An Act to authorize the financing of a program of public works construction for the District of Columbia, and for other purposes
PL 83-364 (H.R.8097), enacted 05/18/1954

68 S T A T , ] 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
101 
Control Act approved May 17, 1950, as amended by Public Law 75, 
Eighty-third Congress, approved June 22, 1953, is hereby further statl^??.** ^^^' 
amended by striking out "$150,000,000" and substituting in lieu thereof 
"$166,000,000". 
Approved May 17, 1954. 
67 
Public Law 364 
CHAPTER 218 
AN ACT 
To authorize the financing of a program of public works construction for the 
District of Columbia, and for other purposes. 
May 18, 1954 
[H. R. 8097] 
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Refresentatives 
of the 
United States of America in Congress assemhled,, That (a) this Act, 
divided into titles and sections, may be cited as the "District of 
Columbia Public Works Act of 1954". 
(b) As used in this Act— 
(1) The word "Commissioners" means the Board of Commissioners 
of the District of Columbia or their designated agent or agents. 
(2) The word "District" means the District of Columbia. 
(3) The word "person" includes any individual corporation, part-
nership, firm, organization, association, grouj), trust, estate, or other 
entity. 
(4) The term "Highway Fund" means the fund in the Treasury 
of the United States created by the Act approved August 17, 1937 
(50 Stat. 676 and 681), as amended (sees. 40-103 (d) and 47-1901, 
D.C. Code, 1951 edition). 
(c) Wherever any officer or agency of the District, other than the 
Commissioners, is mentioned in tliis Act, such officer or agency shall 
be deemed to be the officer or agency so mentioned, or the officer, offi-
cers, agency, or agencies succeeding to the functions of the officer or 
agency so mentioned, pursuant to Reorganization Plan Numbered 5 of 
1952. 
TITLE I—ADJUSTMENT OF WATER RATES 
District of C o -
1 umb i a P u b l i c 
Works Act of 1954. 
66 Statj 8.24. 
C. Code title 
1 app. 
SEC. 101. The Commissioners are authorized, in their discretion, to 
fix from time to time, the rates charged by the District for water 
and water services furnished by the District water supply system. 
Such rates so fixed, whether involving one or more changes in 
rate, or one or more changes in the basic quantity of water to be 
supplied at a given rate, or the combined effect of both such changes, 
shall not, in any event, result in increasing by more than 33% per 
centum the rates in effect on the day preceding the effective date of 
this section. In computing the charge for the consumption of water 
in excess of the minimum amount allowed for metered service, if such 
charge is for a period beginning prior to so fixing such rates and 
ending thereafter, the charge for such excess consumption shall be 
prorated on a monthly basis, in accordance with the rates prevailing 
in the respective periods. Nothing in this title shall be construed to 
modify the provisions of the Act approved April 14, 1932 (47 Stat. 
79, ch. 100; sec. 43-1530, D. C. Code) relating to the delivery of Avater 
from the District water supply system to the Washington Suburban 
Sanitary Commission. 
SEC. 102. An additional charge of 10 per centum shall be added to 
any water charge remaining unpaid after the expiration of thirty 
days from the date of rendition of a bill for such charge. 
Fixed charges. 
C h a r g e for un-
paid bills. 
102 
PUBUIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
[68 ST A T 
Collection. 
Continuing lien. 
Applicability. 
Services to Gov-
ernment. 
SEC. 103. The Commissioners are authorized to provide for the col-
lection of water charges, in advance or otherwise, from the owner or 
occupant of any building, establishment, or other place furnished water 
or water service by the District, and to shut off the water supply to any 
such building, establishment, or other place upon failure of the owner 
or occupant thereof to pay such water charges within thirty days from 
the date of rendition of the bill therefor. 
Such authority to shut off 
the water supply may be exercised by the Commissioners regardless 
of any change in ownership or occupancy of such building, establish-
ment, or other place. When the water supply to any such building, 
establishment, or other place has been shut off for failure to pay such 
water charges, whether the water supply to such bviilding, establish-
ment, or other place was shut off before or after the enactment of this 
title, the Commissioners shall not again supply such building, estab-
lishment, or other place with water until all arrears of water charges, 
together with penalties and the costs actually incurred in shutting off 
and restoring the water supply, are paid. 
SEC. 104. The District shall have a continuing lien for water charges 
upon any land and the improvements thereon to which water or water 
service is or has been furnished. 
Such lien shall have priority over all 
other liens except liens for District taxes. If any water charges shall 
remain unpaid after the expiration of two years from the date of ren-
dition of the bill for such charges, or two years from the effective date 
of this title, whichever is later, the property which has been furnished 
such water or water service may be sold for such unpaid water charges, 
together with penalties thereon and costs, at the next ensuing tax sale 
in the same manner and under the same conditions as property sold for 
delinquent general taxes, if such water charges, together with penalties 
thereon and costs, shall not have been paid in full prior to said sale. 
So much of the proceeds of said sale as represents said unpaid water 
charges shall be credited to the water fund of the District. 
SEC. 105. The remedies set forth in sections 102,103, and 104 of this 
title are hereby declared to be cumulative and not exclusive. 
SEC. 106. (a) All water and water services furnished from the 
District water supply system through any connection thereto for 
direct use by the Government of the United States or any department, 
independent establishment, or agency thereof, situated in the District, 
except water and water services furnished to the United States for the 
maintenance, operation, and extension of the water system, shall be 
paid for at the rates for the furnishing and readiness to furnish water 
applicable to other water consumers in the District. All water and 
water services furnished from the District water supply system 
through any connection thereto for direct use by the Government of 
the United States or any department, independent establishment, or 
agency thereof, situated outside the District in the States of Maryland 
or Virginia, except water and water services furnished to the United 
States for the maintenance, operation, and extension of the water sys-
tem, shall be paid for at rates comparable to those which may be in 
effect and charged to State, municipal, or county agencies or other 
political authorities or jurisdictions within tlie respective States 
wherein said Federal facilities may be situated for similar water serv-
ice from the District water supply system: Provided^ That conditions 
as to water pressure, quantity, rates of demand, and points of connec-
tion available or permissible at any time for service outside the District, 
if any, shall be fixed by the Commissioners so as to fully protect the 
prior interests of water consumers within the District: 
Provided 
further^ That as a condition of service, at each point of Federal con-
nection to the water system of the District for service outside the 
District there shall be installed and maintained at the expense of the 
68 JSTAT.J 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
lOS! 
B u d g e t 
mates. 
e s t i -
departmeiit, independent estab'lishment, or agency of the United States 
which is to use water therefrom a suitable meter or meters and 
incidental vaults, valves, piping and recording devices, and such other 
equipment as the Commissioners in their discretion deem necessary to 
control and record the use of water through each such connection. 
Payment shall be made as ])rovided in subsection (b) of this section. 
Whenever any payment authorized by this section is made, such pay-
ment shall be in lieu of so much of the annual payment authorized by 
article VI of the Act approved July 16, 1947 (61 Stat. 328, 361), as 
pertains to the Water Fund of the District. The provisions of sections 
Nonappiicabiuty. 
102, 103, and 104 of this title, relating, respectively, to enforcement 
of payment for water charges by penalty charge for late payment, by 
shutting off of the water supply for nonpayment, and the imposition 
of lien and sale of property, shall not apply in any case where water 
or water service is furnished to a buildmg, establishment, or other 
place owned by the Government of the United States and occupied 
by a department, independent establishment, or agency thereof. 
(b) For the purpose of effectuating the provisions of subsection (a) 
of this section, there shall be included annually in the budget estimates 
of the Commissioners the value, as determined by the Commissioners, 
of the water and water services furnished to the United States during 
the most recent preceding fiscal year for which such value can be 
determined, based on the water rates prevailing during the period of 
consumption, and there shall be appropriated annually for the District 
to the credit of the said Water Fund, out of any money in the Treasury 
not otherwise appropriated (to be advanced on July 1 of each fiscal 
year beginning July 1, 1954), a sum corresponding to the value of the 
water and water services furnished the United States. 
SEC. 107. The first proviso of section 2 of the Act entitled "An Act 
Fiscal year, 
making appropriations to provide for the expenses of the government 
of the District of Columbia for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, 
eighteen hundred and eighty-three, and for other purposes", approved 
July 1, 1882 (22 Stat. 144; sec. 43-1504, D. C. Code, 195} edition), is 
amended by striking the word "annually" and inserting in lieu thereof 
the following: "at least once every twelve months, or whenever prac-
ticable in the judgment of the Commissioners, at least once every six 
months". 
SEC. 108. (a) Subsection (a) of section 2 of the Act entitled "An 
Act authorizing loans from the United States Treasury for the expan-
sion of the District of Columbia water system", approved June 2,1950 
(64 Stat. 195; sec. 43-1540, D. C. Code, 1951 edition), is amended by 
striking the figures "23,0CK),000", and inserting in lieu thereof the 
figures "35,000,000". 
(b) Subsections (c) and (d) of section 2 of such Act approved 
June 2,1950, are amended to read as follows: 
"(c) Any loan advanced pursuant to this section shall be repaid to 
Repayment, 
the Secretary of the Treasury in substantially equal annual payments, 
including principal and interest, within a period of thirty years 
beginning on July 1 of the second fiscal year following the date on 
which each such advance is credited to the Water Fund: Provided^ 
That any such loan advanced prior to the effective date of this amend-
atory section shall, for the purpose of determining the time when 
repayment thereof shall begin, be deemed to have been credited to the 
Water Fund on such effective date, and interest accrued on any such 
loan advanced prior to the effective date of this amendatory section 
shall be paid at such time and in such manner as the Secretary of the 
Treasury shall determine: Provided further^ That the Commissioners 
may, in their discretion, make repaymeaits in larger amounts at any 
Water s y s t e m 
expansion. 
Loans. 
D. C. 
1540. 
Code 43-
104 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
[68 
S T A T . 
Intere st. 
D. C. 
1540. 
Code 43-
Effective date. 
time during the life of any loan advanced pursuant to this section. 
Interest on such loans shall begin to accrue as of the dates the respec-
tive advancements are credited to the Water Fund. 
"(d) Loans advanced pursuant to this section during any six-month 
period (beginning with the six-month period ending June 30, 1953) 
shall be at a rate of interest determined by the Secretary of the Treas-
ury as of the beginning of such period, which, in his judgment, would 
reflect the cost of money to the Treasury for borrowings at a maturity 
approximately equal to one-half of the period of time the loan is 
outstanding.". 
(c) Subsection (e) of section 2 of such Act approved June 2,1950, 
is amended by striking therefrom "beginning with the budget esti-
mates for fiscal year 1961". 
SEC. 109. Sections 101 to 105, inclusive, of this title shall take effect 
on the first day of the third month following its enactment. 
TITLE II—SANITARY SEWAGE WORKS 
Definitions. 
D. 
C. 
S e w a g e 
Fund. 
Sanitary 
Works 
Use of Fund. 
SEC. 201. For the purposes of this title— 
(a) The term "sanitary sewage" means (1) domestic sewage with 
storm and surface water limited; (2) sewage discharging from sanitary 
conveniences; (3) commercial or industrial wastes; and (4) water 
supply after it has been used. 
(b) The term "stormwater sewage" means liquid flowing in sewers 
resulting directly from precipitation. 
(c) The term "combined sewage" means sewage containing both 
sanitary sewage and stormwater sewage. 
(d) The term "sewer" means a pipe or conduit carrying sewage. 
(e) The term "sanitary sewer" means a sewer which carries sanitary 
sewage. 
(f) The term "stormwater sewer" means a sewer which carries 
stormwater sewage. 
(g) The term "combined sewer" means a sewer which carries both 
sanitary sewage and stormwater sewage. 
(h) The term "sanitary sewage works" means a system of sanitary 
and combined sewers, appurtenances, pumping stations, and treatment 
works for conveying, treating, and disposing of sanitary sewage. 
(i) The term "stormwater sewer system" means a system of sewers, 
appurtenances, and pumping stations for conveying and disposing of 
stormwater sewage. 
(j) The term "combined sewer system" means a system of sewers 
and appurtenances conveying both sanitary sewage and stormwater 
sewage. 
SEC, 202. There is hereby created in the Treasury of the United 
States a special fund which sliall be known as the D. C. Sanitary 
Sewage Works Fund, and Avhich shall be composed of such sums as 
shall be deposited to the credit of such fund, including, but not limited 
to, sums received by the Commissioners under the provisions of the 
Act entitled "An Act authorizing the laying of water mains and 
service sewers in the District of Columbia, the levying of assessments 
therefor, and for other purposes", approved April 22, 1904 (33 Stat. 
244; sees. 43-1510 to 43-1517, D. C. Code, 1951 edition), on account of 
assessments levied for the construction of sewers and including any 
payment made to the District by any governmental agency of the 
States of Maryland or Virginia on account of any sewer service fur-
nished any such agency by the District. 
SEC, 203. Subject to appropriations, the D. C. Sanitary Sewage 
Works Fund shall be available for use by or under the direction and 
control of the Commissioners for— 
68 S T A T . ] 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
105 
(a) the construction, operation, maintenance, expansion, relo-
cation, replacement, renovation, and repair of the sanitary sewage 
works of the District, including all expenses; 
(b) payment of a portion of such administrative expenses as 
may not be wholly allocated to the sanitary sewage works or to sinj 
other sewage works of the District, but which expenses are incurred 
in connection with the o])eration of the sanitary sewage works and 
either or both the stormwater sewer system and the combined 
seAver system. The portion of such ex])enses to be paid from the 
D. C Sanitary Sewage Works Fund shall be fixed from time 
to time by the Connnissioners at such a percentage of the total 
of such exj)enses for the said sewer systems as the Commissioners, 
in their discretion, may determine; 
(c) payment of such portion of all expenses for the construc-
tion, operation, maintenance, expansion, relocation, replacement, 
renovation, and repair of the combined sewer system of the Dis-
trict as the Commissioners, in their discretion, determine to be 
attributable to the sanitary sewage function of such combined 
sewer system; 
(d) payment of the District's contribution to the expenses of 
the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin; 
(e) payments by the District to agencies in the State of Mary-
land providing services to the District for conveying, treating, or 
disposing of sanitary sewage: Provided, That the said fund shall 
not be available to pay the cost of providing sewage service to 
institutions of the District located in the State of Maryland; 
(f) payments to the General Fund and other funds of the 
District for such expenses or estimated expenses as are or may be 
incurred in the administration of this title; 
(g) payment to the United States Treasury of the interest, in 
accordance with the provisions of this title, on loans to the Dis-
trict for such Sanitary Sewage Works Fund; 
(h) repayment to the United States Treasury of the principal 
amount of each loan made to the District in accordance with the 
provisions of this title, and of any advancements made to the 
District in accordance with the provisions of section 204 of this 
title; and 
(i) refund of part or all of any sanitary sewer service charges 
erroneously paid: Provided, That application for refund shall be 
made within two years after such erroneous payment. 
SEC. 204. The Secretary of the Treasury, notwithstanding the pro-
visions of the District of Columbia Appropriation Act, approved June 
29, 1922 (42 Stat. 668), is authorized and directed to advance, on the 
requisition of the Commissioners, made in the manner now prescribed 
by law, out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not 
otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary, from time 
to time, to meet the expenses of the District in connection with the 
construction, operation, maintenance, expansion, relocation, replace-
ment, renovation, and repair of the sanitary sewage works of the 
District, as authorized by Congress, and such amounts so advanced 
shall be reimbursed by the said Commissioners to the Treasury out 
of the moneys deposited to the credit of the D. C. Sanitary Sewage 
Works Fund. 
SEC. 205. Notwithstanding the ])rovisions of this title, any current 
appropriation available to the District for the construction, operation, 
maintenance, expansion, relocation, replacement, renovation, and 
repair of the sanitary sewage works of the District shall remain avail-
able for the purposes for which appropriated. 
Con s t r u c t i on, 
maintenance, e t c , 
expense9. 
C u r r e n t appro-
priation. 
charges 
106 
PUBLIC LAW a64-MAY 18, 1954 
[68 STAT. 
Service charges. 
gj;c. 206. The Commissioiiers are authorized to establish charges for 
the provision of sanitary sewer service, such charges to be collected in 
the same manner and at the same time as water charges are collected, 
and to be paid into the D. C. Sanitary Sewage Works Fund. 
B a
^ s i s f o r 
g^c. 207. The sanitary sewer service charges established under the 
authority of this title shall be based on the water consumption of, 
and water service to, the properties served, and be determined by one 
of the following methods: 
(a) Where water is supplied from the District water supply system 
at meter rates, the Commissioners shall establish the sanitary sewer 
service charge as a percentage of the water charge applicable in the 
District, but such percentage shall not exceed 60 per centum of the 
water charge. 
(b) Where water is supplied from the District water supply system, 
which water is not measured by meter, but is supplied at special busi-
ness and miscellaneous rates, the Commissioners shall establish the 
sanitary sewer service charge at a percentage of such special business 
and miscellaneous rates, but such percentage shall not exceed 60 per 
centum of such rates. 
(c) For each property using water, all or part of which is from 
a source or sources other than the District water supply system, the 
Commissioners shall establish a sanitary sewer service charge separate 
from and in addition to any sanitary sewer service charge levied under 
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section. Such separate or additional 
sanitary sewer service charge shall be measured by the quantity of 
water from the source or sources other than the District water supply 
system discharged into the District sanitary sewer system from said 
property. The owner or occupant of each such property shall install 
and maintain, without cost to the District, a meter or meters to measure 
the quantity of water received from other than the water supply system 
of the District, and the sanitary sewer service charge based upon 
water received from other than the water supply system of the District 
shall be the same in amount as would be paid by the owner of a metered 
property receiving the same quantity of water from the water supply 
system of the District. 
No meter shall be installed or be used for 
such purpose without the approval of the Commissioners. 
In the 
event the owner or occupant of property fails or refuses to furnish 
and properly maintain such meter or meters as are prescribed herein 
in the manner required by the Commissioners, then the supply of 
water from the District water supply system to the property or 
premises may be s\ispended by the Commissioners and the said supply 
shall not be restored until the metering of such supplementary water 
source has been accomplished by the owner or occupant to the satis-
faction of the Commissioners, and any costs devolving upon the Dis-
trict as a result of the suspension of service from the District water 
supply system shall be paid to the District prior to the restoration 
of water service from the District water supply system. 
(d) Wherever a property upon which a sanitary sew^er service 
charge is imposed uses water from the water supply system of the 
District for an industrial or commercial purpose in such manner that 
the water so used is not discharged into the sanitary sewage works of 
the District, the quantity of water so used and not discharged into 
the sanitary sewage works of the District may be excluded in deter-
mining the sanitary sewer service charge on such property, if such 
exclusion is previously requested in writing by the owner or occupant 
thereof. Upon such request, the quantity of water so used and not 
discharged into the sanitary sewage works of the District shall be 
measured by a device or devices approved by the Commissioners, 
installed and maintained without cost to the District, and the sanitary 
68 S T A T J 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
107 
sewer service cliarge to be imposed on such property shall be not more 
than 60 per centum of the water charge which would have been charged 
such property if the amount of water so used and not discharged into 
the sanitary sewage works of the District had not been included in 
the amount of water used by such property: Provided^ That all water 
from the Avater supply system of the District used by such property 
shall be paid for at established rates, whether or not such water is 
discharged into the sanitary sewage works of the District. Where, in 
the opinion of the Commissioners, it is not practicable to install a 
measuring device to determine continuously the quantity of water used 
for such industrial or commercial i:)urposes and not discharged into 
the sanitary sewage works of the District, the Commissioners shall 
determine periodically, in such manner and by such methods as the 
Commissioners may prescribe, the quantity of water from the water 
supply system of the District discharged into the sanitary sewage 
works of the District, and the sanitary sewer service charge shall be 
based on such estimated quantity of water at the percentage authorized 
by this paragraph. 
Any dispute as to such estimated amount shall be 
decided by the Commissioners and such decision shall be final; and 
in the event the owner or occupant fails to furnish and maintain 
such measuring devices or to facilitate the periodic determinations 
by the Commissioners as prescribed herein, then the privilege of ex-
cluding some portion of the water used from the District water supply 
system from the charges for sanitary sewer service shall be forfeited 
and the charges for sanitary sewer service shall be based on the full 
amount of the water used from the District Avater supply system. 
SEC. 208. (a) The owner or occupant of each building, establishment, 
or other place in the District connected with any District sewer con-
ducting sanitary sewage shall pay the sewer service charge authorized 
by this title. 
(b) If the sanitary sewer service charge imposed by this title is 
based on a water charge any part of which is for a period beginning 
prior to the imposition of the sanitary sewer service charge and ending 
thereafter, the sanitary sewer service charge shall be prorated, on a 
monthly basis, on so much of such water charge as shall have accrued 
subsequent to the effective date of this title. 
SEC. 209. All meters or other measuring devices installed or required 
to be used under the provisions of this title shall be under the control 
of the Commissioners, who shall promulgate all regulations necessary 
in their judgment to effectuate the purposes of this title. The owner 
or occupant of the property upon which any such measuring device 
is installed shall be responsible for its maintenance and safekeeping, 
and all repairs thereto shall be made at the owner's cost, whether such 
repairs are made necessary by ordinary w^ear and tear or other causes. 
Bills for such repairs, if made by the District, shall be due and payable 
when rendered, and the Commissioners are authorized to provide for 
stopping the supply of water to any building or establishment upon 
the failure to pay such charge for meter repairs. 
SEC. 210. The Commissioners are hereby authorized, in order to en-
courage the prompt payment of the sanitary sewer service charge 
imposed by this title, to impose an additional charge of 10 per centum 
for any sanitary sewer service charge remaining unpaid for more than 
thirty days, io shut off the water of premises for which such charge 
is not paid within thirty days, and to have and enforce a continuing 
lien for such charge upon the land and any improvements thereon 
furnished such sanitary sewer service, in the same manner and to the 
same extent as if sections 102, 103, 104, and 105 of title I of this Act 
were set forth in this title, and such sections shall be deemed to be 
Payment. 
P r o r a t i o n 
charge* 
Meters, etc. 
of 
C h a r g e for un-
paid bills. 
Continuing Hen. 
108 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
[68 S T A T . 
Chur c he s 
institutions. 
Services to Gov-
ernment. 
Budget 
mates. 
Construe tion, 
etc. 
Loans. 
Limitation. 
applicable in every particular to the sanitary sewer service charge 
imposed by this title: Provided^ That whenever said lien is enforced 
by the sale of property against which it has been assessed, so much of 
the proceeds of such sale as represents said unpaid sanitary sewer 
service charges shall be credited to the D. C. Sanitary Sewage Works 
Fund. 
SEC. 211. The sanitary sewer service charges applicable to such 
churches and institutions as may under existing law be furnished water 
without charge by the Commissioners shall be predicated only on the 
quantity of water used in excess of the amount fixed by the Commis-
sioners in each case as to which no water charge is made. 
SEC. 212. (a) The sanitary sewer service charges prescribed herein 
shall be applicable to all sanitary sewer services furnished by the 
sanitary sewage works of the District through any connection thereto 
for direct use by the Government of the United States or any depart-
ment, independent establishment, or agency thereof, and such charges 
shall be predicated on the value of water and water services received 
by such facilities of the Government of the United States or any 
department, independent establishment, or agency thereof from the 
District water supply system. Payment of the said sanitary sewer 
service charge shall be made as provided in subsection (b) of this 
section: Provided^ That the aggregate amount of such sanitary sewer 
service charge for each fiscal year shall be determined in the manner 
prescribed in section 207 hereof: Provided further^ That the obliga-
tion to pay for sanitary sewer services received by the Government 
of the United States or any department, independent establishment, 
or agency thereof shall be with respect to such service furnished on 
and after July 1,1954. 
(b) For the purpose of effectuating the provisions of subsection (a) 
of this section there shall be included annually in the budget estimates 
of the Commissioners beginning with the estimates for the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1955, the value as determined by the Commissioners 
of the sanitary sewer service furnished to the United States or to 
any department, independent establishment, or agency thereof during 
the most recent preceding fiscal year for which such value can be 
determined based on the rates for such charges prevailing during the 
period of such service, and there shall be appropriated annually for 
the D. C. Sanitary Sewage Works Fund out of any money in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated (to be advanced on July 1 of 
each fiscal year beginning July 1, 1954) a sum corresponding to the 
said value of charges for sanitary sewer service furnished the United 
States. 
SEC. 213. The Commissioners are hereby authorized to accept loans 
for the District from the United States Treasury to finance the 
construction, expansion, relocation, replacement, or renovation of 
(1) the sanitary sewer system of the District or (2) the combined 
sewer system of the District; and the Secretary of the Treasury is 
authorized to advance such sums as may be appropriated for such 
purposes. 
SEC. 214. The total principal amount of loans made in cojinection 
with the construction, expansion, relocation, replacement, or renovation 
of the sanitary and combined sewer systems of the District shall not 
exceed $5,000,000. Such loans shall be in addition to any other loans 
heretofore or hereafter made to the Commissioners for any other 
purpose, and when advanced shall be deposited in full in the Treasury 
of the United States to the credit of the D. C. Sanitary Sewage Works 
Fund. 
68 S T A T . ] 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1964 
109 
SEC. 215. Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the use of funds 
deposited to the credit of the D. C. Sanitary Sewaji:e Works Fund 
from being used for the construction, expansion, relocation, replace-
ment, or renovation of any sewer in the combined sewer system of 
the District, but the Commissioners, prior to authorizing the use of 
moneys from such fund for such work, shall determine the percentage 
of the cost to be borne by the D. C. Sanitary Sewage Works Fund and 
the percentage to be borne by the General Fund. 
SEC. 216. The loans authorized by this title shall be advanced to the 
Commissioners on their requisitions therefor, shall be available to the 
Commissioners for the construction, expansion, relocation, replace-
ment, or renoA^ation of all parts of the sanitary sewage works of the 
District, and shall be available until expended. 
SEC. 217. Any loan advanced under this title shall be repaid to the 
Secretary of the Treasury in substantially equal annual payments, 
including principal and interest, within a period of thirty years 
beginning on July 1 of the second fiscal year following the date on 
which each such advance is credited to the D. C. Sanitary Sewage 
Works Fund: Provided^ That the Commissioners may, in their discre-
tion, make repayments in larger amounts at any time during the life 
of any such loan. Interest on such loans shall begin to accrue as of 
the dates the respective advancements are credited to the D. C. Sani-
tary Sewage Works Fund. 
SEC. 218. Loans advanced pursuant to this title during any six-
month period (beginning with the six-month period ending December 
31, 1954) shall be at a rate of interest determined by the Secretary 
of the Treasury as of the beginning of such period, which, in his 
judgment, would reflect the cost of money to the Treasury for bor-
rowings at a maturity approximately equal to one-half of the period 
of time the loan is outstanding. 
SEC. 219. The provisions of sections 2(16 to 211, inclusive, of this 
title shall become effective on the first day of the third month following 
the enactment of this Act. 
Use of funds. 
AvailabUity. 
Loan repayment. 
Interest. 
Effective date. 
TITLE III—ASSESSMENTS FOR WATER MAINS AND 
SEWERS 
SEC. 301. That so much of the first sentence of section 2 of the 
Act entitled "An Act authorizing the laying of water mains and 
service sewers in the District of Columbia, the levying of assessments 
therefor, and for other purposes", approved April 22, 1904 (33 Stat. 
244), as amended (sec. 43-1511, D. C. Code, 1951 edition), as precedes 
the first proviso of the said sentence is amended to read as follows: 
"That for laying or constructing water mains in the District of 
Columbia assessments shall be levied at the rate of $3 pel* linear front 
foot against all lots or land abutting upon that part of the street, 
avenue, road, or alley in which a water main shall be laid, and that 
for laying or constructing service sewers in the District of Columbia 
assessments shall be levied at the rate of $4 per linear front foot against 
all lots or land abutting upon that part of the street, avenue, road, 
or alley in which a sewer shall be laid:''. 
SEC. 302. The provisions of this title shall be applicable to water 
mains and service sewers completed after June 30, 1954, or after 
the date of approval of this Act, whichever is later. 
Effective date* 
110 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
[68 ST A T , 
TITLE IV—HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION 
Author! zatlon. 
Loans. 
Limitations. 
B u d g e t 
e s t i -
mate. 
D. C. Code 
1001 to 1-1013. 
Availability. 
Repayments 
Interest. 
B u d g e t 
mates. 
e s t i -
SEC. 401. A program of construction projects to meet immediate 
capital needs for highways in the District is hereby authorized. 
SEC. 402. (a) To assist in financing such program of construction, 
the Commissioners are hereby authorized to accept loans for the Dis-
trict from the United States Treasury and the Secretary of the Treas-
ury is hereby authorized to lend to the Commissioners such sums as 
may hereafter be appropriated: Provided^ That the total principal 
amount of loans advanced pursuant to this section shall not exceed 
$50,250,000: Provided^ further^ That any loan for use in any fiscal 
year must first be specifically requested of the Congress in connection 
with the budget submitted for the District for such fiscal year, with a 
full statement of the work contemplated to be done and the need 
thereof, and such work must be approved by the Congress: xind pro-
vided further^ That such approval shall not be construed to alter or to 
eliminate the procedures for consultation, advice, and recommenda-
tion provided in the National Capital Planning Act of 1952 (66 Stat. 
781). 
Such loans shall be in addition to any other loans heretofore or 
hereafter made to the Commissioners for any other purpose, and when 
advanced shall be deposited in full in the Treasury of the United 
States to the credit of the Highway Fund. 
(b) The loans authorized under this section, or any parts thereof, 
shall be advanced to the Commissioners on their requisitions therefor, 
shall be available to the Commissioners for carrying out the said con-
struction program, and shall be available until expended. 
(c) Any loan advanced pursuant to this section shall be repaid 
to the Secretary of the Treasury in substantially equal annual pay-
ments, including principal and interest, within a period of thirty 
years beginning on July 1 of the second fiscal year following the 
date on which each such advance is credited to the Highway Fund: 
Provided^ That the Commissioners may, in their discretion, make 
repayments in larger amounts at any time during the life of any 
such loan. 
Interest on such loans shall begin to accrue as of the 
dates the respective advancements are credited to the Highway Fund. 
(d) Loans advanced pursuant to this section during any six-month 
period (beginning with the six-month period ending December 31, 
1954) shall be at a rate of interest determined by the Secretary of 
the Treasury as of the beginning of such period, which, in his judgment, 
would reflect the cost of money to the Treasury for borrowings at a 
maturity approximately equal to one-half of the period of time the 
loan is outstanding. 
(e) Moneys for the payments to the United States Treasury herein 
required shall be included in the budget estimates of the Commissioners 
and shall be payable from the Highway Fund. 
T I T L E V—PAYMENT INTO HIGHWAY FUND OF RENTS 
FOR VAULTS IN PUBLIC SPACE 
SEC. 501. Section 7 of the Act entitled "An Act making appropria-
tions to provide for the expenses of the government of the District of 
Columbia for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred 
and seventeen, and for other purposes", approved September 1, 1916 
(39 Stat. 716; sec. 7-901, D. C. Code, 1951 edition), is amended by 
inserting immediately before the period at the end thereof the fol-
lowing : ", and such rent shall be deposited to the credit of the Highway 
Fund". 
68 S T A T . ] 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
111 
TITLE 
VI—MOTOR 
VEHICLE 
REGISTRATION 
FEES 
AND 
REPEAL 
OF 
PERSONAL 
PROPERTY 
TAX 
ON 
CERTAIN 
MOTOR 
VEHICLES 
SEC. 601. Section 2 of title IV of the Act entitled "An Act to provide 
Registration, 
additional revenue for the District of Columbia, and for other pur-
poses", approved August 17, 1937 (50 Stat. 673, 680), as amended 
(sec. 40-102, D. C. Co(ie, 1951 edition), is amended by striking the 
second sentence of subsection (d) of said section. 
SEC. 602. Subsection (b) of section 3 of title IV of the Act entitled 
^^''^• 
"An Act to provide additional revenue for the District of Columbia, 
and for other purposes", approved August 17, 1937 (50 Stat. 681), us 
amended (sec. 40-103, D. C. Code, 1951 edition), is amended (a) by 
striking clause (1) of class A, and inserting in lieu thereof "(1) 
When wholly equipped with pneumatic tires, the manufacturer's ship-
ping weight of which is less than three thousand five hundred pounds, 
$22; three thousand five hundred pounds or more, $32."; (b) by strik-
ing clause (1) of class B and inserting in lieu thereof "(1) When 
wholly equipped with pneumatic tires, the manufacturer's shipping 
weight of the chassis, plus the weight of the cab and body, is less than 
three thousand pounds, $40; three thousand pounds or more but loss 
than four thousand pounds, $44; four thousand pounds or more but 
less than five thousand pounds, $52; five thousand pounds or more but 
less than six thousand pounds, $60; six thousand pounds or more but 
less than seven thousand pounds, $68; seven thousand pounds or more 
but less than eight thousand pounds, $74; eight thousand pounds or 
more but less than nine thousand pounds, $84; nine thousand pounds 
or more but less than ten thousand pounds, $96; ten thousand pounds 
or more but less than twelve thousand pounds, $122; twelve thousand 
pounds or more but less than fourteen thousand pounds, $142; four-
teen thousand pounds or more but less than sixteen thousand pounds, 
$172; sixteen thousand pounds or more, $202: Provided^ That in 
determining the total weight of a vehicle subject to the provisions of 
this clause, there shall be excluded, in computing such weight, the 
weight of any special equipment which is subject to taxation as tan-
gible personal property under subsection (e) of this section."; (c) 
class C is amended to read "class C. For each trailer, when the manu-
facturers shipping weight of the chassis plus the weight of the body 
is less than three hundred pounds, $12; three hundred pounds or more 
but less than five hundred pounds, $16; five hundred pounds or more 
but less than one thousand pounds, $26; one thousand pounds or 
more but less than two thousand five hundred pounds, $36; two thou-
sand five hundred pounds or more but less than three thousand five 
hundred pounds, $46; three thousand five hundred pounds or more but 
less than six thousand pounds, $60; six thousand pounds or more but 
less than eight thousand pounds, $74; eight thousand pounds or more 
but less than ten thousand pounds, $92; ten thousand pounds or more 
but less than twelve thousand pounds, $122; twelve thousand pounds 
or more but less than sixteen thousand pounds, $152; sixteen thousand 
pounds or more, $182: Provided, That in determining the total weight 
of a trailer subject to the provisions of this class C, there shall be 
excluded, in computing such weight, the weight of any special equip-
ment which is subject to taxation as tangible personal property under 
subsection (e) of this section."; (d) class D is amended by striking the 
figure "5" and inserting in lieu thereof the figure "12"; and (e) by 
striking therefrom "Class E. Motor vehicles not propelled by gasoline, 
double the fees for similar vehicles propelled by gasoline.". 
112 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
[68 S T A T . 
Proceeds 
from 
fees, etc*; use* 
SO Stat. 681. 
D. C. Code 40-
103. 
Mounted e quip-
ment. 
Fees. 
P ersonal p r o p-
erty taxes. 
Exemption. 
50 Stat. 679. 
Exception. 
Payment. 
Retiuns. 
Repeals. 
Effective date. 
SEC. 603. Subsection (d) of section 3 of title IV of such Act, as 
amended, is amended by striking "All proceeds from fees payable 
under this title and", and inserting in lieu thereof "Proceeds from 
fees payable under this title shall be divided between the General 
Fund and the Highway Fund. 
The Commissioners are authorized 
and empowered to determine the percentage of all proceeds from fees 
payable under this title which shall be deposited to the credit of the 
General Fund of the District of Columbia: Provided^ That the per-
centage of proceeds deposited to the credit of the General Fund shall 
be not less than sixty-four per centum or more than seventy-four 
per centum of all proceeds from fees payable under this title. 
The 
remainder of such proceeds payable under this title,". 
SEC. 604. Section 3 of title IV of such Act, as amended, is amended 
by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection: 
"(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, special equip-
ment mounted on a motor vehicle or trailer and not used primarily for 
the transportation of persons or property shall be taxed as tangible 
personal property as provided by law. 
For the purpose of deter-
mining the fees authorized by clause 1 of class B, and class C of sub-
section (b) of this section, the weight of special equipment taxed 
in accordance with the provisions of this subsection (e) shall be ex-
cluded in computing the weight of the vehicle or trailer on which 
it is mounted." 
SEC. 605. Paragraph ten of section six of the Act entitled "An Act 
making appropriations to provide for the expenses of the govern-
ment of the District of Columbia for the fiscal year ending June 
thirtieth, nineteen hundred and three, and for other purposes", 
approved July 1, 1902 (32 Stat. 620), as amended (sec. 47-1208, D. C. 
Code, 1951 edition), is amended by adding at the end of said paragraph 
the following: 
"Fifth. Any motor vehicle or trailer registered in accordance with 
the provisions of title IV of the District of Columbia Revenue Act of 
1937, as amended (title 40, ch. 1, D. C. Code, 1951 edition), and not 
comprising any part of the stock in trade of a merchant: Provided^ 
That any motor vehicle or trailer comprising all or part of the stock 
in trade of any merchant shall continue to be taxed as provided by 
law: Provided further^ That special equipment mounted on a motor 
vehicle or trailer and not used primarily for the transportation of 
persons or property shall be taxed as tangible personal property as 
provided by law." 
SEC. 606. Section 5 of the Act approved July 3, 1926 (44 Stat. 833), 
as amended (sec. 47-1209, D. C. Code, 1951 edition), is amended by 
striking "excepting the tax on motor vehicles as herein provided,". 
SEC. 607. Section 6 of the Act approved July 3, 1926 (44 Stat. 833), 
as amended (sec. 47-1206, D. C. Code, 1951 edition), is amended by 
striking "other than automobiles". 
SEC. 608. Section 3 of the Act approved February 18. 1929 (45 
Stat. 1226), as amended (sec. 47-1210, D. C. Code, 1951 edition), is 
hereby repealed. 
SEC. 609. Section 4 of title IV of the Act approved July 26, 1939 
(53 Stat. 1108; sec. 47-1211, D. C. Code, 1951 edition),'is hereby 
repealed. 
SEC. 610. This title shall become effective on and after the 1st day of 
April following the enactment of this Act by ninety days or more. 
68 
S T A T . ] 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
113 
TITLE VII—FEDERAL PAYMENT OF PART OF T H E COST 
OF MAINTAINING AND OPERATING THE DISTRICT OF 
COLUMBIA 
Article VI of the District of Columbia Revenue Act of 1947, 
approved July 16, 1947 (61 Stat. 861), as amended (sec. 47-2501a, 
D. C. Code, 1951 edition), is amended by inserting "SECTION 1." at 
the beginning of such article, and by adding at the end thereof the 
following new section: 
"SEC. 2. (a) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1955, and for each 
fiscal year thereafter there is hereby authorized to be appropriated, 
in addition to the sums appropriated under section 1 of this article, 
an annual payment by the United States toward defraying the expenses 
of the government of the District of Columbia in the sum of 
$9,000,000: Provided, That so much of the aggregate annual payments 
by the United States appropriated under this article to the credit of 
the General Fund as is in excess of $13,000,000 shall be available for 
capital outlay only, and then on a cumulative total basis only to the 
extent of not more than 50 per centum of the cumulative total of 
capital outlay appropriations payable from such general fund which 
becomes available for expenditure on or after July 1, 1954. 
"(b) If in any fiscal year or years a deficiency exists between the 
amount appropriated and the amount of $20,000,000 authorized by 
this article to be appropriated, additional appropriations are hereby 
authorized for subsequent fiscal years to pay such deficiency or 
deficiencies. 
"(c) The payments authorized by this section shall be credited to 
the General Fund of the District of Columbia." 
Annual 
by U. S. 
payment 
^propriation. 
Deficiency 
ap-
propriation. 
General Fund. 
TITLE 
VIII—AMENDMENTS 
TO 
T H E 
DISTRICT 
OF 
COLUMBIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ACT 
SEC. 801. Subsection (a) of section 23 of the District of Columbia 
Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, approved January 24,1934 (48 Stat. 
319, 332), as amended (sec. 25-124, D. C. Code 1951), is further 
amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 23. (a) There shall be levied, collected, and paid on all of the 
following-named beverages manufactured by a holder of a manu-
facturer's license and on all of the said beverages imported or brought 
into the District by a holder of a wholesaler's license, except beverages 
as may be sold to a dealer licensed under the laws of any State or 
Territory of the United States and not licensed under this Act, and 
on all beverages imported or brought into the District by a holder of 
a retailer's license, a tax at the following rates to be paid by the licensee 
in the manner hereinafter provided: (1) a tax of 20 cents on every 
wine-gallon of wine containing more than 14 per centum of alcohol 
by volume, except champagne or sparkling wine or any wine artificially 
carbonated, and a proportionate tax at a like rate on all fractional 
parts of such gallon; (2) a tax of 30 cents on every wine-gallon of 
champagne or sparkling wine or any wine artificially carbonated, and 
a proportionate tax at a like rate on all fractional parts of such 
gallon; (3) a tax of $1 on every wine-gallon of spirits and a propor-
tionate tax at a like rate on all fractional parts of such gallon; (4) 
and a tax of $1.25 on every wine-gallon of alcohol and a proportionate 
tax at a like rate on all fractional parts of such gallon." 
Wine, champagne 
and spirits tax. 
39777 O—55—pt. 1-
-10 
114 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
[68 ST A T . 
Retailer. 
Payment. 
D. C. Code 25-
101. 
Manufacturer 
or 
wholesaler. 
Payment, 
SEC. 802. Within ten days after the effective date of this title, every 
holder of a retailer's license under said District of Columbia Alcoholic 
Beverage Control Act shall file with the Alcoholic Beverage Control 
Board a sworn statement on a form to be prescribed by the Commis-
sioners showing the number of each kind and denomination of stamps 
denoting the payment of beverage taxes held or possessed by such 
licensee or anyone for him on the day on which this title becomes effec-
tive, or on the following day if the effective date be a Sunday, other 
than stamps affixed to the containers of beverages manufactured in or 
imported into the District prior to the effective date of this title, and 
shall, within fifteen days after the effective date of his title, pay to 
the Collector of Taxes, the difference between the amount of tax repre-
sented by such stamps at the time of purchase from the Collector of 
Taxes and the amount of tax imposed by the Alcoholic Beverage 
Control Act as amended by this title, represented by such stamps. 
SEC. 808. Within ten days after the effective date of this title, every 
holder of a manufacturer's license, class A, and every holder of a 
wholesaler's license under the District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage 
Control Act shall file with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board a 
sworn statement on a form prescribed by the Commissioners showing 
the amount and kind of all beverages, except (1) beer, (2) wine con-
taining 14 per centum or less of alcohol by volume other than cham-
pagne and wine artificially carbonated, and (3) beverages upon which 
required stamps have been affixed, held, or possessed by him in the 
District at the beginning of the day this title becomes effective and 
shall state the number of each kind and denomination of stamps 
necessary for the stamping of such beverages so held or possessed. 
Every such licensee, within ten days after the effective date of this 
title, shall also file with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board a sworn 
statement on a form to be prescribed by the Commissioners showing 
the number of each kind and denomination of stamps denoting the 
payment of beverage taxes (other than stamps denoting the payment 
of beverage taxes on alcohol and other than stamps afiixed to the con-
tainers of beverages manufactured in or imported into the District 
prior to the effective date of this title) held or possessed by such 
licensee or anyone for him at the beginning of the day on which title 
becomes effective. Every such licensee shall within fifteen days after 
the effective date of this title pay to the Collector of Taxes for all 
stamps not necessary for the stamping of beverages shown on the 
sworn statement hereinbefore required to be filed with the Alcoholic 
Beverage Control Board the difference between the amount of tax 
represented by such stamps at the time of purchase from the Collector 
of Taxes and the amount of tax imposed by the Alcoholic Beverage 
Control Act, as amended by this title, represented by such stamps. 
Should the number of any kind of denomination of stamps so held by 
a licensee be less than the number necessary for the stamping of the 
beverages shown on said sworn statement, the Collector of Taxes is 
authorized and directed to sell to such licensee, at the rates prescribed 
for such stamps prior to the effective date of this title, such stamps 
as may be necessary for the stamping of such beverages. In the event 
any of the beverages shown on said sworn statement are sold to a 
dealer licensed under the laws of any State or Territory of the United 
States and not licensed under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, 
such sale shall, within ten days thereafter, be reported to the Alcoholic 
Beverage Control Board and within said ten days such licensee shall 
pay to the Collector of Taxes on all .stamps held by him for the 
stamping of such beverages the difference between the amount of tax 
68 
S T A T . ] 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
115 
represented by such stamps at the time of purchase from the Collector 
of Taxes and the amount of tax imposed by the Alcoholic Beverage 
Control Act, as amended by this title, represented by such stamps. 
SEC. 804. Subsection (a) of section 40 of said Act, as amended 
(sec. 25-138, D. C. Code 1951), is hereby further amended by striking 
out "$1" and inserting in lieu thereof "$1.25". 
SEC. 805. Any violation of the provisions of this title shall constitute 
a violation under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and regulations 
promulgated pursuant thereto. 
SEC. 806. The provisions of this title shall become effective on the 
day following the approval of this Act. 
Beer tax. 
63 Stat. 136. 
Violation. 
Effective date. 
TITLE IX—AMENDMENTS TO T H E DISTRICT OF 
COLUMBIA CIGARETTE TAX ACT 
SEC. 901. Subsection (a) of section 603 of the District of Columbia 
Cigarette Tax Act (63 Stat. 136, ch. 146, title VI, sec. 47-2802, D. C. 
Code 1951), is amended by striking out the figure and word "1 cent" 
and inserting in lieu thereof the figure and word "2 cents". 
SEC. 902. Within ten days after the effective date of this title, every 
holder of a wholesaler's, retailer's, or vending machine operator's 
license under said Act shall file with the Collector of Taxes a sworn 
statement on a form to be prescribed by the Commissioners showing 
the number of each kind of stamps denoting payment of cigarette taxes 
affixed to packages of cigarettes held or possessed by such licensee 
or anyone for him at the beginning of the day on which this title 
becomes effective, and shall, within fifteen days after the effective date 
of this title, pay to the Collector of Taxes the difference between the 
amount of tax represented by such stamps and the amount of tax 
imposed by the District of Columbia Cigarette Tax Act as amended 
by this title. 
SEC. 903. Within ten days after the effective date of this title, every 
holder of a wholesaler's, retailer's, or vending machine operator's 
license under said Act shall file with the Collector of Taxes a SMorn 
statement on a form to be prescribed by the Commissioners showing the 
number of each kind of stamps held or possessed by such licensee or 
anyone for him which were not affixed to packages of cigarettes at the 
beginning of the day on which this title becomes effective, and shall, 
within fifteen days after the effective date of this title, surrender such 
stamps to the Collector of Taxes. The Collector of Taxes shall credit 
the amount of tax represented by the stamps surrendered against new 
stamps purchased by such licensees. In lieu of the credit allowed 
for surrendering stamps as provided in this section, the licensee shall 
be entitled to a refund of the amount of tax represented by the 
stamps surrendered as an overpayment of tax in the same manner 
and to the same extent as provided in section 4 of the Act of July 10, 
1952 (66 Stat. 543, 546, ch. 649) : Provided, That the requirement that 
the amount of refund shall not exceed the portion of tax paid during 
the two years immediately preceding the filing of the claim for 
refund shall not be applicable. 
SEC. 904. Any violation of the provisions of this title shall consti-
tute a violation under the District of Columbia Cigarette Tax Act and 
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. 
SEC. 905. The provisions of this title shall become effective on the 
first day of the first month succeeding the thirtieth day after the 
approval of this Act. 
Tax rate. 
63 Stat. 137. 
C i g a r e t t e tax 
payment. 
O v e r p a y m e n t 
refund. 
violation. 
D. C. Code 47-
2801 note. 
Effective date. 
116 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
[ 68 ST A T 
TITLE X—AMENDMENTS TO PERSONAL PROPERTY 
TAX LAAV 
Household be-
longings. 
Repeal. 
D. C. 
1208. 
Code 47-
Exemptions. 
§^,(3 iQOl. Subparagraph numbered "Second"' of paragraph num-
bered 10 of section 6 of the Act entitled "An Act making appropria-
tions to provide for the expenses of the government of the District 
of Columbia for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hun-
dred and three, and for other purposes", approved July 1, 1902 (32 
Stat. 590, 620, ch. 1352), as amended (sec. 47-1208, D. C. Code 1951), 
is amended to read as follows: 
"Second. Libraries of nonprofit organizations and household belong-
ings located in any dwelling house or other place of abode, or in 
storage, and boats (to the extent of the first $1,000 of their value), not 
held for sale or rent and not held for use or used in any trade or busi-
ness. For the purposes of this section, the words 'household belong-
ings' shall include all libraries, schoolbooks, wearing apparel, family 
portraits, pictures, furniture, furnishings, rugs, silverware, china, 
glassware, musical instruments, radios, television sets, refrigerators, 
food, photographic equipment, bicycles, tools, clocks, watches, jewelry, 
and other articles of personal adornment, and other tangible personal 
property (excluding automobiles and other motor vehicles) ordinarily 
kept and used or held for use by the occupant of any dwellmg house or 
other place of abode for the ordinary purposes of life. For the pur-
poses of this section, the words 'trade or business' shall include the 
engaging in or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation, 
calling, rental of property, commercial activity, and any other activity 
carried on or engaged in for livelihood or profit." 
SEC. 1002. Subparagraphs numbered "Third" and "Fourth" of para-
graph numbered 10 of section 6 of said Act, as amended, are hereby 
repealed. 
SEC. 1003. The fourth subparagraph of the first paragraph of sec-
tion 6 of said Act, as amended (sec. 47-1203, D. C. Code 1951), is 
amended as follows: 
(a) By striking so much of the first sentence as reads "together 
with the rate of tax prescribed,"; 
(b) By striking the words "an affidavit" where they appear in the 
first sentence and inserting in lieu thereof the words "a form"; 
(c) By striking therefrom so much as reads "and make and sign 
an affidavit to the truth thereof, as aforesaid, before the assessor or 
one of the other members of the said board of personal-tax appraisers, 
and the members of the said board are hereby authorized to administer 
such and all oaths in connection with their duties as assessor and 
appraisers without charge, or before any person authorized by law 
to administer oaths; and the address in the District of Columbia of 
the person, corporation, or company making affidavit shall in each 
case be given below his, its, or their signature," and inserting in lieu 
thereof the following: "which statement shall also contain, or be 
verified by, a written declaration that it is made under the penalties 
of perjury, such declaration to be signed by, and over the address in 
the District of Columbia of, said person, association, corporation, firm, 
company, executor, administrator, guardian, or trustee making the 
statement required hereby,"; 
(d) By striking the word "sworn" in the second proviso; and 
(e) By striking the word "affidavit" in the third proviso and insert-
ing in lieu thereof the w^ord "statement". 
Effective date. 
SEO. 1004. The provisious of this title shall become effective on 
July 1 next following the date of approval of this Act. 
32 Stat. 617. 
A s s e s s m e nt 
forms. 
68 
S T A T . ] 
PUBLIC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
117 
T I T L E XI—INCREASE IN MOTOE-VEHICLE FUEL TAX 
SEO, 1101. The first sentence of the first section of the Act entitled 
"An Act to provide for a tax on motor-vehicle fuels sold within the 
District of Columbia, and for other purposes", approved April 23, 
1924 (43 Stat. 106; title 47, ch. 19, D. C. Code, 1951), as amended, is 
amended by striking the figure "5" and inserting in lieu thereof the 
figure "6". 
SEC. 1102. Section 14 of said Act is amended by striking the figure 
"5" and inserting in lieu thereof the figure "6". 
SEC. 1103. This title shall become effective on the first day of the 
first month following approval of this Act. 
66 Stat. 100. 
D. C. Code 47-
1901. 
66 Stat. 100. 
D. C. Code 47-
1912. 
Effective date. 
TITLE XII—AMENDMENTS TO DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
INCOME AND FRANCHISE TAX ACT OF 1947 
SEC. 1201. Section 3 of title VI of the District of Columbia Income 
and Franchise Tax Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 331, 344, ch. 258), as amended 
(sec. 47-1567b, D. C. Code, 1951), is amended as follows; 
(a) By striking the words "One and one-half per centum" and 
insertiiig in lieu thereof the words "Two and one-half per centum"; 
(b) By striking the words "Two per centum" and inserting in 
lieu thereof the words "Three per centum"; 
(c) By striking the words "Two and one-half per centum" and 
inserting in lieu thereof the words "Three and one-half per centum"; 
and 
(d) By striking the words "Three per centum" and inserting in lieu 
thereof the words "Four per centum". 
SEC. 1202. The provisions of this title shall be applicable to taxable 
years beginning after December 31,1953. 
Income 
tax 
crease. 
63 Stat. 132. 
First $5000. 
Next $5000. 
Next $5000. 
E X c I 
$15,000. 
o f 
Effective date. 
TITLE XIII—AMENDMENTS TO DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
SALES TAX ACT AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA USE 
TAX ACT 
SEC. 1301. Section 107 of the District of Columbia Sales Tax Act 
(63 Stat. 112, ch. 146; paragraph 7 of sec. 47-2601 D. C. Code, 1951 
edition) is amended by striking "bottled" preceding "soft drinks"; 
by striking "when used for household consumption" after "ice"; and 
by changing the proviso to read: '•'•Provided^ however^ That the word 
'food' shall not include spirituous or malt liquors and beer." 
SEC. 1302. Subsection (a) (1) of section 114 of said District of 
Columbia Sales Tax Act (paragraph 14 (a) (1) of sec. 47-2601, D. C. 
Code 1951 edition) is amended to read as follows: 
"(1) The sale of any meals, food or drink or other like tangible 
personal property for a consideration." 
SEC. 1303. Section 125 of said District of Columbia Sales Tax Act 
(sec. 47-2602, D. C. Code 1951 edition) is amended by changing the 
jjeriod at the end of the section to a colon and adding the following: 
'-'•Provided^ That the rate of tax with respect to sales of food for human 
consumption off the premises where such food is sold shall be 1 per 
centum of the gross receipts from such sales, and that the rate of tax 
with respect to sales or charges for any room or rooms, lodgings, or 
accommodations, furnished to transients by any hotel, inn, tourist 
camp, tourist cabin, or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or 
accommodations are regularly furnished to transients shall be 3 per 
centum of the gross receipts from such sales." 
Definitions. 
Gross sales tax. 
F o o d consumed 
off premises. 
T r a n s i e n t s' 
lodgings, etc. 
118 
PUBLJC LAW 364-MAY 18, 1954 
[68 S T A T . 
V e n d o r s * reim-
bursement. 
Rates. 
General sales. 
F o o d consumed 
off premises. 
T r a n s i e n t s ' 
lodgings, etc. 
Exemptions. 
Use tax. 
63 Stat. 
"Retail 
63 Stat. 
Rate. 
P ayment 
63 Stat. 
124. 
sale". 
126. 
127. 
Effective date. 
SEC. 1304. Subsections fa), (b), and (c) of section 127 of said 
District of Columbia Sales Tax Act (sec. 47-2604, D. C. Code, 1951 
edition) are amended to read as follows: 
"(a) On each sale, other than sales of food for human consumption 
off the premises where such food is sold, and other than sales or 
charges for rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished to tran-
sients, where the sales price is from 14 cents to 63 cents, both inclu-
sive, 1 cent; on each such sale where the sales price is from 64 cents to 
$1.13, both inclusive, 2 cents; and on each 50 cents of sales price or 
fraction thereof of such sale in excess of $1.13, 1 cent. 
"(b) On each sale of food for human consumption off the premises 
where such food is sold where the sales price is from 28 cents to $1.27, 
both inclusive, 1 cent; on each such sale where the sales price is from 
$1.28 to $2.27, both inclusive, 2 cents; and on each $1 of sales price or 
fraction thereof of such sale in excess of $2.27,1 cent. 
"(c) On each sale or charge for rooms, lodgings, or accommodations, 
furnished to transients, 3 per centum of the sales price." 
SEO. 1305. Subsection (a) of section 128 of said District of Colum-
bia Sales Tax Act (sec. 47-2605, D. C. Code, 1951 edition) is amended 
to read as follows: 
"(a) Sales to the United States or the District or any instrumen-
tality thereof except sales to national banks and Federal savings and 
loan associations." 
Subsection (d) (1) of said section 128 is repealed. 
Subsection (d) (2) of said section 128 is amended by striking 
"$1.25" wherever it appears and inserting in lieu thereof "50 cents". 
SEC. 1306. Subsection (a) of section 201 of the District of Columbia 
Use Tax Act (66 Stat. 124. ch. 146; paragraph 1 (a) of sec. 47-2701, 
D. C. Code, 1951 edition) is amended by adding at the end thereof 
the following: 
"(5) The sale of any meals, food or drink, or other like tangible 
personal property for a consideration." 
SEC. 1307. Section 212 of said District of Columbia Use Tax Act 
(sec. 47-2702, D. C. Code, 1951 edition) is amended by changing the 
period at the end of the section to a comma and adding the following: 
"except that the rate of tax with respect to sales of food for human 
consumption off the premises where such food is sold shall be 1 per 
centum of the sales price of such sales.". 
SEC. 1308. Section 215 of said District of Columbia Use Tax Act 
(sec. 47-2705, D. C. Code, 1951 edition) is amended by striking "2 
per centum of the total" and inserting in lieu thereof "a tax at the 
rates provided in section 125 of title I of this Act on the". 
SEC. 1309. The provisions of this title shall become effective on and 
after the first day of the first month succeeding the sixtieth day after 
the approval of this Act. 
TITLE XIV—AMENDMENTS TO GKOSS RECEIPTS AND 
MILEAGE TAXES ON TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES 
SEC. 1401. Paragraph numbered 5 of section 6 of the Act entitled 
"An Act making appropriations to provide for the exi)enses of the 
government of the District of Columbia for the fiscal year ending 
June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and three, and for other i)urposes", 
approved July 1, 1902 (32 Stat. 590, 619, ch. 1352), as amended (sec. 
47-1701, D. C. Code, 1951), is amended by striking out the second and 
third sentences and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "And in 
addition thereto the real estate owned by each national or other incor-
porated bank, and each trust, gas-, electric-lighting, and telephone 
D. C. Code 47-
68 S T A T . ] 
PUBLIC LAW 364~MAY 18, 1954 
119 
comiDany in the District of'Columbia shall be taxed as other real estate 
in said District. Each company operating a street railroad or both 
a street railroad and bus services in the District of Columbia shall 
pay 2 i)er centum per annum on their gross receipts: Provided^ That 
any such company operating both a street railroad and bus services 
shall pay the vehicle-mileage tax for the period beginning with the 
first day of November and ending with the last day of June of the 
year next preceding the effective date of this amendatory sentence 
and shall be allowed a credit for any vehicle-mileage tax paid in 
advance for the four-month period beginning with the first day of 
July of the year next succeeding the effective date of this amendatory 
sentence. 
Each gas, electric-lighting, and telephone company, and 
each compan}' operating a street railroad or both a street railroad and 
bus services in the District of Columbia, shall pay, in addition to the 
taxes herein mentioned, the franchise tax imposed by the District of 
Columbia Income and Franchise Tax Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 331, ch. 
258), as amended (ch. 15, title 47, D. C. Code, 1951), and the tax 
imposed upon stock in trade of dealers in general merchandise under 
paragraph numbered 2 of section 6 of said Act approved July 1, 1902 
(32 Stat. 590, 618. ch. 1352), as amended." 
' 
la'^V. 
SEC. 1402. Subparagraph (b) of paragraph 31 of section 7 of the 
El'^n'se^^eS^* 
Act approved July 1, 1902 (32 Stat. 590, 622), as amended (sec. 47- ment. 
2331 (b), D. C. Code, 1951 edition), is amended (a) by striking the 
^^ ^
*
^
*
* " ^ 
period at the end of the first sentence thereof and adding the follow-
ing: '•*• 
Provided^ That the provisions of this subparagraph shall not 
Exception. 
apply to companies operating both street railroad and bus services 
in the District of Columbia which pay taxes to the District of Columbia 
on their gross receipts: Provided further^ That nothing contained in 
the preceding proviso shall be construed to require such companies to 
comply with the provisions of the Act approved June 29,1938 (52 Stat. 
1233; sec. 44-301, D. C. Code, 1951 edition)."; (b) by striking from 
^*"*^«^ *^''-
the third sentence thereof "franchise,"; and (c) by striking from 
the third sentence thereof "eight-tenths of 1 cent for each vehicle-mile" 
and inserting in lieu thereof "1 cent for each vehicle-mile". 
SEC. 1403. The first section of this title shall become effective on the 
Effective dates. 
1st day of July 1954. The second section of this title shall become 
effective on the 1st day of November 1954. 
TITLE 
XV—MINIMUM 
RATE 
OF 
TAXATION ON 
EEAL 
PROPERTY 
SEC. 1501. For each fiscal year after approval of this Act the rate 
of taxation on real property in the District of Columbia shall not be 
less than 2.20 per centum on the assessed value of such property. 
TITLE XVI—COLLECTION OF TAXES BY DISTRAINT AND 
JEOPARDY ASSESSMENTS 
SEC. 1601. In addition to any other methods or devices or both pro-
vided by law or regulation for the collection of various taxes (except 
real property taxes) due the District, any tax imposed by any law 
applicable to District taxes, and penalties and interest thereon, when 
such tax has become due and payable, may be collected in the manner 
provided by law for the collection of taxes due the District on personal 
property in force at the time of such collection; and liens for all 
such taxes, penalties, and interest may be acquired in the same manner 
that liens for personal property taxes are acquired. 
120 
PUBLIC LAW 36&-MAY 25, 1954 
[68 S T A T . 
Applicability. 
SEC, 1602. If the assessing authority of the District believes that the 
collection of any tax imposed by any law applicable to the District 
Government (except real property taxes) will be jeopardized by delay, 
the assessing authority shall, whether or not the time otherwise pre-
scribed by law for making return and paying such tax has expired, 
immediately assess such tax (together with all the interest and penal-
ties the assessment of which is provided for by law). Such tax, 
penalties, and interest, shall thereupon become immediately due and 
payable, and immediate notice and demand shall be made by the 
Collector of Taxes for the District for the payment thereof. 
Upon 
failure or refusal to pay such tax, penalty, and interest, collection 
thereof by distraint shall be lawful. For the purposes of this section 
the word "assessing authority" means the Assessor, the Board of 
Personal Tax Appraisers or any member thereof, and any other official 
or officials of the Districtj or their duly authorized representatives, 
having the duty to assess District taxes. 
SEC. 1603. This title shall be applicable with respect to taxes assessed 
within three years prior to the date of the approval of this Act. 
T I T L E XVII—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SEC. 1701. REGULATIONS.—^The Commissioners are authorized to 
make rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 1702. SEPAEABUJTY CLAUSE.—^If any provision of this Act or 
the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, 
the remainder of the Act, and the application of such provision to other 
persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. 
Approved May 18, 1954. 
May 25, 1954 
[S. 2305] 
Public Law 365 
CHAPTER 222 
AN ACT 
To promote safe driving, to eliminate the reckless and financially irresponsible 
driver from the highways, and to provide for the giving of security and proof 
of financial responsibility by persons driving or owning vehicles of a type sub-
ject to registration under the laws of the District of Columbia. 
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the 
sJf'et^y' Responiit United States of America in Congress assembled^ That this Act may 
bUity Act of the 
fog 
cited as the "Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act of the Dis-
District of Colunr 
. • , 
a r> i 
^ • 
ii 
bia. 
trict oi Columbia. 
ARTICLE I 
WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED 
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.—The following words and phrases used in 
this Act shall, for the purpose of this Act, have the meanings respec-
tively ascribed to them in this article except in those instances where 
the context clearly indicates a different meaning. 
(a) 
COMMISSIONERS.—The Board of Commissioners of the Dis-
trict of Columbia, or their designated agent or agents. 
(b) DRIVER OR OPERATOR.—Every person who drives or is in 
actual physical control of a motor vehicle upon a public highway 
or who is exercising control over or steering a vehicle being pushed 
or towed by a motor vehicle upon a public highway. 
(c) LICENSE.—Any operator's permit or any other license or permit 
to operate a motor vehicle issued under the laws of the District of 
Columbia including—