reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part B - Director of Government Ethics › § 1–1162.13. Formal investigation

§ 1–1162.13. Formal investigation.
(a) A formal investigation shall be initiated upon:
(1) Receipt of a written complaint transmitted to the Board;
(2) A finding by the Office of the Inspector General or District of Columbia Auditor of waste, fraud, abuse of government resources, or a violation of the Code of Conduct; or
(3) A finding by a court of competent jurisdiction of liability in a civil proceeding, indictment, or information in a criminal proceeding with respect to acts or offenses that may constitute violations of the Code of Conduct or of this subchapter.
(b) A written complaint shall include:
(1) The full name and address of the complainant and the respondent;
(2) A clear and concise statement of facts that are alleged to constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct or of this subchapter;
(3) The complainant’s signature;
(4) A verification of the complaint under oath; and
(5) Supporting documentation, if any.
(c) No complaint may be made under this subchapter later than 5 years after the discovery of the alleged violation.
(d) An individual making a complaint shall be afforded all available protections from adverse employment action or retaliation in accordance with Chapter 6 of this title and subchapter XII of Chapter 2 of Title 2 [§ 2-223.01 et seq.].
(e) Within 30 business days of the initiation of a formal investigation, the Director of Government Ethics shall cause evidence concerning the complaint to be presented to the Board, with the potential for a 15-business-day extension to be granted by the Board. If the Board decides that there is reasonable belief that a violation has occurred, the Board may authorize the issuance of subpoenas.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 213, 59 DCR 1862; July 15, 2014, D.C. Law 20-122, § 2(e), 61 DCR 5688; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(o), 65 DCR 9388.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1162.14.
Effect of Amendments
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-122, in (e), substituted “30 business days” for “15 business days” and added “with the potential for a 15-business-day extension to be granted by the Ethics Board.”
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(o) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(o) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(e) of the Comprehensive Code of Conduct and BEGA Emergency Amendment Act of 2014, (D.C. Act 20-323, Apr. 28, 2014, 61 DCR 4681).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part B - Director of Government Ethics › § 1–1162.14. Hearings

§ 1–1162.14. Hearings.
(a)(1) After determining that there is reason to believe a violation has occurred based upon the presentation of evidence by the Director of Government Ethics pursuant to § 1-1162.12(b) or § 1-1162.13(e), the Board shall conduct an open and adversarial hearing at which the Director of Government Ethics shall present evidence of the violation. A hearing need not be conducted if a matter is dismissed pursuant to § 1-1162.16(a).
(2) If the Director of Government Ethics fails to present a matter, or advises the Board that insufficient evidence exists to present a matter or that an additional period of time is needed to investigate a matter further, the Board may order the Director of Government Ethics to present the matter as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(b) Any hearing under this section shall be of record and shall be held in accordance with Chapter 5 of Title 2.
(c) Any witness has a right to refuse to answer a question that might tend to incriminate the witness by claiming his or her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 214, 59 DCR 1862; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(p), 65 DCR 9388.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1162.15.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(p) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(p) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part B - Director of Government Ethics › § 1–1162.15. Disposition

§ 1–1162.15. Disposition.
(a) Following the presentation of evidence to the Board by the Director of Government Ethics in an adversary proceeding and an open hearing, the Board may take one or more of the following actions:
(1) Levy a penalty in accordance with § 1-1162.21;
(2) Refer the matter to the prosecutorial authority with jurisdiction for enforcement or prosecution; or
(3) Repealed.
(4) Dismiss the action.
(b) The Board may refer information concerning an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct or of this title to the prosecutorial authority with jurisdiction for enforcement or prosecution after the presentation of evidence by the Director of Government Ethics to the Board as provided in § 1-1162.12(b),§ 1-1162.13(e), or § 1-1162.14(a).
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 215, 59 DCR 1862; July 15, 2014, D.C. Law 20-122, § 2(f), 61 DCR 5688; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(q), 65 DCR 9388; Dec. 3, 2020, D.C. Law 23-149, § 3092(a), 67 DCR 10493.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-122 added “take one or more of the following actions” in (a); and made a minor stylistic change at the end of (a)(3).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(q) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(q) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 2(f) of the Comprehensive Code of Conduct and BEGA Emergency Amendment Act of 2014, (D.C. Act 20-323, Apr. 28, 2014, 61 DCR 4681).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part B - Director of Government Ethics › § 1–1162.16. Dismissal of meritless claim, complaint, or request for investigation

§ 1–1162.16. Dismissal of meritless claim, complaint, or request for investigation.
(a) The Board may dismiss, at any stage of the proceedings, any claim, complaint, request for investigation, investigation, or portion of an investigation that the Board finds to be without merit.
(b) The Board may require a person who made or caused to be made a claim, complaint, or request for investigation in bad faith and without merit to pay reasonable fees for time spent reviewing or investigating the claim, complaint, or requests for investigation.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 216, 59 DCR 1862; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(r), 65 DCR 9388.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1162.14.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(r) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(r) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part B - Director of Government Ethics › § 1–1162.17. Appeals

§ 1–1162.17. Appeals.
Appeals of any order or fine made by the Board in accordance with this subchapter shall be made to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 217, 59 DCR 1862; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(s), 65 DCR 9388.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(s) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(s) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part B - Director of Government Ethics › § 1–1162.18. Enforcement of subpoena

§ 1–1162.18. Enforcement of subpoena.
The Superior Court of the District of Columbia may, upon petition by the Board, in case of refusal to obey a subpoena or order of the Board issued under § 1-1162.11(3), issue an order requiring compliance; and any failure to obey the order of the court may be treated by the court as contempt.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 218, 59 DCR 1862; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(t), 65 DCR 9388.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(t) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(t) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part B - Director of Government Ethics › § 1–1162.20. Reports

§ 1–1162.20. Reports.
(a) The Director of Government Ethics shall produce a quarterly report detailing:
(1) The posture of each complaint it received, including whether an investigation was initiated, is ongoing, or has concluded;
(2) The referrals made to and from the Board;
(3) Fines and penalties imposed by the Board;
(4) Allegations dismissed by the Board;
(5) Other action taken with regard to an allegation of a violation of the Code of Conduct; and
(6) All political contributions, including bundled contributions, reported as required in § 1-1162.30.
(b) The quarterly report shall be posted online.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 220, 59 DCR 1862; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(v), 65 DCR 9388; Mar. 13, 2019, D.C. Law 22-250, § 6(c), 66 DCR 985.)
Applicability
Section 7183 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Section 7183 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-250: § 10 of D.C. Law 22-250 provided that the change made to this section by § 6(c) of D.C. Law 22-250 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(v) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(v) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part B - Director of Government Ethics › § 1–1162.22. Additional penalties for public officials

§ 1–1162.22. Additional penalties for public officials.
(a) In addition to the penalties set forth in § 1-1162.21, the Board may censure a public official for a violation of the Code of Conduct that the Board finds to substantially threaten the public trust.
(b) The Board may recommend in such censure that the Council suspend or remove a Councilmember’s committee chairmanship, if any, committee membership, if any, or vote in any committee.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 222, 59 DCR 1862; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(x), 65 DCR 9388.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(x) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(x) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part C - Conflicts of Interest › § 1–1162.23a. Pro bono legal representation

§ 1–1162.23a. Pro bono legal representation.
(a) An employee may provide legal representation in proceedings before any District of Columbia court, District of Columbia agency, federal court, or federal agency, if:
(1) The matter does not involve a claim against the District of Columbia;
(2) The District of Columbia or, in a criminal proceeding, the United States, is not a party;
(3) The District of Columbia does not have a direct or substantial interest in the matter;
(4) The employee has not participated personally and substantially in the matter as an employee;
(5) The representation is expressly authorized by the employee's personnel authority, pursuant to the procedures required by subsection (c) of this section;
(6) The representation does not violate federal or District law or any applicable rules of professional conduct; and
(7) The employee is:
(A) Acting in the employee's personal capacity;
(B) Not receiving compensation for the legal representation; and
(C) Providing the legal representation in affiliation with a covered organization.
(b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), (2), (3), and (7)(B) and (C) of this section, an employee may provide legal representation with or without compensation to the employee's parent, spouse, domestic partner, or child, or for any estate for which the employee serves as a guardian, executor, administrator, trustee, or other personal fiduciary.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), (2), (3), and (7)(C) of this section, an employee may provide legal representation without compensation to another District employee who is the subject of a personnel action.
(c) Each personnel authority shall establish procedures by which employees may request approval of a representation under this section, as required by subsection (a)(5) of this section.
(d) For the purposes of this section, the term:
(1) "Compensation" includes anything of value.
(2) "Covered organization" means:
(A) A nonprofit organization located in the District that provides legal services to:
(i) Individuals with limited means at no charge or for a nominal fee; or
(ii) Other nonprofit organizations that serve individuals with limited means or small businesses located in the District of Columbia; or
(B) A law school located in the District conducting experiential clinical courses in which students provide legal services to individuals with limited means or nonprofit organizations that serve individuals with limited means or small businesses.
(3) "District of Columbia" means, unless otherwise apparent from the context, its instrumentalities, subordinate and independent agencies, the Council of the District of Columbia, boards and commissions, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, and employees acting in their official capacities.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 223a; as added Aug. 16, 2022, D.C. Law 24-150, § 2, 69 DCR 007725.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part D - Financial Disclosures and Honoraria › § 1–1162.26. Limitations on honoraria and royalties

§ 1–1162.26. Limitations on honoraria and royalties.
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, neither the Mayor, the Attorney General, the Chairman of the Council, nor any member of the Council or of the State Board of Education, nor any member of his or her immediate family, shall receive honoraria exceeding $10,000 in the aggregate during any calendar year. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “honorarium” means payment of money or anything of value for an appearance, speech, or article; provided, that a reimbursement for or payment of actual and necessary travel expenses incurred shall not be considered honoraria. For the purposes of computing the $10,000 limit on honoraria established under this subsection, an honorarium shall be considered received in the year in which the right to receive the honorarium accrues.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, neither the Chairman of the Council, the Mayor, the Attorney General, nor any member of the Chairman of the Council’s, the Mayor’s, or the Attorney General’s immediate family shall accept royalties for works of the Chairman of the Council, the Mayor, or the Attorney General that exceed $10,000 in the aggregate during any calendar year. For the purposes of computing the limit on royalties established under this subsection, a royalty shall be considered received during the calendar year in which the right to receive the royalty accrues.
(c) For the purposes of this section, any royalty or part of a royalty, or any honorarium or part of an honorarium paid to a charitable organization by or on behalf of a public official shall not be calculated as part of an aggregate total.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 226, 59 DCR 1862; Dec. 13, 2013, D.C. Law 20-60, § 302(a), 60 DCR 15487.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 20-60 rewrote (b).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 3(a) of the Election Code Conforming Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-143, July 31, 2013, 60 DCR 11799, 20 DCSTAT 1990).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 20-60: Section 401(b) of 20-60 provided that § 302 of the act shall apply as of December 13, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part E - Lobbyists › § 1–1162.27. Persons required to register

§ 1–1162.27. Persons required to register.
(a) Except as provided in § 1-1162.28, a person shall register with the Director of Government Ethics pursuant to § 1-1162.29 and pay the required registration fee if the person receives compensation or expends funds in an amount of $250 or more in any 3-consecutive-calendar-month period for lobbying. A person who receives compensation from more than one source shall register under this section if the person receives an aggregate amount of $250 or more in any 3-consecutive-calendar-month period for lobbying. Failure to register as required by this section shall result in a civil penalty.
(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the registration fee for lobbyists shall be $250.
(2) The registration fee for lobbyists who lobby solely for nonprofit organizations shall be $50. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term "nonprofit organization" means an organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved October 22, 1986 (68A Stat. 163; 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)).
(c)(1) There is established as a nonlapsing fund the Lobbyist Administration and Enforcement Fund (“Lobbyist Fund”), which shall be administered by the Board. The funds in the Lobbyist Fund shall be used by the Board solely for the purpose of administering and enforcing this subchapter.
(2) All fees collected under subsection (b) of this section by the Board shall be deposited into the Lobbyist Fund. All funds deposited into the Lobbyist Fund, and any interest earned on those funds, shall not revert to the unrestricted fund balance of the General Fund of the District of Columbia at the end of a fiscal year, or at any other time, but shall be continually available for the uses and purposes set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection without regard to fiscal year limitation, subject to authorization by Congress.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 227, 59 DCR 1862; Oct. 8, 2016, D.C. Law 21-160, § 1012(c), 63 DCR 10775; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(bb), 65 DCR 9388.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1161.01.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(bb) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(bb) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part E - Lobbyists › § 1–1162.28. Exceptions

§ 1–1162.28. Exceptions.
(a) A person need not register with the Director pursuant to § 1-1162.29 if the person is:
(1) A public official, or an employee of the United States acting in his or her official capacity;
(2) A publisher or working member of the press, radio, or television who, in the ordinary course of business, disseminates news or editorial comment to the general public;
(3) A candidate, member, or member-elect of an Advisory Neighborhood Commission; or
(4) An entity specified in § 47-1802.01(4), whose activities do not consist of lobbying, the result of which shall inure to the financial gain or benefit of the entity.
(b) Any person who is exempt from registration under any provision of this section, except a person exempt from registration under the provisions of subsection (a)(1) of this section, may be a registrant for other purposes under this part; provided, that no activity engaged in by the person shall constitute a conflict of interest under the provisions of § 1-1162.23. Registrants have no obligation to report activities in furtherance of exempt activities under this section in activity reports required under § 1-1162.30.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 228, 59 DCR 1862.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1162.27 and § 1-1162.31.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part E - Lobbyists › § 1–1162.29. Registration form

§ 1–1162.29. Registration form.
(a) Each registrant shall file a registration form with the Director of Government Ethics, signed under oath, on or before January 15th of each year, or no later than 15 days after becoming a lobbyist (and on or before January 15th of each year thereafter). If the registrant is not an individual, an authorized officer or agent of the registrant shall sign the form. A registrant shall file a separate registration form for each person from whom he or she receives compensation.
(b)(1) The registration shall be on a form prescribed by the Director of Government Ethics and shall include:
(A) The registrant’s name, permanent address, and temporary address while lobbying;
(B) The name and address of each person who will lobby on the registrant’s behalf;
(C) The name, address, and nature of the business of any person who compensates the registrant and the terms of the compensation; and
(D) The identification, by formal designation, if known, of matters on which the registrant expects to lobby.
(2) The Director of Government Ethics shall publish in the District of Columbia Register on or before February 15th and on or before August 15th of each year a summary of all information required to be submitted under this subsection.
(c) No later than 10 days after a registrant files a registration form with the Director of Government Ethics, the Director of Government Ethics shall publish on the Board’s website a summary of all information required to be submitted under this section.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 229, 59 DCR 1862; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(cc), 65 DCR 9388.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1162.27, § 1-1162.28, and § 1-1162.30.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(cc) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(cc) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter II - Ethics Act › Part E - Lobbyists › § 1–1162.32. Penalties; prohibition from serving as lobbyist; citizen suits

§ 1–1162.32. Penalties; prohibition from serving as lobbyist; citizen suits.
(a) Notwithstanding § 1-1162.21 and except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, any person who willfully and knowingly violates any of the provisions of this part shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned for not more than 12 months, or both.
(b) In addition to the penalties provided for in subsection (a) of this section, any person convicted of the misdemeanor specified in that section may be prohibited from serving as a lobbyist for a period of 3 years from the date of the conviction.
(c) Any person who files a report or registration form required under this part in an untimely manner shall be assessed a civil penalty of $10 per day up to 30 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) that the report or registration form is late. The Board may waive the penalty imposed under this subsection for good cause shown.
(d) Should any provision of this subchapter not be enforced by the Board, a citizen of the District of Columbia may bring suit in the nature of mandamus in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, directing the Board to enforce the provisions of this part. Reasonable attorneys fees may be awarded to the citizen against the District should he or she prevail in this action, or if it is settled in substantial conformity with the relief sought in the petition prior to order by the court.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 232, 59 DCR 1862; Oct. 30, 2018, D.C. Law 22-168, § 1083(ee), 65 DCR 9388.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1001.02.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(ff) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-458, Oct. 3, 2018, 65 DCR 11212).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1083(ff) of Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2018 (D.C. Act 22-434, July 30, 2018, 65 DCR 8200).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part A - Office of Campaign Finance › § 1–1163.01. Short title

§ 1–1163.01. Short title.
This subchapter may be cited as the “Campaign Finance Act of 2011”.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 301, 59 DCR 1862.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part A - Office of Campaign Finance › § 1–1163.02. Campaign Finance Board established; duties; enforcement of subchapter

§ 1–1163.02. Campaign Finance Board established; duties; enforcement of subchapter.
(a) There is established the Campaign Finance Board, whose purpose shall be to:
(1) Appoint a Director of Campaign Finance, who shall:
(A) Serve at the pleasure of the Campaign Finance Board; and
(B) Be compensated at the maximum rate for Grade 16 of the District Schedule, pursuant to subchapter XI of Chapter 6 of this title;
(2) Annually review the performance of the Director of Campaign Finance;
(3) Administer and enforce the District's campaign finance laws;
(4) Refer alleged violations for prosecution as provided in this subchapter; and
(5) Issue rules related to the District's campaign finance laws.
(b)(1) Where the Campaign Finance Board, following the presentation by the Director of Campaign Finance of evidence constituting an apparent violation of this subchapter, makes a finding of an apparent violation of this subchapter, it shall refer the case for prosecution as provided for in § 1-1163.35, and shall make public the fact of such referral and the basis for the finding.
(2) The Campaign Finance Board, through its General Counsel:
(A) Shall initiate, maintain, defend, or appeal any civil action (in the name of the Campaign Finance Board) relating to the enforcement of the provisions of this subchapter; and
(B) May petition the courts of the District of Columbia for declaratory or injunctive relief concerning any action covered by the provisions of this subchapter.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 302, 59 DCR 1862; Feb. 22, 2014, D.C. Law 20-79, § 2(d), 61 DCR 153; Mar. 13, 2019, D.C. Law 22-250, § 6(f), 66 DCR 985.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-604.06, § 1-1161.01, and § 1-1163.03.
Effect of Amendments
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-79 substituted “for prosecution as provided for in § 1-1163.35” for “to the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution” in (c).
Applicability
Section 7183 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Section 7183 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-250: § 10 of D.C. Law 22-250 provided that the change made to this section by § 6(f) of D.C. Law 22-250 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
Section 7009 of D.C. Law 21-160 repealed § 3 of D.C. Law 20-79. Therefore the changes made to this section by D.C. Law 20-79 have been given effect.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part A - Office of Campaign Finance › § 1–1163.02b. Board independent agency; facilities; seal

§ 1–1163.02b. Board independent agency; facilities; seal.
(a) In the performance of its duties, or in matters of procurement, the Campaign Finance Board shall not be subject to the direction of any nonjudicial officer of the District, except as provided in the Merit Personnel Act.
(b) The District government shall furnish to the Campaign Finance Board such records, information, services, personnel, offices, equipment, and such other assistance and facilities as may be necessary to enable the Campaign Finance Board to properly to perform its functions.
(c) Subject to the approval of the Mayor, the Campaign Finance Board is authorized to adopt and use a seal.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 302b; as added Mar. 13, 2019, D.C. Law 22-250, § 6(g), 66 DCR 985.)
Applicability
Section 7183 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the creation of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Section 7183 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the creation of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-250: § 10 of D.C. Law 22-250 provided that the creation of this section by § 6(g) of D.C. Law 22-250 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part A - Office of Campaign Finance › § 1–1163.05. District of Columbia Board of Elections created

§ 1–1163.05. District of Columbia Board of Elections created.
On or after April 27, 2012, the District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics established under subchapter I of Chapter 10 of this title 1 [§ 1-1001.01 et seq.]. shall be known as the District of Columbia Board of Elections and shall have the powers, duties, and functions as provided in that subchapter, in any other law in effect on the date immediately preceding April 27, 2012, and in this subchapter. Any reference in any law or regulation to the District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics shall, on and after April 27, 2012, be deemed to refer to the District of Columbia Board of Elections.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 305, 59 DCR 1862.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1161.01.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part B - Campaign Finance Committees › § 1–1163.08. Designation of campaign depositories; petty cash fund

§ 1–1163.08. Designation of campaign depositories; petty cash fund.
(a) Each committee and each candidate accepting contributions or making expenditures, shall designate in the registration statement required under § 1-1163.07 or § 1-1163.12, one or more national banks located in the District of Columbia as the depository or depositories of that committee or candidate. Each committee or candidate shall maintain a checking account or accounts at such depository or depositories and shall deposit any contributions received by the committee or candidate into that account or accounts. No expenditures may be made by a committee or candidate except by check drawn payable to the person to whom the expenditure is being made on that account or accounts, other than petty cash expenditures as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b) A committee or candidate may maintain a petty cash fund out of which may be made expenditures not in excess of $50 to any person in connection with a single purchase or transaction. A record of petty cash receipts and disbursements shall be kept in accordance with requirements established by the Campaign Finance Board, and statements and reports of expenditures shall be furnished to the Director of Campaign Finance as it may require.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 308, 59 DCR 1862; Mar. 13, 2019, D.C. Law 22-250, § 6(l), 66 DCR 985.)
Applicability
Section 7183 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Section 7183 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-250: § 10 of D.C. Law 22-250 provided that the change made to this section by § 6(l) of D.C. Law 22-250 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part B - Campaign Finance Committees › § 1–1163.12. Registration statement of candidate; depository information

§ 1–1163.12. Registration statement of candidate; depository information.
(a) Each individual shall, within 5 days after becoming a candidate,, file with the Director of Campaign Finance a registration statement in a form prescribed by the Director of Campaign Finance. The registration statement shall indicate whether the individual intends to seek certification as a participating candidate.
(b) In addition, candidates shall provide the Director of Campaign Finance the name and address of the campaign depository or depositories designated by that candidate, together with the title and number of each account and safety deposit box used by that candidate at the depository or depositories, and the identification of each individual authorized to make withdrawals or payments out of the account or box, and other information as shall be required by the Director of Campaign Finance.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 312, 59 DCR 1862; May 5, 2018, D.C. Law 22-94, § 2(b)(4), 65 DCR 2847; Mar. 13, 2019, D.C. Law 22-250, § 6(q), 66 DCR 985.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1163.08 and § 1-1163.14.
Applicability
Section 7183 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Section 7183 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-250: § 10 of D.C. Law 22-250 provided that the change made to this section by § 6(q) of D.C. Law 22-250 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
Section 3 of D.C. Law 22-168 amended section 3 of D.C. Law 22-94, removing the applicability restriction impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by section 2(b)(4) of D.C. Law 22-94 has been implemented as of November 7, 2018.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-94: § 3 of D.C. Law 22-94 provided that the change made to this section by § 2(b)(4) of D.C. Law 22-94 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part B - Campaign Finance Committees › § 1–1163.12a. Non-contribution accounts

§ 1–1163.12a. Non-contribution accounts.
(a) A political action committee shall not make an independent expenditure unless it establishes a non-contribution account for the purpose of making such independent expenditures.
(b) A political action committee must notify the Campaign Finance Board within 10 days after establishing a non-contribution account.
(c) A political action committee that establishes a non-contribution account shall ensure that:
(1) The non-contribution account remains segregated from any accounts of the political action committee that are used to make contributions to candidates, political committees, political action committees, or political parties;
(2) No contribution to the political action committee is deposited in the non-contribution account unless the contributor has specifically designated the contribution for the purpose of making an independent expenditure;
(3) Contributions by the political action committee are not made from the non-contribution account; and
(4) The non-contribution account pays a proportional share, as determined by the Director of Campaign Finance, of the political action committee's administrative expenses.
(d) If a political action committee has established a non-contribution account, it must, in any reports it files pursuant to § 1-1163.09, identify any receipts that have been allocated to that account.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 312a; as added Mar. 13, 2019, D.C. Law 22-250, § 6(r), 66 DCR 985.)
Applicability
Section 7183 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the creation of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Section 7183 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the creation of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-250: § 10 of D.C. Law 22-250 provided that the creation of this section by § 6(r) of D.C. Law 22-250 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1042(d) of Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2019 (D.C. Act 23-112, Sept. 4, 2019, 66 DCR 11964).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 1042(d) of Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2019 (D.C. Act 23-91, July 22, 2019, 66 DCR 8497).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part B - Campaign Finance Committees › § 1–1163.14. Exemption for total expenses under $500

§ 1–1163.14. Exemption for total expenses under $500.
Except for the provisions of § 1-1163.12(a), the provisions of this part shall not apply to any candidate who anticipates spending or spends less than $500 in any one election and who has not designated a principal campaign committee. On the 15th day before the date of the election in which the candidate is entered, and on the 30th day after the date of the election, the candidate shall certify to the Director of Campaign Finance that he or she has not spent more than $500 in the election.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 314, 59 DCR 1862.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part B - Campaign Finance Committees › § 1–1163.16. Liability of candidates for financial obligations incurred by committees; imputing actions of agents of candidates

§ 1–1163.16. Liability of candidates for financial obligations incurred by committees; imputing actions of agents of candidates.
(a) Except as provided in §§ 1-1163.10a(a)(2), 1-1163.24(a)(2), and 1-1163.27(a)(2), no provision of this part shall be construed as creating liability on the part of any candidate for any financial obligation incurred by a committee.
(b) For the purposes of this part, actions of an agent of a candidate shall be imputed to the candidate; provided, that the actions of the agent may not be imputed to the candidate in the presence of a provision of law requiring a willful and knowing violation of this part, unless the agency relationship to engage in the act is shown by clear and convincing evidence.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 316, 59 DCR 1862; Mar. 13, 2019, D.C. Law 22-250, § 6(u), 66 DCR 985.)
Applicability
Section 7183 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Section 7183 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-250: § 10 of D.C. Law 22-250 provided that the change made to this section by § 6(u) of D.C. Law 22-250 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part B - Campaign Finance Committees › § 1–1163.17. Specific requirements for reports of receipts and expenditures by political committees

§ 1–1163.17. Specific requirements for reports of receipts and expenditures by political committees.
(a) Each report submitted to the Director of Campaign Finance pursuant to the requirements set forth in § 1-1163.09 shall also disclose the name and address of each political committee or candidate from which the reporting committee or the candidate received, or to which that committee or candidate made, any transfer of funds, together with the amounts and dates of all transfers.
(b) In the case of reports filed by a political committee or political action committee on behalf of initiative, referendum, or recall under this section, as applicable, the reports shall be filed on the dates that the Campaign Finance Board may by rule prescribe.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 317, 59 DCR 1862; Mar. 13, 2019, D.C. Law 22-250, § 6(v), 66 DCR 985.)
Applicability
Section 7183 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Section 7183 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-250: § 10 of D.C. Law 22-250 provided that the change made to this section by § 6(v) of D.C. Law 22-250 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part B - Campaign Finance Committees › § 1–1163.18. Fund balance requirements of exploratory committees

§ 1–1163.18. Fund balance requirements of exploratory committees.
(a) Any balance in the exploratory committee fund shall be transferred only to an established political committee or nonprofit organization, within the meaning of section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, operating in good standing in the District for a minimum of one calendar year before the date of any transfer.
(b) Exploratory committee fund balances shall not be deemed the personal funds of any individual, including the individual seeking public office.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 318, 59 DCR 1862; Mar. 13, 2019, D.C. Law 22-250, § 6(w), 66 DCR 985.)
Applicability
Section 7183 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Section 7183 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 10(a) of D.C. Law 22-250 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 22-250 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-250: § 10 of D.C. Law 22-250 provided that the change made to this section by § 6(w) of D.C. Law 22-250 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 1 - Government Organization › Chapter 11A - Ethics and Government Accountability › Subchapter III - Campaign Finance › Part B - Campaign Finance Committees › § 1–1163.20. Contributions to exploratory committees

§ 1–1163.20. Contributions to exploratory committees.
When an individual decides to run for office and becomes a candidate, contributions received during the exploratory period shall apply to the campaign contribution limits for the candidate as provided under § 1-1163.33.
(Apr. 27, 2012, D.C. Law 19-124, § 320, 59 DCR 1862.)