For Immediate Release

April 30,2021

Contact: Amanda Farnan, afarnan@dccouncil.us or(202) 355-8431

Councilmember Christina Henderson introduces two pieces of legislation that are crucial for equity in access with minors

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Councilmember Christina Henderson (At-Large) introduced two pieces of legislation that are crucial for equity in access: The Minor Access to Medical Records and Appointments Amendment Act of 2021 and the Student and Minor Access to Records and Transcripts (SMART) Act of 2021. In order to equip minors living in DC with the tools they need for success, our 16-year-olds must be able to access medical records, make medical appointments, and request school transcripts. 

“Today, the law allows minors over the age of 12 to access various medical procedures and care like contraceptive services, mental health care, and more. However, the law does not give minors the ability to schedule appointments or secure records that would inform a provider’s decision-making before delivering care,” said Councilmember Christina Henderson. “The Minor Access to Medical Records and Appointments Amendment Act of 2021 would allow residents over the age of 16 to schedule their appointments or request medical records. This enhancement will further improve health outcomes for young residents in the District and fully effectuate our minor consent laws.” 

“Students attending DCPS or Public Charter Schools under the age of 18 must have parental consent to access their transcripts. With the number of students in foster care or experiencing homelessness in the District, we must make a change,” stated Councilmember Christina Henderson. “The SMART Act of 2021 would grant students and minors over the age of 16 access to their grades, class schedules, assessments, scores, transcripts, and academic standings. If available, the local education agency will provide records with a gender mark that matches the minor’s gender identity. LEAs would have 15 days to comply and honor any of these request.”

According to the 2019 YRBS, among high school students in DC, 14.3% of males and 23.5% of females seriously thought about ending their lives within the previous year, while 13.5% of males and 15.5% of females attempted suicide. Further, for the 2020-2021 school year, the number of youth in foster care currently attending high school in the District is 195. According to data from OSSE, the number of students who experienced homelessness during the 2019-2020 school year was 7,139. We must equip minors living in the District with the tools necessary for their success.  

Both pieces of legislation were co-introduced by Councilmembers Brianne K. Nadeau, Janeese Lewis George, Charles Allen, Brooke Pinto, Mary M. Cheh, and Robert White Jr..

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