicitly exclude the District of Columbia government, its agencies, and employees acting within their official duties, with one specific exception for the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA). Specifically, the bill amends the existing law to state that the District government is not considered a merchant under consumer protection regulations, except when it comes to landlord-tenant relations involving DCHA. The bill retroactively applies the changes, with section 2(a) applying back to June 12, 2007, and section 2(b) applying from November 3, 2022. The act is an emergency measure that will remain in effect for up to 90 days, and it requires approval by the Mayor (or Council override of a potential mayoral veto). The purpose appears to be to clarify the legal status of the District government in consumer protection contexts, particularly narrowing its potential liability while maintaining consumer protections in housing-related matters involving the DCHA.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0148