For Immediate Release
January 22, 2025
Sierra Wallace, Communications Director
(202) 355-8431
swallace@dccouncil.gov

Councilmember Henderson Re-Introduces Legislation to Improve Education Outcomes and Businesses’ Safety Concerns

Washington, DC – This week, Councilmember Christina Henderson re-introduced legislation to improve classroom experiences for students and reduce potential crime and safety concerns in the District via three bills: the Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act of 2025, the Advancing Equity in Special Education Protocols Amendment Act of 2025, and the Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Amendment Act of 2025.  

“The first two bills are aimed at cultivating better outcomes for District public school students by stabilizing their environment through improved charter board governance and increased communication with families of special education students. The third bill provides our late-night restaurants and bars flexibility to address safety concerns for their employees,” stated Councilmember Henderson. “Ensuring that our students and businesses have the opportunity to excel must be a top priority for the District of Columbia. These bills are re-introductions from the previous Council Period, and I look forward to working with my colleagues toward the swift passage of each measure.”

1. The Board of Trustees Training Amendment Act would improve the oversight of public charter schools by requiring newly elected and appointed board members of a public charter school’s Board of Trustees to complete annual trainings on issues related to non-profit Board governance including financial management. The bill was co-introduced by Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, Councilmember Anita Bonds, and Councilmember Matthew Frumin.  
2. The Advancing Equity in Special Education Protocols Amendment Act would provide greater stability for special education students, increase communication between DC Public Schools (DCPS) and families, and ensure special education students are receiving quality care by codifying staff-to-student ratios for self-contained special education classrooms. The bill was co-introduced by Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr., Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, Councilmember Brooke Pinto, Councilmember Zachary Parker, Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, and Councilmember Matthew Frumin.  
3. The Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Amendment Act would exempt select businesses from being required to accept cash in an effort to reduce potential crime and safety concerns. The DC Council passed emergency legislation on this bill in early January that will be in effect until April 2025. This permanent version of the bill was co-introduced by Councilmember Brooke Pinto and Councilmember Matthew Frumin.  

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