reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.03. Establishment of procedure for complaints filed against District government

§ 2–1403.03. Establishment of procedure for complaints filed against District government.
(a) The Mayor shall establish rules of procedure for the investigation, conciliation, and hearing of administrative complaints filed against District government agencies, officials and employees alleging violations of this chapter. The final administrative determination in such matters shall be made by the Mayor or his designee.
(b) A person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice on the part of District government agencies, officials, or employees may elect to file an administrative complaint under the rules of procedure established by the Mayor under this section or a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction under § 2-1403.16.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 303, 24 DCR 6038; Oct. 1, 2002, D.C. Law 14-189, § 2(h), 49 DCR 6523; Mar. 13, 2004, D.C. Law 15-105,§ 28, 51 DCR 881.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2543.
1973 Ed., § 6-2283.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-624.08, § 2-1403.04, and § 2-1403.16.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 14-189, designated the section as subsec. (a); added subsec. (b); and rewrote the newly designated subsec. (a) which had read as follows: “Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Mayor shall establish rules of procedure for the investigation, conciliation, and hearing of complaints filed against District government agencies, officials and employees alleging violations of this chapter. The final determination in such matters shall be made by the Mayor or his designee.”
D.C. Law 15-105 validated a previously made technical correction.
Cross References
Administration, merit system, reductions-in-force, selection of position to be abolished, review procedure, see § 1-624.08.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.04. Filing of complaints and mediation

§ 2–1403.04. Filing of complaints and mediation.
(a) Any person or organization, whether or not an aggrieved party, may file with the Office a complaint of a violation of the provisions of this chapter, including a complaint of general discrimination, unrelated to a specific person or instance. The complaint shall state the name and address of the person alleged to have committed the violation, hereinafter called the respondent, and shall set forth the substance thereof, and such other information as may be required by the Office. The Director, sua sponte, may investigate individual instances and patterns of conduct prohibited by the provisions of this chapter and may initiate complaints in connection therewith. Any complaint under this chapter shall be filed with the Office within 1 year of the occurrence of the unlawful discriminatory practice, or the discovery thereof, except as may be modified in accordance with § 2-1403.03.
(b) Complaints filed with the Office under the provisions of this chapter may be voluntarily withdrawn at the request of the complainant at any time prior to the completion of the Office’s investigation and findings as specified in § 2-1403.05, except that the circumstances accompanying said withdrawal may be fully investigated by the Office.
(c) A mediation program shall be established and all complaints shall be mediated before the Office commences a full investigation. During the mediation the parties shall discuss the issues of the complaint in an effort to reach an agreement that satisfies the interests of all concerned parties. The Office shall grant the parties up to 45 days within which to mediate a complaint. If an agreement is reached during the mediation process, the terms of the agreement shall control resolution of the complaint. If an agreement is not reached, the Office shall proceed with an investigation of the complaint.
(d) Complaints filed with the Office alleging unlawful discrimination in residential real estate transactions or violations of FHA, shall be served on the complainant and respondent within 5 days of filing, with a notice identifying the alleged discriminatory practice and advising the parties of their procedural rights and obligations under this chapter and FHA. The Office shall refer the complaint for mediation, but shall begin investigating the complaint within 30 days of its filing if the parties fail to reach an agreement.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 304, 24 DCR 6038; Oct. 23, 1997, D.C. Law 12-39, § 2(a), 44 DCR 4856; Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-242,§ 2(h), 46 DCR 952.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2544.
1973 Ed., § 6-2284.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.06. Conciliation

§ 2–1403.06. Conciliation.
(a) If, in the judgment of the Office, the circumstances so warrant, it may, at any time after the filing of the complaint, endeavor to eliminate such unlawful discriminatory practice by conference, conciliation, or persuasion.
(b) If the Office determines that there exists probable cause to believe that the respondent has engaged or is engaging in an unlawful practice, the parties shall attempt to conciliate the complaint. The Office shall grant the parties up to 60 days within which to reach a conciliation agreement. If the parties fail to execute a conciliation agreement within the time allowed by the Office, the Office shall certify the case to the Commission for a public hearing. The terms of a conciliation agreement may require a respondent to refrain, in the future, from committing specified discriminatory practices, and to take such affirmative action as, in the judgment of the Office, will effectuate the purposes of this chapter; and may include consent, by the respondent, to the entry in court of a consent decree, embodying the terms of the conciliation agreement.
(c) Upon agreement of all parties to a complaint and upon notice to all parties thereto, a conciliation agreement shall be deemed an order of the Commission, and shall be enforceable as such. Except for the terms of the conciliation agreement, employees of the Office shall not make public, without the written consent of the respondent, information concerning conciliation efforts.
(d) Repealed.
(e) The Office shall make public, unless the complainant and respondent agree otherwise and the Director determines that disclosure is not required to further the purpose of this chapter, conciliation agreements alleging unlawful discrimination in residential real estate transactions or violations of the FHA.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 306, 24 DCR 6038; Apr. 9, 1997, D.C. Law 11-198, § 402, 43 DCR 4569; Oct. 23, 1997, D.C. Law 12-39, § 2(b), 44 DCR 4856; Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-242, § 2(j), 46 DCR 952; Apr. 12, 2000, D.C. Law 13-91, § 159(c), 47 DCR 520.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2546.
1973 Ed., § 6-2286.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-91 validated a previously made technical correction in subsec. (e).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary amendment of section, see § 402 of the Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Support Congressional Adjournment Emergency Amendment Act of 1997 (D.C. Act 12-2, February 19, 1997, 44 DCR 1590).
Section 1001 of D.C. Act 12-2 provided for the application of the act.
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 day) amendment of section, see § 2 of the Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Support Temporary Amendment Act of 1996, (D.C. Law 11-226, Apr. 9, 1997, law notification 44 DCR 2584).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.07. Injunctive relief

§ 2–1403.07. Injunctive relief.
If, at any time after a complaint has been filed, the Office believes that appropriate civil action to preserve the status quo or to prevent irreparable harm appears advisable, the Office shall certify the matter to the Attorney General, who shall bring, in the name of the District of Columbia, any action necessary to preserve such status quo or to prevent such harm, including the seeking of temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions. The appropriate parties shall be notified of such certification and the complainant may initiate independently, or in cooperation with the Attorney General, appropriate civil action to seek a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 307, 24 DCR 6038; Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-295, § 2(e), 70 DCR 829.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2547.
1973 Ed., § 6-2287.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 2-1403.16.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.08. Posting of notice of complaint in housing accommodation

§ 2–1403.08. Posting of notice of complaint in housing accommodation.
If a finding of probable cause has been made, as to a complaint of discrimination in housing, and the property owner, or his duly authorized agent, will not agree voluntarily to withhold from the market the subject housing accommodations for a period of 10 days from the date of such finding of probable cause, the Office may cause to be posted on the door of said housing accommodations for a period of 10 days from the date of said finding a notice advising that said accommodations are the subject of a complaint before the Office and that prospective transferees will take such housing accommodations at their peril. Any destruction, defacement, alteration or removal of the notice thereof, by the owner or his agents, servants and employees, shall be punishable, upon conviction, by a fine of up to $300, or by imprisonment for not more than 10 days, or both.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 308, 24 DCR 6038.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2548.
1973 Ed., § 6-2288.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.09. Service of process

§ 2–1403.09. Service of process.
In all cases where the Office is required to effect service, it shall be accomplished by regular, registered, or certified mail, return receipt requested, by electronic mail, or by personal service and shall otherwise be in accordance with rules of the Office regarding service and notice.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 309, 24 DCR 6038; Mar. 14, 2012, D.C. Law 19-112, § 2, 59 DCR 453.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2549.
1973 Ed., § 6-2289.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 19-112 substituted “regular, registered, or certified mail, return receipt requested, by electronic mail,” for “registered or certified mail, return receipt requested”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.10. Notice of hearing

§ 2–1403.10. Notice of hearing.
In case of failure of conciliation efforts, or in advance of conciliation efforts, as determined by the Office, and after a finding of probable cause, the Office shall cause to be issued and served in the name of the Commission, a written notice, together with a copy of the complaint, as the same may have been amended, requiring the respondent to answer the charges of such complaint at a public hearing before 1 or more members of the Commission or before a hearing examiner, such hearing to be scheduled not less than 10 days or not more than 30 days after such service and at a place to be specified in such notice. Notice shall be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 310, 24 DCR 6038.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2550.
1973 Ed., § 6-2290.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.11. Hearing tribunal

§ 2–1403.11. Hearing tribunal.
(a) After a complaint has been noticed for hearing, a hearing tribunal consisting of 3 members of the Commission, sitting as the Commission, shall be appointed to make a determination upon such complaint. At the discretion of the Commission, 1 or more hearing examiners may be delegated to hear and report back to the Commission, on any case or question before the Commission.
(b) A hearing examiner may be an employee of the District government or may be selected from a list of qualified hearing examiners prepared by the Commission. Commission members may serve as hearing examiners. Hearing examiners shall be paid on a per diem basis, while actually sitting and hearing a case: Provided, that funds are available for such purpose.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 311, 24 DCR 6038.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2551.
1973 Ed., § 6-2291.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.12. Conduct of hearing

§ 2–1403.12. Conduct of hearing.
(a) The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with procedures promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (§ 2-501 et seq.).
(b) The case in support of the complaint shall be presented by an agent or attorney of the Office.
(c) Any Commissioner or hearing examiner, who has participated in the investigation, conciliation or processing of a complaint, or has participated in any decision related to the merits of a complaint, may not sit with a hearing tribunal appointed to make a determination upon such complaint.
(d) Efforts at conciliation by the Office, or the parties, shall not be received in evidence.
(e) If the respondent fails to answer the complaint, the hearing tribunal, or the hearing examiner designated to conduct the hearing, may enter the default and the hearing shall proceed on the basis of the evidence in support of the complaint. Such default may be set aside only for good cause shown, and upon equitable terms and conditions.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 312, 24 DCR 6038.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2552.
1973 Ed., § 6-2292.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.14. Judicial review

§ 2–1403.14. Judicial review.
Any person suffering a legal wrong, or adversely affected or aggrieved by an order or decision of the Commission in a matter pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, is entitled to a judicial review thereof, in accordance with § 2-510, upon filing, in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, a written petition for such review.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 314, 24 DCR 6038.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2554.
1973 Ed., § 6-2294.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 2-1403.15.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.15. Enforcement of order

§ 2–1403.15. Enforcement of order.
(a) The decision and order of the Commission shall be served on the respondent, with notice that, if the Commission determines that the respondent has not, after 30 calendar days following service of its order, corrected the unlawful discriminatory practice and complied with the order, the Commission will certify the matter to the Attorney General, and to such other agencies as may be appropriate for enforcement.
(b)(1) When the Commission certifies a matter to the Attorney General for enforcement, the Attorney General shall, in the Attorney General's sole discretion, assess the matter to determine whether the order may be enforced.
(2) If the order is enforceable, the Attorney General shall institute, in the name of the District, civil proceedings, including the seeking of such restraining orders and temporary or permanent injunctions as are necessary to obtain complete compliance with the Commission's orders.
[(3)] If civil proceedings instituted pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection do not result in securing such compliance, the Attorney General may institute criminal action.
(c) No enforcement action shall be instituted pending review as provided in § 2-1403.14.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive any person of rights in the criminal justice process.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 315, 24 DCR 6038; Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-295, § 2(f), 70 DCR 829.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2555.
1973 Ed., § 6-2295.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 2-1403.17.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter III - Procedures › § 2–1403.17. Referral to licensing agencies

§ 2–1403.17. Referral to licensing agencies.
(a) Whenever it appears that the holder of a permit, license, franchise, benefit, or advantage issued by any agency or authority of the government of the District is a person against whom the Office has made a finding of probable cause pursuant to § 2-1403.05, the Office, notwithstanding any other action it may take or may have taken under the authority of the provisions of this chapter, may refer to the proper agency or authority the facts and identities of all persons involved in the complaint for such action as such agency or authority, in its judgment, considers appropriate, based upon the facts thus disclosed to it.
(b) The Commission, upon a determination of a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter by a holder of, or applicant for any permit, license, franchise, benefit, exemption, or advantage issued by or on behalf of the government of the District of Columbia, and upon failure of the respondent to correct the unlawful discriminatory practice and comply with its order, in accordance with § 2-1403.15(a), shall refer this determination to the appropriate agency or authority. Such determination shall constitute prima facie evidence that the respondent, with respect to the particular business in which the violation was found, is not operating in the public interest. Such agency or authority shall, upon notification, issue to said holder or applicant an order to show cause why such privileges related to that business should not be revoked, suspended, denied or otherwise restricted.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title III, § 317, 24 DCR 6038.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 1-2557.
1973 Ed., § 6-2297.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 2-1402.23.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter IV - Commission on Human Rights › § 2–1404.01. Establishment of the Commission on Human Rights

§ 2–1404.01. Establishment of the Commission on Human Rights.
There is hereby established, in the Executive Branch of the District government, a Commission on Human Rights.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title IV, § 401; as added Dec. 7, 2004, D.C. Law 15-216, § 2(b), 51 DCR 9123.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-523.01.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter IV - Commission on Human Rights › § 2–1404.02. Purpose and functions

§ 2–1404.02. Purpose and functions.
The Commission shall serve as an impartial forum for the hearing and deciding of cases of unlawful discrimination in employment, real estate transactions, public accommodations, or educational institutions. The Commission shall hear such cases following a determination by the Office that there is probable cause to believe that an act of unlawful discrimination has occurred. In hearing and deciding such cases, the Commission shall follow the procedures set forth and use, in its discretion, the powers and authority provided in subchapter III of Unit A of this chapter.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title IV, § 402; as added Dec. 7, 2004, D.C. Law 15-216, § 2(b), 51 DCR 9123.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter IV - Commission on Human Rights › § 2–1404.03. Composition and appointment

§ 2–1404.03. Composition and appointment.
(a) The Commission shall consist of 15 members, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, in accordance with § 1-523.01.
(b) The Commission members shall be residents of the District of Columbia who have a demonstrated background or interest in human rights.
(c) The Commission members shall serve 3-year terms. The terms shall be staggered so that 5 positions expire on December 31 of each year.
(d) The Mayor shall designate one member to serve, at the Mayor’s pleasure, as Chairperson of the Commission.
(e) Any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his or her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of the term.
(f) Commission members who began their service before December 7, 2004, shall serve the remainder of their terms.
(g) Commission members shall serve without compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement of expenses as provided in § 1-611.08(d).
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title IV, § 403; as added Dec. 7, 2004, D.C. Law 15-216, § 2(b), 51 DCR 9123.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit A - Human Rights Law › Subchapter IV - Commission on Human Rights › § 2–1404.04. Organization

§ 2–1404.04. Organization.
(a) At the initial meeting of each year, the Commission shall determine its organization and name its officers, other than the Chairperson. The officers serving on December 7, 2004, shall serve until the initial meeting of the following year.
(b) The Commission shall meet at the invitation of the Chairperson or a majority of the members.
(c) The Commission may establish subcommittees to review issues and make recommendations to the Commission.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title IV, § 404; as added Dec. 7, 2004, D.C. Law 15-216, § 2(b), 51 DCR 9123.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit B - Office of Human Rights › § 2–1411.01. Establishment of the Office of Human Rights

§ 2–1411.01. Establishment of the Office of Human Rights.
(a) Pursuant to § 1-204.04(b), there is hereby established, in the Executive Branch of the government of the District of Columbia, an Office of Human Rights under the supervision of a Director, who shall carry out the functions and authorities assigned to the Office. The Office of Human Rights (“Office”) is established as a separate agency as of October 1, 1999.
(b) The Director shall have full authority over the Office and all functions and personnel assigned thereto, including the power to redelegate to other employees and officials of the Office such powers and authority as in the judgment of the Director are warranted in the interests of efficiency and sound administration.
(c)(1) The Director shall have a demonstrated professional background in human rights law.
(2)(A) For the purposes of this subsection, the term “human rights law” means District or federal laws related to discrimination by reason of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, and homeless status.
(B) For the purposes of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the terms “age”, “marital status”, “personal appearance”, “sexual orientation”, “gender identity or expression”, “familial status”, “family responsibilities”, “matriculation”, “political affiliation”, “genetic information”, “disability”, “source of income”, "intrafamily offense", and "homeless" shall have the same meanings as provided in § 2-1401.02.
(Oct. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 13-38, § 202, 46 DCR 6373; May 2, 2015, D.C. Law 20-266, § 2, 62 DCR 1540; Sept. 21, 2022, D.C. Law 24-172, § 3(a), 69 DCR 009218.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 2-1401.02 and § 2-1431.01.
Effect of Amendments
The 2015 amendment by D.C. Law 20-266 added (c).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90-day) addition of subchapter IV, consisting of §§ 1-2571 to 1-2576 1981 Ed., see §§ 202 to 207 of the Service Improvement and Fiscal Year 2000 Budget Support Emergency Act of 1999 (D.C. Act 13-110, July 28, 1999, 46 DCR 6320).
Short Title
Section 201 of D.C. Law 13-38 provided: “This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Office of Human Rights Establishment Act of 1999’.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit B - Office of Human Rights › § 2–1411.02. Purpose

§ 2–1411.02. Purpose.
The purpose of the Office is to secure an end to unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and educational institutions for any reason other than that of individual merit. The Office shall seek to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (as defined in § 2-1401.02(12A)), familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, physical disability, source of income, place of residence or business, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, and homeless status.
(Oct. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 13-38, § 203, 46 DCR 6373; Apr. 24, 2007, D.C. Law 16-305, § 12, 53 DCR 6198; June 25, 2008, D.C. Law 17-177, § 5, 55 DCR 3696; Apr. 11, 2019, D.C. Law 22-281, § 3, 66 DCR 1601; Sept. 21, 2022, D.C. Law 24-172, § 3(b), 69 DCR 009218.)
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-305 substituted “disability” for “handicap”.
D.C. Law 17-177 substituted “sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (as defined in § 2-1401.02(12A))” for “sexual orientation”.
Applicability
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-281: § 7167 of D.C. Law 23-16 repealed § 4 of D.C. Law 22-281. Therefore the amendment of this section by D.C. Law 22-281 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 22-281: § 4 of D.C. Law 22-281 provided that the change made to this section by § 3 of D.C. Law 22-281 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) repeal of applicability provision of D.C. Law 22-281, see § 7167 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) repeal of applicability provision of D.C. Law 22-281, see § 7167 of Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2019 (D.C. Act 23-91, July 22, 2019, 66 DCR 8497).
For temporary (90-day) addition of subchapter IV, see notes following § 2-1411.01.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit B - Office of Human Rights › § 2–1411.04. Transfers

§ 2–1411.04. Transfers.
All positions, personnel, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds available or to be made available to the Department of Human Rights and Local Business Development for the human rights functions set out in Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1989, effective November 1, 1989, are hereby transferred to the Office.
(Oct. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 13-38, § 205, 46 DCR 6373.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90-day) addition of subchapter IV, see notes following § 2-1411.01.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit B - Office of Human Rights › § 2–1411.05. Organization

§ 2–1411.05. Organization.
(a) There are hereby established the following 5 primary organizational functions in the Office:
(1) The Office of the Director, which sets overall policy and performance targets for the Office, supervises and evaluates staff, administers the budget, and promotes conciliation after a determination of probable cause has been reached.
(2) Education and Research, which studies patterns of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and educational institutions, and educates District residents, employers, community groups, and other concerned parties about the Human Rights Act and federal anti-discrimination laws in order to prevent unlawful discrimination.
(3) Intake, which counsels prospective complainants on the Office’s functions and statutory responsibilities, evaluates the complainants’ allegation of unlawful discrimination, and completes the forms and procedures necessary for the filing of a complaint;
(4) Mediation, which trains and oversees the activities of mediators who assist the parties to a complaint in trying to reach a voluntary settlement; and
(5) Investigations, which solicits and evaluates evidence provided by the complainant and respondent to prepare a written determination about whether there is probable cause to believe that the respondent has violated the Human Rights Act.
(b) The Director, in the performance of his or her duties and functions, is authorized to restructure the organizational components of the Office as he or she deems necessary to improve the quality of services.
(Oct. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 13-38, § 206, 46 DCR 6373.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90-day) addition of subchapter IV, see notes following § 2-1411.01.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit B - Office of Human Rights › § 2–1411.05b. Racial equity training

§ 2–1411.05b. Racial equity training.
(a) The Office, in coordination with the Department of Human Resources and the Office of Racial Equity, shall provide, on an on-going basis, racial equity training for all District government employees and members of the District's boards and commissions. The training shall include:
(1) Racial equity workshops for District employees at the management level;
(2) A training series for District employees that equips personnel to better identify and address issues of racial equity; and
(3) Online and in-person racial equity and inclusion courses that focus on the meaning of diversity, the benefits of a diverse workforce, and barriers that prevent a racially inclusive workforce environment.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the term "racial equity" means the elimination of racial disparities such that race no longer predicts opportunities, outcomes, or the distribution of resources for residents of the District, particularly for persons of color and Black residents.
(Oct. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 13-38, § 206b; as added Mar. 16, 2021, D.C. Law 23-181, § 201, 67 DCR 14390.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of, see § 201 of Racial Equity Achieves Results (REACH) Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-44, Mar. 24, 2021, 68 DCR 003448).
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 201 of Racial Equity Achieves Results (REACH) Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-521, Dec. 7, 2020, 67 DCR 14433).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit B - Office of Human Rights › § 2–1411.06. Abolishment of the Department of Human Rights and Local Business Development

§ 2–1411.06. Abolishment of the Department of Human Rights and Local Business Development.
Pursuant to § 1-204.04(b), the Council hereby abolishes the Department of Human Rights and Local Business Development, established under Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1989, effective November 1, 1989. The Department of Human Rights and Local Business Development is abolished as of October 1, 1999.
(Oct. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 13-38, § 207, 46 DCR 6373.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90-day) addition of subchapter IV, see notes following § 2-1411.01.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit C - Disability Rights Protection › § 2–1431.03. Establishment of the Office of Disability Rights

§ 2–1431.03. Establishment of the Office of Disability Rights.
(a) There is established an Office of Disability Rights.
(b) The purpose of the Office is to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities by coordinating the District’s ADA Compliance Program and by ensuring and overseeing District-wide compliance with the ADA and related disability-rights laws.
(c)(1) The Office shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the Mayor with § 1-523.01(a).
(2) The Director shall serve as the Chief Administrative Officer, and may organize personnel, re-delegate authority, develop programs, and take any other action consistent with appropriations and other applicable law. Annual compensation for the Director shall be fixed in accordance with subchapter X-A of Chapter 6 of Title 1 [§ 1-610.51 et seq.].
(3) If the position of Director is vacant or about to be vacant, the Mayor may receive input on the selection of the Director from the Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities and shall endeavor to hire a qualified individual with a disability.
(d) In addition to a Director, the Office shall at a minimum have the following full-time staff:
(1) In fiscal year 2007, 3 full-time staff to include a Deputy Director, a communications specialist, and an administrative assistant;
(2) In fiscal year 2008 and thereafter, the Director may, pursuant to subsection (c) of this section and subject to appropriations, increase the number of staff members and organize the Office as the Director may determine is necessary and appropriate to carry out the Office’s mission.
(e) The Director shall endeavor to hire qualified individuals with disabilities.
(Mar. 8, 2007, D.C. Law 16-239, § 4, 54 DCR 404.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 2-1431.01.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit C - Disability Rights Protection › § 2–1431.05. Plans and reports to be made available to the public

§ 2–1431.05. Plans and reports to be made available to the public.
(a) Agencies shall make all ADA plans and reports required under this unit available on their websites and shall provide copies to the public upon request.
(b) The Office of Disability Rights and the Office for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing shall make all plans and reports required under this unit available on its website and shall provide copies to the public upon request.
(Mar. 8, 2007, D.C. Law 16-239, § 6, 54 DCR 404; Dec. 8, 2020, D.C. Law 23-152, § 2(d), 67 DCR 12254.)
Applicability
Section 7191 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-152 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 23-152 has been implemented.
Section 7191 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-152 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 23-152 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 23-152: § 3 of D.C. Law 23-152 provided that the change made to this section by § 2(d) of D.C. Law 23-152 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 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit C - Disability Rights Protection › § 2–1431.06. Transfer of functions from the Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities

§ 2–1431.06. Transfer of functions from the Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities.
(a) As of October 1, 2008, the Mayor shall transfer to the Office all functions and records of the Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities.
(b) The Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Office and shall be actively involved in the development of the ADA Compliance Program and the Olmstead Compliance Program.
(Mar. 8, 2007, D.C. Law 16-239, § 7, 54 DCR 404.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit C - Disability Rights Protection › § 2–1431.07. Transfer of functions from Office of Risk Management

§ 2–1431.07. Transfer of functions from Office of Risk Management.
All functions, personnel, records, and property assigned to the Office of Risk Management under section IV(B)(1) of Mayor’s Order 2006-58, issued May 23, 2006 (53 DCR 5314 ), shall be transferred to the Office of Disability Rights. This section shall apply 30 days after the date of the appointment of the Director of the Office.
(Mar. 8, 2007, D.C. Law 16-239, § 8, 54 DCR 404.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14 - Human Rights › Unit C - Disability Rights Protection › § 2–1431.08. Rulemaking and interagency agreements

§ 2–1431.08. Rulemaking and interagency agreements.
(a) The Mayor shall promulgate rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this unit. The proposed rules shall be submitted to the Council for a 30-day period of review, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and days of Council recess. If the Council does not approve or disapprove the proposed rules by resolution within this 30-day period, the proposed rules shall be deemed approved.
(b) No later than 3 months after March 8, 2007, the Mayor shall issue rules which shall assign specified functions to agencies under Titles I, II, III, and IV of the ADA and shall establish a process for regular interagency meetings of the agencies with assigned specified functions. The rules shall, at a minimum, address the functions specified in section IV-B of Mayor’s Order 2006-58, issued on May 23, 2006.
(c) All agencies assigned specific functions under the rules described in subsection (b) of this section shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") or a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Office of Disability Rights and with the Office for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing. Each MOA or MOU shall describe operational and communication procedures for interaction with the Office and with ODDHH.
(Mar. 8, 2007, D.C. Law 16-239, § 9, 54 DCR 404; Dec. 8, 2020, D.C. Law 23-152, § 2(e), 67 DCR 12254.)
Applicability
Section 7191 of D.C. Law 24-45 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-152 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 23-152 has been implemented.
Section 7191 of D.C. Act 24-159 repealed section 3 of D.C. Law 23-152 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore the amendment of this section by Law 23-152 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 23-152: § 3 of D.C. Law 23-152 provided that the change made to this section by § 2(e) of D.C. Law 23-152 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.
References in Text
Title I, II, III, and IV of ADA is classified as 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14A - Human Rights Sanctuary - Right to Bodily Autonomy › § 2–1461.01. District government nonparticipation in interstate investigations and proceedings interfering with certain rights

§ 2–1461.01. District government nonparticipation in interstate investigations and proceedings interfering with certain rights.
(a) The District and its officers and employees acting in their official capacities shall not provide any information or expend or use time, money, facilities, property, equipment, personnel, or other resources in furtherance of any interstate investigation or proceeding seeking to impose civil or criminal liability upon any person for the following conduct, or for attempting, aiding, abetting, advising, facilitating, or intending or conspiring to achieve the following conduct, except to the extent that such conduct would be prohibited under District law:
(1) Receiving or seeking an abortion or contraception;
(2) Performing or inducing an abortion with the voluntary consent of the pregnant person;
(3) Engaging in sexual conduct;
(4) Providing contraception to an entity or to an individual with that individual's voluntary consent;
(5) Using contraception;
(6) Entering into or remaining in a living arrangement, marriage, domestic partnership, or civil union; or
(7) Providing, consenting to, receiving, or facilitating gender-affirming care.
(b) A person claiming to be aggrieved by a violation of this section shall have a cause of action in any court of competent jurisdiction for damages and such other remedies as may be appropriate. An action pursuant to this subsection shall be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction within 2 years of the violation, or the discovery of the violation.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the term:
(1) "Contraception" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 2-1401.02(4A).
(2) "Domestic partnership" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 2-1401.02(7B).
(3) "Gender-affirming care" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 2-1401.02(12A).
(4) "Living arrangement" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 2-1401.02(15A).
(5) "Person" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 2-1401.02(21).
(Feb. 23, 2023, D.C. Law 24-257, § 101, 69 DCR 14641.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14A - Human Rights Sanctuary - Right to Bodily Autonomy › § 2–1461.02. Private right of action for use of courts to interfere with exercise in the District of certain rights

§ 2–1461.02. Private right of action for use of courts to interfere with exercise in the District of certain rights.
(a) A person who has had a judgment entered against him or her, in any jurisdiction, where liability is based in whole or in part on the person's alleged conduct of a type identified in § 2-1461.01(a), including under any theory of vicarious, joint, several or conspiracy liability, shall have a cause of action and may recover damages from any party that brought the action leading to that judgment or that has sought to enforce that judgment.
(b) Recoverable damages under this section shall include:
(1) Just damages created by the action that led to that judgment, including money damages in the amount of the judgment and costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney's fees spent in defending the action that resulted in the entry of a judgment in another jurisdiction; and
(2) Costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in bringing an action under this section, as may be allowed by the court.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to enable a court to vacate, render invalid, or otherwise disturb a judgment giving rise to an action under this section.
(d) The provisions of this section shall not create a cause of action based on a judgment entered in another jurisdiction that resulted from:
(1) An action founded in tort, contract, or statute for which a similar claim would exist under the laws of the District; or
(2) An action where no part of the acts that formed the basis for liability occurred in the District, the person subject to the earlier judgement does not reside or have its primary place of business in the District, and the injury caused by the judgement did not occur in the District.
(e) For the purposes of this section, the term "person" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 2-1401.02(21).
(Feb. 23, 2023, D.C. Law 24-257, § 102, 69 DCR 14641.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14B - Office of Racial Equity and Commission on Racial Equality, Social Justice, and Economic Inclusion › § 2–1471.01. Definitions

§ 2–1471.01. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term "racial equity" means the elimination of racial disparities such that race no longer predicts opportunities, outcomes, or the distribution of resources for residents of the District, particularly for persons of color and Black residents.
(Mar. 16, 2021, D.C. Law 23-181, § 101, 67 DCR 14390.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of, see § 101 of Racial Equity Achieves Results (REACH) Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-44, Mar. 24, 2021, 68 DCR 003448).
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 101 of Racial Equity Achieves Results (REACH) Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-521, Dec. 7, 2020, 67 DCR 14433).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 2 - Government Administration › Chapter 14B - Office of Racial Equity and Commission on Racial Equality, Social Justice, and Economic Inclusion › § 2–1471.03. Establishment of the Commission on Racial Equity, Social Justice, and Economic Inclusion

§ 2–1471.03. Establishment of the Commission on Racial Equity, Social Justice, and Economic Inclusion.
(a)(1) There is established a Council Commission on Racial Equity, Social Justice, and Economic Inclusion ("Commission") to advise the Council of the District of Columbia on matters of racial equity, social justice, and economic inclusion.
(2) The Commission shall consist of 5 members all appointed by the Chairman of the Council and who may be residents of the District of Columbia.
(3) Members of the Commission shall have the following qualifications:
(A) Knowledge of core racial equity concepts, including power and privilege, implicit bias, and structural or institutional racism;
(B) Extensive experience working with communities of color; and
(C) Demonstrated experience bringing a racial equity lens to their work, with a focus on identifying and overcoming or mitigating barriers to racial equity.
(4) The Commission shall examine issues of racial equity in governance in the District in its deliberations, identify best practices in other jurisdictions, and may undertake such other endeavors related to racial equity as it determines necessary to advise the Council. The Commission may also work with the Council's Racial Equity Office.
(5) The Council shall provide administrative support to the Commission and may provide other resources the Council determines are necessary.
(6) The Commission shall not engage in any lobbying of the Council.
(b) It is the sense of the Council that for Council Period 24, the Council should include in its rules the establishment of a Racial Equity Program to produce racial equity training materials, provide ongoing racial equity training for Council staff, and include a protocol for conducting Racial Equity Impact Assessments on legislation.
(Mar. 16, 2021, D.C. Law 23-181, § 103, 67 DCR 14390.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of, see § 103 of Racial Equity Achieves Results (REACH) Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-44, Mar. 24, 2021, 68 DCR 003448).
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 103 of Racial Equity Achieves Results (REACH) Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-521, Dec. 7, 2020, 67 DCR 14433).