reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 50 - Criminal Records Check. [Repealed] › § 16–5003. Request for criminal records check. [Repealed]

§ 16–5003. Request for criminal records check. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-257, § 4, 46 DCR 1309; June 27, 2000, D.C. Law 13-136, § 203, 47 DCR 2850.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 16-5003.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary repeal of chapter, see note to § 16-5001.
For temporary (90-day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 1999 (D.C. Act 13-383, July 24, 2000, 47 DCR 6700).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2000 (D.C. Act 13-451, November 7, 2000, 47 DCR 9399).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-65, June 6, 2001, 48 DCR 5721).
Temporary Legislation
Temporary addition of chapter: See note to § 16-5001.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 50 - Criminal Records Check. [Repealed] › § 16–5004. Payment of fees. [Repealed]

§ 16–5004. Payment of fees. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-257, § 5, 46 DCR 1309; June 27, 2000, D.C. Law 13-136, § 203, 47 DCR 2850.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 16-5004.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary repeal of chapter, see note to § 16-5001.
For temporary (90-day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 1999 (D.C. Act 13-383, July 24, 2000, 47 DCR 6700).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2000 (D.C. Act 13-451, November 7, 2000, 47 DCR 9399).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-65, June 6, 2001, 48 DCR 5721).
Temporary Legislation
Temporary addition of chapter: See note to § 16-5001.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 50 - Criminal Records Check. [Repealed] › § 16–5005. Confidentiality of information to be maintained. [Repealed]

§ 16–5005. Confidentiality of information to be maintained. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-257, § 6, 46 DCR 1309; June 27, 2000, D.C. Law 13-136, § 203, 47 DCR 2850.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 16-5005.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary repeal of chapter, see note to § 16-5001.
For temporary (90-day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 1999 (D.C. Act 13-383, July 24, 2000, 47 DCR 6700).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2000 (D.C. Act 13-451, November 7, 2000, 47 DCR 9399).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-65, June 6, 2001, 48 DCR 5721).
Temporary Legislation
Temporary addition of chapter: See note to § 16-5001.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 50 - Criminal Records Check. [Repealed] › § 16–5006. Effect of failure to request criminal records check. [Repealed]

§ 16–5006. Effect of failure to request criminal records check. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-257, § 7, 46 DCR 1309; June 27, 2000, D.C. Law 13-136, § 203, 47 DCR 2850.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 16-5006.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary repeal of chapter, see note to § 16-5001.
For temporary (90-day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 1999 (D.C. Act 13-383, July 24, 2000, 47 DCR 6700).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2000 (D.C. Act 13-451, November 7, 2000, 47 DCR 9399).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-65, June 6, 2001, 48 DCR 5721).
Temporary Legislation
Temporary addition of chapter: See note to § 16-5001.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 50 - Criminal Records Check. [Repealed] › § 16–5007. Penalties for violations of act. [Repealed]

§ 16–5007. Penalties for violations of act. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-257, § 8, 46 DCR 1309; June 27, 2000, D.C. Law 13-136, § 203, 47 DCR 2850.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 16-5007.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary repeal of chapter, see note to § 16-5001.
For temporary (90-day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 1999 (D.C. Act 13-383, July 24, 2000, 47 DCR 6700).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2000 (D.C. Act 13-451, November 7, 2000, 47 DCR 9399).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-65, June 6, 2001, 48 DCR 5721).
Temporary Legislation
Temporary addition of chapter: See note to § 16-5001.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 50 - Criminal Records Check. [Repealed] › § 16–5008. Rules. [Repealed]

§ 16–5008. Rules. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-257, § 9, 46 DCR 1309; June 27, 2000, D.C. Law 13-136, § 203, 47 DCR 2850.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 16-5008.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary repeal of chapter, see note to § 16-5001.
For temporary (90-day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 1999 (D.C. Act 13-383, July 24, 2000, 47 DCR 6700).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of the Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2000 (D.C. Act 13-451, November 7, 2000, 47 DCR 9399).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of this chapter, see § 3(b) of Adoption and Safe Families Compliance Emergency Amendment Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-65, June 6, 2001, 48 DCR 5721).
Temporary Legislation
Temporary addition of chapter: See note to § 16-5001.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 51 - Jury Selection › § 16–5101. Definitions

§ 16–5101. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(2) “Identifying information” means any information which would reasonable lead someone to be able to communicate with or contact a citizen without his or her prior permission.
(Mar. 14, 2007, D.C. Law 16-272, § 3(b), 54 DCR 856.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 51 - Jury Selection › § 16–5102. Confidentiality of certain information developed during jury selection

§ 16–5102. Confidentiality of certain information developed during jury selection.
(a) During the jury selection segment of any case pending in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the name, home address, business address (if any), and all other identifying information of any citizen who is called for jury service in that case shall not be used by anyone other than for the purpose of selecting a fair and impartial jury. After jury selection has been completed or terminated by the court, no person other than the subject of the identifying information or the court shall divulge or use the name, home address, business address (if any), or any other identifying information of any citizen who participated in that jury selection, whether or not the citizen was selected to serve on the jury, except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(b) An officer or employee of the court may divulge the name of any citizen who participated in jury selection pursuant to rules adopted by the court.
(c) Nothing contained in subsection (a) of this section shall be construed to prohibit a citizen, party, or attorney, or their agents, from divulging, making known, or using the identifying information of any citizen who is called for jury service where the party, attorney, or agent has obtained authorization from the court:
(1) Pursuant to § 11-1914(b) in connection with the preparation or presentation of a motion under § 11-1910; or
(2) Based upon good cause shown and pursuant to rules promulgated by the court.
(Mar. 14, 2007, D.C. Law 16-272, § 3(b), 54 DCR 856.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 51 - Jury Selection › § 16–5103. Penalties

§ 16–5103. Penalties.
Any violation of § 16-1502 shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than the amount set forth in [§ 22-3571.01] or imprisonment of up to 180 days, or both.
(Mar. 14, 2007, D.C. Law 16-272, § 3(b), 54 DCR 856; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 281(g), 60 DCR 2064.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 substituted “not more than the amount set forth in [§ 22-3571.01]” for “up to $500”.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 281(g) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 51 - Jury Selection › § 16–5104. District of Columbia government agency source lists

§ 16–5104. District of Columbia government agency source lists.
Any agency or instrumentality of the District of Columbia government required to provide names and addresses of individuals to the Court pursuant to § 11-1905 for purposes of summoning individuals for jury service shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the names and addresses are accurate, including:
(1) Entering into a memorandum of understanding with the Court for the prompt sharing of complete and accurate information; and
(2) The purging of inaccurate name and address information by the provider agency or instrumentality not less than once every calendar year.
(Mar. 14, 2007, D.C. Law 16-272, § 3(b), 54 DCR 856.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 53 - Unsworn Foreign Declarations; Uniform Act › § 16–5301. Short title

§ 16–5301. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act”.
(July 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-191, § 2(b), 57 DCR 3400.)
Editor's Notes
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 1 of the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 53 - Unsworn Foreign Declarations; Uniform Act › § 16–5302. Definitions

§ 16–5302. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Boundaries of the United States” means the geographic boundaries of the United States, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(2) “Law” includes a District of Columbia statute, a judicial decision or order, an executive order, and an administrative rule, regulation, or order.
(3) “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(4) “Sign” means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record,:
(A) To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
(B) To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.
(5) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(6) “Sworn declaration” means a declaration in a signed record given under oath. The term “sworn declaration” includes a sworn statement, verification, certificate, and affidavit.
(7) “Unsworn declaration” means a declaration in a signed record that is not given under oath, but is given under penalty of perjury.
(July 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-191, § 2(b), 57 DCR 3400.)
Editor's Notes
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 2 of the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 53 - Unsworn Foreign Declarations; Uniform Act › § 16–5303. Applicability

§ 16–5303. Applicability.
This chapter applies to an unsworn declaration by a declarant who at the time of making the declaration is physically located outside the boundaries of the United States, whether or not the location is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This chapter does not apply to a declaration by a declarant who is physically located on property that is within the boundaries of the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of another country or a federally recognized Indian tribe.
(July 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-191, § 2(b), 57 DCR 3400.)
Editor's Notes
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 3 of the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 53 - Unsworn Foreign Declarations; Uniform Act › § 16–5304. Validity of unsworn declaration

§ 16–5304. Validity of unsworn declaration.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, if a law of the District of Columbia requires or permits use of a sworn declaration, an unsworn declaration meeting the requirements of this chapter shall have the same effect as a sworn declaration.
(b) This chapter shall not apply to:
(1) A deposition;
(2) An oath of office;
(3) An oath required to be given before a specified official other than a notary public; or
(4) A declaration to be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia.
(July 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-191, § 2(b), 57 DCR 3400.)
Editor's Notes
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 4 of the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 53 - Unsworn Foreign Declarations; Uniform Act › § 16–5305. Required medium

§ 16–5305. Required medium.
If a law of the District of Columbia requires that a sworn declaration be presented in a particular medium, an unsworn declaration shall be presented in that medium.
(July 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-191, § 2(b), 57 DCR 3400.)
Editor's Notes
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 5 of the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 53 - Unsworn Foreign Declarations; Uniform Act › § 16–5306. Form of unsworn declaration

§ 16–5306. Form of unsworn declaration.
An unsworn declaration under this chapter shall be in substantially the following form:
“I declare under penalty of perjury under the law of the District of Columbia that the foregoing is true and correct, and that I am physically located outside the geographic boundaries of the United States, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
“Executed on the date day of month, year, at
(city or other location, and state), (country):
(printed name)
(signature).”
(July 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-191, § 2(b), 57 DCR 3400; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 75(d), 59 DCR 6190.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 22-2402.
Effect of Amendments
The 2012 amendment by D.C. Law 19-171 made stylistic changes.
Editor's Notes
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 6 of the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 53 - Unsworn Foreign Declarations; Uniform Act › § 16–5307. Uniformity of application and construction

§ 16–5307. Uniformity of application and construction.
In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
(July 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-191, § 2(b), 57 DCR 3400.)
Editor's Notes
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 7 of the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 53 - Unsworn Foreign Declarations; Uniform Act › § 16–5308. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act

§ 16–5308. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.
This chapter modifies, limits, and supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, approved June 30, 2000 (114 Stat. 464; 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.), but does not modify, limit, or supersede section 101(c) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7001(c) ), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7003(b) ).
(July 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-191, § 2(b), 57 DCR 3400.)
Editor's Notes
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 8 of the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 55 - Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation › § 16–5501. Definitions

§ 16–5501. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Act in furtherance of the right of advocacy on issues of public interest” means:
(A) Any written or oral statement made:
(i) In connection with an issue under consideration or review by a legislative, executive, or judicial body, or any other official proceeding authorized by law; or
(ii) In a place open to the public or a public forum in connection with an issue of public interest; or
(B) Any other expression or expressive conduct that involves petitioning the government or communicating views to members of the public in connection with an issue of public interest.
(2) “Claim” includes any civil lawsuit, claim, complaint, cause of action, cross-claim, counterclaim, or other civil judicial pleading or filing requesting relief.
(3) “Issue of public interest” means an issue related to health or safety; environmental, economic, or community well-being; the District government; a public figure; or a good, product, or service in the market place. The term “issue of public interest” shall not be construed to include private interests, such as statements directed primarily toward protecting the speaker’s commercial interests rather than toward commenting on or sharing information about a matter of public significance.
(4) “Personal identifying information” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 22-3227.01(3).
(Mar. 31, 2011, D.C. Law 18-351, § 2, 58 DCR 741; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 401, 59 DCR 6190.)
Editor's Notes
Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-171 enacted this chapter into law.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 55 - Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation › § 16–5502. Special motion to dismiss

§ 16–5502. Special motion to dismiss.
(a) A party may file a special motion to dismiss any claim arising from an act in furtherance of the right of advocacy on issues of public interest within 45 days after service of the claim.
(b) If a party filing a special motion to dismiss under this section makes a prima facie showing that the claim at issue arises from an act in furtherance of the right of advocacy on issues of public interest, then the motion shall be granted unless the responding party demonstrates that the claim is likely to succeed on the merits, in which case the motion shall be denied.
(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, upon the filing of a special motion to dismiss, discovery proceedings on the claim shall be stayed until the motion has been disposed of.
(2) When it appears likely that targeted discovery will enable the plaintiff to defeat the motion and that the discovery will not be unduly burdensome, the court may order that specified discovery be conducted. Such an order may be conditioned upon the plaintiff paying any expenses incurred by the defendant in responding to such discovery.
(d) The court shall hold an expedited hearing on the special motion to dismiss, and issue a ruling as soon as practicable after the hearing. If the special motion to dismiss is granted, dismissal shall be with prejudice.
(Mar. 31, 2011, D.C. Law 18-351, § 3, 58 DCR 741; Apr. 20, 2012, D.C. Law 19-120, § 201, 58 DCR 11235; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 401, 59 DCR 6190.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 16-5504.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 19-120, in subsec. (c)(2), substituted “specified discovery” for “specialized discovery”.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 201 of Receiving Stolen Property and Public Safety Amendments Emergency Amendment Act of 2011 (D.C. Act 19-261, December 21, 2011, 58 DCR 11232).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 201 of Receiving Stolen Property and Public Safety Amendments Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2012 (D.C. Act 19-326, March 19, 2012, 59 DCR 2384).
Editor's Notes
Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-171 enacted this chapter into law.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 55 - Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation › § 16–5503. Special motion to quash

§ 16–5503. Special motion to quash.
(a) A person whose personal identifying information is sought, pursuant to a discovery order, request, or subpoena, in connection with a claim arising from an act in furtherance of the right of advocacy on issues of public interest may make a special motion to quash the discovery order, request, or subpoena.
(b) If a person bringing a special motion to quash under this section makes a prima facie showing that the underlying claim arises from an act in furtherance of the right of advocacy on issues of public interest, then the motion shall be granted unless the party seeking his or her personal identifying information demonstrates that the underlying claim is likely to succeed on the merits, in which case the motion shall be denied.
(Mar. 31, 2011, D.C. Law 18-351, § 4, 58 DCR 741; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 401, 59 DCR 6190.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 16-5504.
Editor's Notes
Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-171 enacted this chapter into law.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 55 - Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation › § 16–5504. Fees and costs

§ 16–5504. Fees and costs.
(a) The court may award a moving party who prevails, in whole or in part, on a motion brought under § 16-5502 or § 16-5503 the costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney fees.
(b) The court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the responding party only if the court finds that a motion brought under § 16-5502 or § 16-5503 is frivolous or is solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.
(Mar. 31, 2011, D.C. Law 18-351, § 5, 58 DCR 741; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 401, 59 DCR 6190.)
Editor's Notes
Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-171 enacted this chapter into law.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 55 - Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation › § 16–5505. Exemptions

§ 16–5505. Exemptions.
(a) This chapter shall not apply to:
(1) Any claim for relief brought against a person primarily engaged in the business of selling or leasing goods or services, if the statement or conduct from which the claim arises is:
(A) A representation of fact made for the purpose of promoting, securing, or completing sales or leases of, or commercial transactions in, the person's goods or services; and
(B) The intended audience is an actual or potential buyer or customer; and
(2) Any claim brought by the District government, including District public charter schools.
(b) Subsection (a)(2) of this section shall apply:
(1) As of March 31, 2011; and
(2) To any claims pending as of [November 8, 2021].
(Mar. 31, 2011, D.C. Law 18-351, § 6, 58 DCR 741; Sept. 26, 2012, D.C. Law 19-171, § 401, 59 DCR 6190; Apr. 21, 2023, D.C. Law 24-344, § 5, 70 DCR 635.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2 of Anti-SLAPP Second Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Act 24-557, Oct. 17, 2022, 0 DCR 0).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(b) of Anti-SLAPP Emergency Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Act 24-515, July 27, 2022, 0 DCR 0).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2 of Anti-SLAPP Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Act 24-309, Jan. 24, 2022, 69 DCR 000643).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2 of Anti-SLAPP Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-208, Nov. 8, 2021, 68 DCR 012193).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 days) amendment of this section, see § 2 of Anti-SLAPP Temporary Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Law 24-197, Dec. 13, 2022, 69 DCR 12675).
For temporary (225 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(b) of Anti-SLAPP Temporary Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Law 24-80, Feb. 24, 2022, 69 DCR 000209).
Editor's Notes
Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-171 enacted this chapter into law.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5601. Short title

§ 16–5601. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5602. Definitions

§ 16–5602. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) "Arbitration agreement" means an agreement that subjects a family law dispute to arbitration.
(2) "Arbitration organization" means an association, agency, board, commission, or other entity that is neutral and initiates, sponsors, or administers an arbitration or is involved in the selection of an arbitrator.
(3) "Arbitrator" means an individual selected, alone or with others, to make an award in a family law dispute that is subject to an arbitration agreement.
(4) "Child-related dispute" means a family law dispute regarding legal custody, physical custody, custodial responsibility, parental responsibility or authority, parenting time, right to access, visitation, or financial support regarding a child.
(5) "Family law dispute" means a contested issue arising under the domestic relations law of the District.
(6) "Party" means an individual who signs an arbitration agreement and whose rights will be determined by an award.
(7) "Person" means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal entity.
(8) "Record" means, when used as a noun, information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(9) "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
(A) To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
(B) To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.
(10) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(11) "Superior Court" means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5603. Scope

§ 16–5603. Scope.
(a) This chapter governs arbitration of a family law dispute.
(b) This chapter does not authorize an arbitrator to make an award that:
(1) Grants a legal separation, divorce, or annulment;
(2) Terminates parental rights;
(3) Grants an adoption or a guardianship of a child or incapacitated individual; or
(4) Determines the status of a child in need of protection.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5604. Applicable law

§ 16–5604. Applicable law.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the law applicable to arbitration is Chapter 44 of this title.
(b) In determining the merits of a family law dispute, an arbitrator shall apply the law of the District, including its choice of law rules.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5605. Arbitration agreement

§ 16–5605. Arbitration agreement.
(a) An arbitration agreement shall:
(1) Be in a record signed by the parties;
(2) Identify the arbitrator, an arbitration organization, or a method of selecting an arbitrator; and
(3) Identify the family law dispute the parties intend to arbitrate.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, an agreement in a record to arbitrate a family law dispute that arises between the parties before, at the time, or after the agreement is made is valid and enforceable as any other contract and irrevocable except on a ground that exists at law or in equity for the revocation of a contract.
(c) An agreement to arbitrate a child-related dispute that arises between the parties after the agreement is made is unenforceable unless:
(1) The parties affirm the agreement in a record after the dispute arises, or
(2) The agreement was entered during a family law proceeding and the Superior Court approved or incorporated the agreement in an order issued in the proceeding.
(d) If a party objects to arbitration on the ground the arbitration agreement is unenforceable or the agreement does not include a family law dispute, the Superior Court shall decide whether the agreement is enforceable or includes the family law dispute.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5606. Notice of arbitration

§ 16–5606. Notice of arbitration.
A party may initiate arbitration by giving notice to arbitrate to the other party in the manner specified in the arbitration agreement or, in the absence of a specified manner, under the law and procedural rules of the District other than this chapter governing contractual arbitration.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5607. Motion for judicial relief

§ 16–5607. Motion for judicial relief.
(a) A motion for judicial relief under this chapter shall be made to the Superior Court.
(b) On motion of a party, the Superior Court may compel arbitration if the parties have entered into an arbitration agreement that complies with § 16-5605 unless the court determines under § 16-5612 that the arbitration should not proceed.
(c) On motion of a party, the Superior Court shall terminate arbitration if it determines that:
(1) The agreement to arbitrate is unenforceable;
(2) The family law dispute is not subject to arbitration; or
(3) Under § 16-5612, the arbitration should not proceed.
(d) Unless prohibited by an arbitration agreement, on motion of a party, the Superior Court may order consolidation of separate arbitrations involving the same parties and a common issue of law or fact if necessary for the fair and expeditious resolution of the family law dispute.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5608. Qualification and selection of arbitrator

§ 16–5608. Qualification and selection of arbitrator.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, unless waived in a record by the parties, an arbitrator shall be:
(1) An attorney in good standing admitted to practice or on inactive status or a judge on retired status in a state; and
(2) Trained in identifying domestic violence and child abuse.
(b) The identification in the arbitration agreement of an arbitrator, arbitration organization, or method of selection of the arbitrator controls.
(c) If an arbitrator is unable or unwilling to act or if the agreed-upon method of selecting an arbitrator fails, on motion of a party, the Superior Court shall select an arbitrator.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5609. Disclosure by arbitrator; disqualification

§ 16–5609. Disclosure by arbitrator; disqualification.
(a) Before agreeing to serve as an arbitrator, an individual, after making reasonable inquiry, shall disclose to all parties any known fact that a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect:
(1) The impartiality of the arbitrator in the arbitration, including bias, a financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration, or an existing or past relationship with a party, attorney representing a party, or witness; or
(2) The arbitrator's ability to make a timely award.
(b) An arbitrator, the parties, and the attorneys representing the parties have a continuing obligation to disclose to all parties any known fact a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator or the arbitrator's ability to make a timely award.
(c) An objection to the selection or continued service of an arbitrator and a motion for a stay of arbitration and disqualification of the arbitrator shall be made under the law and procedural rules of the District other than this chapter governing arbitrator disqualification.
(d) If a disclosure required by subsection (a)(1) or (b) of this section is not made, the Superior Court may:
(1) On motion of a party not later than 30 days after the failure to disclose is known or by the exercise of reasonable care should have been known to the party, suspend the arbitration;
(2) On timely motion of a party, vacate an award under § 16-5619(a)(2); or
(3) If an award has been confirmed, grant other appropriate relief under law of the District other than this chapter.
(e) If the parties agree to discharge an arbitrator or the arbitrator is disqualified, the parties by agreement may select a new arbitrator or request the Superior Court to select another arbitrator as provided in § 16-5608.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5610. Party participation

§ 16–5610. Party participation.
(a) A party may:
(1) Be represented in an arbitration by an attorney;
(2) Be accompanied by an individual who will not be called as a witness or act as an advocate; and
(3) Participate in the arbitration to the full extent permitted under the law and procedural rules of the District other than this chapter governing a party's participation in contractual arbitration.
(b) A party or representative of a party may not communicate ex parte with the arbitrator except to the extent allowed in a family law proceeding for communication with a judge.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5611. Temporary order or award

§ 16–5611. Temporary order or award.
(a) Before an arbitrator is selected and able to act, on motion of a party, the Superior Court may enter a temporary order under this title.
(b) After an arbitrator is selected:
(1) The arbitrator may make a temporary award under this title; and
(2) If the matter is urgent and the arbitrator is not able to act in a timely manner or provide an adequate remedy, on motion of a party, the Superior Court may enter a temporary order.
(c) On motion of a party, before the Superior Court confirms a final award, the court under § 16-5616, § 16-5618, or § 16-5619 may confirm, correct, vacate, or amend a temporary award made under subsection (b)(1) of this section.
(d) On motion of a party, the Superior Court may enforce a subpoena or interim award issued by an arbitrator for the fair and expeditious disposition of the arbitration.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5612. Protection of party or child

§ 16–5612. Protection of party or child.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the term "protection order" means an injunction or other order, issued under the domestic violence, family violence, or stalking laws of the issuing jurisdiction, to prevent an individual from engaging in a violent or threatening act against, harassment of, contact or communication with, or being in physical proximity to another individual who is a party or a child under the custodial responsibility of a party.
(b) If a party is subject to a protection order or an arbitrator determines there is a reasonable basis to believe a party's safety or ability to participate effectively in arbitration is at risk, the arbitrator shall stay the arbitration and refer the parties to the Superior Court. The arbitration may not proceed unless the party at risk affirms the arbitration agreement in a record and the court determines:
(1) The affirmation is informed and voluntary;
(2) Arbitration is not inconsistent with the protection order; and
(3) Reasonable procedures are in place to protect the party from risk of harm, harassment, or intimidation.
(c) If an arbitrator determines that there is a reasonable basis to believe a child who is the subject of a child-related dispute is abused or neglected, the arbitrator shall terminate the arbitration of the child-related dispute and report the abuse or neglect to the Child and Family Services Agency.
(d) An arbitrator may make a temporary award to protect a party or child from harm, harassment, or intimidation.
(e) On motion of a party, the Superior Court may stay arbitration and review a determination or temporary award under this section.
(f) This section supplements remedies available under law of the District other than this chapter for the protection of victims of domestic violence, family violence, stalking, harassment, or similar abuse.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5613. Powers and duties of arbitrator

§ 16–5613. Powers and duties of arbitrator.
(a) An arbitrator shall conduct an arbitration in a manner the arbitrator considers appropriate for a fair and expeditious disposition of the dispute.
(b) An arbitrator shall provide each party a right to be heard, to present evidence material to the family law dispute, and to cross-examine witnesses.
(c) Unless the parties otherwise agree in a record, an arbitrator's powers include the power to:
(1) Select the rules for conducting the arbitration;
(2) Hold conferences with the parties before a hearing;
(3) Determine the date, time, and place of a hearing;
(4) Require a party to provide:
(A) A copy of a relevant court order;
(B) Information required to be disclosed in a family law proceeding under law of the District other than this chapter; and
(C) A proposed award that addresses each issue in arbitration;
(5) Meet with or interview a child who is the subject of a child-related dispute;
(6) Appoint a private expert at the expense of the parties;
(7) Administer an oath or affirmation and issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness or the production of documents and other evidence at a hearing;
(8) Compel discovery concerning the family law dispute and determine the date, time, and place of discovery;
(9) Determine the admissibility and weight of evidence;
(10) Permit deposition of a witness for use as evidence at a hearing;
(11) For good cause, prohibit a party from disclosing information;
(12) Appoint an attorney, guardian ad litem, or other representative for a child at the expense of the parties;
(13) Impose a procedure to protect a party or child from risk of harm, harassment, or intimidation;
(14) Allocate arbitration fees, attorney's fees, expert-witness fees, and other costs to the parties; and
(15) Impose a sanction on a party for bad faith or misconduct during the arbitration according to standards governing imposition of a sanction for litigant misconduct in a family law proceeding.
(d) An arbitrator may not allow ex parte communication except to the extent allowed in a family law proceeding for communication with a judge.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5614. Recording of hearing

§ 16–5614. Recording of hearing.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section or required by law of the District other than this chapter, an arbitration hearing need not be recorded unless required by the arbitrator, provided by the arbitration agreement, or requested by a party.
(b) An arbitrator shall request a verbatim recording be made of any part of an arbitration hearing concerning a child-related dispute.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5615. Award

§ 16–5615. Award.
(a) An arbitrator shall make an award in a record, dated and signed by the arbitrator. The arbitrator shall give notice of the award to each party by a method agreed on by the parties or, if the parties have not agreed on a method, under the law and procedural rules of the District other than this chapter governing notice in contractual arbitration.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, the award under this chapter shall state the reasons on which it is based unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
(c) An award determining a child-related dispute shall state the reasons on which it is based as required by law of the District other than this chapter for a Superior Court order in a family law proceeding.
(d) An award under this chapter is not enforceable as a judgment until confirmed under § 16-5616.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5616. Confirmation of award

§ 16–5616. Confirmation of award.
(a) After an arbitrator gives notice under § 16-5615(a) of an award, including an award corrected under § 16-5617, a party may move the Superior Court for an order confirming the award.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, the Superior Court shall confirm an award under this chapter if:
(1) The parties agree in a record to confirmation; or
(2) The time has expired for making a motion, and no motion is pending, under § 16-5618 or § 16-5619.
(c) If an award determines a child-related dispute, the Superior Court shall confirm the award under subsection (b) of this section if the court finds, after a review of the record, if necessary, that the award on its face:
(1) Complies with § 16-5615 and law of the District other than this chapter governing a child-related dispute; and
(2) Is in the best interests of the child.
(d) On confirmation, an award under this chapter is enforceable as a judgment.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5617. Correction by arbitrator of unconfirmed award

§ 16–5617. Correction by arbitrator of unconfirmed award.
On motion of a party made not later than 30 days after an arbitrator gives notice under § 16-5615(a) of an award, the arbitrator may correct the award:
(1) If the award has an evident mathematical miscalculation or an evident mistake in the description of a person, thing, or property;
(2) If the award is imperfect in a matter of form not affecting the merits on the issues submitted; or
(3) To clarify the award.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5618. Correction by Superior Court of unconfirmed award

§ 16–5618. Correction by Superior Court of unconfirmed award.
(a) On motion of a party made not later than 90 days after an arbitrator gives notice under § 16-5615(a) of an award, including an award corrected under § 16-5617, the Superior Court shall correct the award if:
(1) The award has an evident mathematical miscalculation or an evident mistake in the description of a person, thing, or property;
(2) The award is imperfect in a matter of form not affecting the merits of the issues submitted; or
(3) The arbitrator made an award on a dispute not submitted to the arbitrator and the award may be corrected without affecting the merits of the issues submitted.
(b) A motion under this section to correct an award may be joined with a motion to vacate or amend the award under § 16-5619.
(c) Unless a motion under § 16-5619 is pending, the Superior Court may confirm a corrected award under § 16-5616.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5620. Clarification of confirmed award

§ 16–5620. Clarification of confirmed award.
If the meaning or effect of an award confirmed under § 16-5616 is in dispute, the parties may:
(1) Agree to arbitrate the dispute before the original arbitrator or another arbitrator; or
(2) Proceed in the Superior Court under law of the District other than this chapter governing clarification of a judgment in a family law proceeding.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)