B 26-0053 — Vacant to Vibrant to Amendment Act of 2025

General provisions.

“(a) The provisions of this section are solely for the purpose of providing a safe and convenient repository for a will.

The filing of a will with the registry shall not create any presumption as to the authenticity of the document, its signatures, or its admissibility in probate.

Adeposited will shall not be treated differently by the Probate Court solely because it has been deposited.

“(b) The Register of Wills shall not be liable for the loss of any document submitted to the registry.

“(c) The Register of Wills shall keep an index of all wills deposited under this chapter.

Ҥ 18-1002.

“(a) Beginning January 1, 2028, an original will may be deposited by a domiciliary testator, the testator’s agent, or the testator’s attorney, with the Register of Wills tofor besafekeeping. safely kept until delivered or disposed of as hereinafter provided.

The will shall be sealeddelivered and kept confidential by the Register of Wills, and shall not be deliveredopened, or opened except as provided in this section.

“(b) Upon payment of the required fee, the Register of Wills shall give a receiptreceipt. to the testator, the testator’s agent, or the testator’s attorney.

“(c) The will shall be enclosed in a sealed wrapper, which shall have endorsed on it “Will of,”of”, followed by:

“(2) The testator’s address;address in the District of Columbia;

and “(3) The name of the person or persons whom the testator ornominated testatrixin wishesthe will to serve as a personal representative upon the testatortestator’s ordeath.; testatrix’s death.

“(d)and “(4) The registertestator’s shallSocial endorseSecurity onnumber, theif sealedavailable. wrapper containing the will:

“(d) The Register of Wills shall endorse on the sealed wrapper containing the will:

ENGROSSED“(e)(1) ORIGINALExcept “(e)as Duringprovided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, during the lifetime of the testator, a deposited will may be delivered only to the testator or to a person authorized by the testator in writing to receive it.Aguardianit. or conservator may be allowed to examine a deposited will of a protected testator under procedures designed to maintain the confidential character of the document, to the extent possible, and to ensure that it will be resealed and kept on deposit after the examination.

“(f)“(2) TheIf a testator is adjudicated incapacitated or an investigation or proceeding has been initiated in accordance with § 22-931 et seq., or in accordance with Chapter 5 of Title 21, and the will shallwas bedeposited openedwith bythe registry less than one year from the Registeradjudication ofor Willsinvestigation, upona beingcourt-appointed informedguardian, conservator, guardian ad litem, or counsel in the ENROLLED ORIGINAL proceedings may be authorized to unseal and examine a deposited will of testator under procedures designed to maintain the deathconfidential character of the testator.document, to the extent possible, and to ensure that it will be resealed and kept on deposit after the examination.

TheIf Registerthe shall:will of an incapacitated testator has been deposited continuously for more than one year, the will cannot be unsealed without a court order.

“(1)“§ Open18-1003. the will;

“(2)Custodian Retainof the will asupon adeath depositedof willtestator. until it is offered for probate;

and“(a) “(3)Upon Keepnotification aof photographicthe copytestator’s ofdeath, the willRegister transmittedof elsewhereWills forshall: probate.

“(g)“(1) TheUnseal Register of Wills shall develop procedures to deliver a registered will to the probatewill; officer or Register of Wills for the county or state where the decedent is alleged to have resided at the time of death if, at the time of death, the decedent was not a resident of the District of Columbia.

“(h)“(2) TheDeliver Registerthe ofwill Willsto shallthe developProbate proceduresCourt for afiling testatorin oraccordance testator’swith agent§ to18-110. withdraw or replace a registered will during the lifetime of the testator.

“(i)“(b) TheIf provisionsthe testator was not a domiciliary of thisthe sectionDistrict areof solelyColumbia forat the purposetime of providingdeath, athe safeRegister andof convenientWills, repositoryupon order of the Probate Court, shall transfer the registered will to the probate officer or Register of Wills for athe will.county or state where the decedent is alleged to have been domiciled at the time of death.”.

The filing of a will with the Register of Wills shall not create any presumption as to the authenticity of the document or the signatures on the will, or its ENGROSSED ORIGINAL admissibility in probate.Adeposited will may not be treated differently by the Court solely because it has been deposited.

“(j) The Register of Wills shall not be liable for the loss of any document.

“(k) The Register of Wills shall keep an index of all wills deposited under this section.”.

104.121.

(a) For purposes of this subtitle, the term:

(3) “Eligible homeowner” means an owner (oror owners)owners who:

Official ENGROSSED ORIGINAL Code § 47-87047-811.05 and remains current on real property taxes that come due shall be considered current on District real property taxes for purposes of determining eligibility under this paragraph;

Official Code § 47–803(6).47 803(6).

105.122.

(a) The Department may offer single-family home rehabilitation grants to eligible homeowners to pay forfor: the following:

ENROLLED ORIGINAL (1)Accessibility modifications to adjust physical barriers within the property for persons with limited mobility or other physical impairment;

(2) Repairs toto, or replacement ofof, the roof;

or (6) Repairs toto, or replacement ofof, electrical, plumbing, or heating and cooling systems.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL (2)Any payments to contractors shall be made by the Department on behalf of eligible homeowners.

(c) The MayorMayor, shallpursuant issue rules to implement the provisions of this section in accordance with Title I of the District of ColumbiaAdministrative ProcedureAct,Procedure Act, approved October 21, 1968 (82 Stat.

Official Code § 2-501 et seq.).seq.), shall issue rules to implement the provisions of this section.

106.131.

“47-870.“47-811.05.

(2)Anew section 47-87047-811.05 is added to read as follows:

Ҥ 47-870.47-811.05.

“(1) “Eligible homeowner” means an owner (oror owners):owners who receives the homestead deduction pursuant to § 47-850 and:

“(A) WhoCan receivesdemonstrate thehardship; homestead deduction pursuant to § 47-850;

and“(B) “(i)Has Cana demonstratehousehold hardship;adjusted gross income that is less than $125,000, increased annually, beginning October 1, 2025, by the senior or disabled cost-of-living adjustment;

“(ii)provided, Has a household adjusted gross income that isif less than $125,000, increased annually, beginning October 1, 2025, by the senior or disabled cost-of-living ENGROSSED ORIGINAL adjustment (if the adjustment does not result in a multiple of $50, the adjustment shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50);$50;

“(iii)“(C) Has been determined to have a permanent and total disability by the Social SecurityAdministration, is receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance, is receiving disability annuities pursuant to the Railroad RetirementAct of 1974, approved October 16, 1974 (88 Stat.

or “(iv)“(D) Is 65 years of age or older.

“(2) “Tax liabilities” means both real property taxes that are delinquent and real ENROLLED ORIGINAL property taxes that are currently due but not yet delinquent.

“(A) Business improvementImprovement districtDistrict (BID)(“BID”) taxes;

“(B) Tax Increment Financing (TIF)(“TIF”) payments;

“(C) Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs);(“PILOTs”);

“(D) Southeast Water and Sewer (SEWS)(“SEWS”) assessments;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(1) Eligibility for a payment plan shall be based on the criteria set forth in the definition of “eligible homeowner” in subsection (a)(1) of this section;

“(2) Payment plans may be computed on a 12-month, 18-month, or 24-month basis.basis, and tax liabilities are to be paid in equal installments over the period agreed to in writing by the eligible homeowner pursuant to the terms of the payment plan;

Tax liabilities are to be paid in equal installments over the period agreed to in writing by the eligible homeowner pursuant to the terms of the payment plan;

“(4) Payments may be made by directACH debit from the eligible homeowner’s bank account to the District or by check or money order payable to the “DC Treasurer.”Treasurer”, Ifand, if there are insufficient funds for the debit or check, the eligible homeowner shall also be liable for a fee imposed by the District for the dishonored payment;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(9) While enrolled in a payment plan, an eligible homeowner shall remain current on real property taxes that come due;

“(10)(A)“(10) The Office of Tax and Revenue may declare an eligible homeowner in material breach of a payment plan if he or she fails to make the required payments;

provided, that a material breach may not be declared earlier than the sixty-fifth65th day from the agreed upon due date for a missed payment and the forty-fifth45th day from the mailing of a notice of risk of material breach;

“(B)An“(11)An eligible homeowner who has been declared in material breach of a payment plan may have his or her payment plan reinstated if he or she pays a lump sum equal to twice the regular monthly payment duedue, together with the missed payments as well as any payments currently due;

and “(11)ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(12) The Office of Tax and Revenue may declare an eligible homeowner in default if he or she has failed to cure a material breach within 45 days of the date the eligible homeowner is declared to be in material breach.breach, and, if an eligible homeowner is declared in default of a payment plan, such plan shall be void.

If“(c) anRequests eligiblefor homeownerreal isproperty declaredtax inpayment defaultplans ofto abe paymententered plan,into suchpursuant planto this section shall be nullmade andonline void.at MyTax.DC.gov.

“(c)The Requests for real property tax payment plans to be entered into pursuant to this section shall be made online at MyTax.DC.gov.he Office of Tax and Revenue shall provide a payment plan agreement confirmation to the eligible homeowner.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(2) The past-due date;

and “(9)Astatement that payments are to be remitted to the District electronically by direct debit or by check or money order payable to the “DC Treasurer.”Treasurer”, Paymentsthat payments made electronically will be withdrawn from the eligible homeowner’s account on the monthly payment due date.date, and that, if there are insufficient funds for the debit, the eligible homeowner also shall be liable for a fee imposed by the District for the dishonored payment.

If there are insufficient funds for the debit, the eligible homeowner shall also be liable for a fee imposed by the District for the dishonored payment.

The notice shall include a statement that the eligible ENGROSSED ORIGINAL homeowner is at risk of material breach, the entire amount required to cure the missed payment(s)payment or payments as well as any payments currently due, and a brief description of the consequences of a material breach.

“(2) If an eligible homeowner is declared to be in material breach of a payment plan, the Office of Tax and Revenue shall send a notice of material breach to the eligible homeowner that includes a clear statement that he or she has been declared in material breach, the date on which the material breach was declared, the entire amount required to cure the missed payment(s)payment or payments as well as any payments currently due and lump sum payments that may be required, and a clear statement that failure to make the required payment will result in default.”.

ENROLLED ORIGINAL (1) Subsection (a)(2) is amended to read as follows:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “The amount that you must pay to avoid the tax sale may be less than the total amount owed on the real property account.

“Payment to the “DC Treasurer” may be made online at MyTax.DC.gov or at a mailed (with payment coupon from tax bill) to the Office of Tax and Revenue, DC Government Real Property Taxes, P.O.

Box 718095, Philadelphia, PA19171-8095 (please write your square, suffixsuffix, and lot numbers on the check).

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FORASSISTANCE, INCLUDINGAHARDSHIP FORBEARANCE,AREAL PROPERTYTAX PAYMENT PLAN, OR FREE LEGAL SERVICES.

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “Hardship Forbearance.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “Additional Legal Services.

This amount may include fees or fines due to other DC agencies that ENGROSSED ORIGINAL have been certified to the Office of Tax and Revenue to be included in a tax sale pursuant to D.C.

“Payment to the “DC Treasurer” may be made online at MyTax.DC.gov or at a mailed (with payment coupon from tax bill) to the Office of Tax and Revenue, DC Government Real Property Taxes, P.O.

Box 718095, Philadelphia, PA19171-8095 (please write your square, suffixsuffix, and lot numbers on the check).

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “If payment is made less than 10 calendar days before [the last business day before tax sale], you must provide a copy of the receipt directly to the Office of Tax and Revenue in order to ensure that your property is removed from the tax sale.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “Do not mail your paid receipt.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “Additional Legal Services.

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(1)Adescription of predictive statistical models that could be used to identify properties at risk of becoming vacant or blighted, as well as the data sources and information technology infrastructure necessary to effectively implement these models;

and ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(3)An analysis and determination of the feasibility of utilizing proactive measures to enforce the District’s laws regarding registration and maintenance of vacant and blighted buildings.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(A)Advisory Neighborhood Commissions;

(a) Section 5 is(D.C. amended to read as follows:

“ForOfficial purposesCode of§ this42-3131.05) sectionsis 5amended throughto 21,read theas term:follows:

“(1)“Sec. “Active construction” means construction activity being performed pursuant to a valid building permit.

“(2)5. “Advisory Neighborhood Commission certification” means a resolution approved by a majority vote of an Advisory Neighborhood Commission in which a building is located requesting that the Mayor classify the building as vacant or blighted vacant.

Definitions.

“For purposes of sections 5 through 21, the term:

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(1) “Active construction” means construction activity being performed pursuant to a valid building permit.

“(2) “Advisory Neighborhood Commission certification” means a resolution approved by a majority vote of theAdvisory Neighborhood Commission in which a building is located requesting that the Mayor classify the building as vacant or blighted vacant.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(4) “Commercial unit” means a building, or a part of a building, zoned for commercial purposes under the zoning regulations of the District of Columbia.

“(5) “Dwelling unit” means a room,room or group of rooms forming a single unit,unit designed, or intended to be used, for living and sleeping, whether or not designed or intended for the preparation and eating of meals or to be under the exclusive control of the occupant.

The term “dwelling unit” shall not include a room,room or group of rooms forming a single unit,unit in a hotel or motel licensed in the District of Columbia, actively operating as a hotel or motel.

“(6) “Fit for occupancy” means ready for immediate occupancy by a tenant without more than minor cosmetic changes and meetsmeeting minimum standards for safety, sanitation, and habitability.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(i) Paid utility receipts for the specified period, executed lease agreements, or sales tax return;

“(9) “Owner” shall mean any person or entity who, alone or jointly or severally with others,others: meets either of the following criteria:

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(11) “Real property” shall have the same meaning as set forth in D.C.

“(12) “Related owners” or “related ownership” exists when a deduction for a loss from the sale or exchange of properties between taxpayers would be disallowed under section26 267U.S.C. of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approvedAugust 16, 1954 (68A Stat.

78;§ 267;

provided, that the exclusion under 26 U.S.C.

§ 267);267(a)(1) for a loss in a distribution in a complete liquidation shall not apply.

provided,“(13) that“Relative” themeans exclusiona underspouse, sectiondomestic 267(a)(1)partner, forsibling, aparent, lossgrandparent, inchild, aor distributiongrandchild, inor a completesibling’s liquidationchild, shallspouse, notor apply.domestic partner.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(13) “Relative” means a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild, or a sibling’s child, spouse, or domestic partner.

provided, thatthat, in the case of residential buildings, the Mayor determines that there is no resident for whom an intent to return and lawfully occupy the building can be shown.”.

Official Code § 42–3131.5a)42-3131.05a) is amended to read as follows:

“(a) Notice shall be deemed to be served properly on the date when mailed by first-class mail to the owner of record of the vacant building at the owner’s mailing address as updated in the real property tax records of the Office of Tax and Revenue, or when effectuated in the manner provided in D.C.section 3.

Official Code § 42-3131.03.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL (c)Anew Sectionsection 5b is added to read as follows:

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(b) When making a determination that a vacant building is a blighted vacant building, the Mayor shall consider the following:

“(2) Whether the vacant building is the subject of a condemnation proceeding before the Board offor the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(4) One or more windows, doors, or other means of entry are missing or boarded up;

“(8) Building shows visible signs of vandalismvandalism, such as graffiti;

Official Code § 42–3131.06)42-3131.06) is amended to read as follows:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(C) The name, street address, telephone number, and electronic mailing address of the owner of record;

and “(E)Asigned vacant building maintenance plan required pursuant to section 12.

On receiving an application for the initial registration or renewal of registration of a vacant building, ENROLLED ORIGINAL the Mayor shall thereafter inspect the building.

“(1) The application for registration contains all of the information required pursuant to subsection (a)(b) of this section.section;

and ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(3) The vacancy of the building will not:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(e)(1)After the initial designation of a property as vacant or blighted vacant, the Mayor shall not be required to perform additional inspections or surveys to sustain that classification.

ENROLLED ORIGINAL (e)Anew section 6a is added to read as follows:

Official Code § 47-812(b-10)47-812(b-10), if it is:

or ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(2)Authorized as exempt from realreal-estate estate taxes by the United States Department of State'sState’s Office of Foreign Missions on the basis of its use for diplomatic or consular purposes or for the official business of an international organization.

or “(C) Two tax years from the initial listing, offer, or advertisement of rent or sale for a commercial or mixedmixed-use use building;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(3) For a period not to exceed 3 tax years, the subject of a probate proceeding or the title is the subject of litigation (not including a foreclosure of the right of redemption action brought under Chapter 13Aof Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code).

The tax year in which the exemption under this paragraph commences is determined by the filing date of the applicable probate proceeding and/oror litigation;

or ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(6) For a period not to exceed 3 tax years, under active construction or undergoing active rehabilitation, renovation, or repair, and there is a valid active building permit to make the building fit for occupancy.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(c)(1)An owner may qualify for an exemption for substantial economic or personal hardship by presenting evidence of such hardship to the Mayor.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(2)Ahardship exemption pursuant to this subsection may be granted for a period not to exceed 2 tax years from the required registration date, subject to annual renewal on the basis of continuing extraordinary circumstances and substantial undue economic hardship.

“(e) If a vacant building is owned by the District of Columbia or its instrumentalities, it shall be subject to the registration requirements of this section 6 and the maintenance requirements of section 12, but not subject to the fee requirements of section 9, the fines and penalties collected under section 10, or the increased real property tax rates for vacant buildings set forth in D.C.

Official Code § 42–3131.07)42-3131.07) is repealed.

ENROLLED ORIGINAL (g) Section 9 (D.C.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(b) Fees for registration and renewal shall be as follows:

“(1) The initial registration fee shall be $350.$350;

and “(2) The renewal registration fee shall be $500.

Official Code § 42–3131.10)42-3131.10) is amended to read as follows:

“(a)(1) The failure of the owner of a vacant building to pay all required fees under section 9 after notice of the designation of the owner’s building as vacant, the determination of delinquency of registration or fee payment, the denial or revocation of registration, the filing by an owner of any false or misleading registration-related information, or the refusal of the owner of a vacant building to permit the Mayor to inspect the building shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the first violation, $2,500 for the second violation, and $5,000 for the third and subsequent violations.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(1) Charge the owner with failure to comply and enforce all applicable penalties under this act;

“(c) Civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as additional sanctions for any infraction of the provisions of sections 6, 7, 8, 9, or 12, pursuant to the Department of Consumer and RegulatoryAffairs Civil InfractionsAct of 1985, effective October 5, 1985 (D.C.

Official Code § 42–3131.11(b))42-3131.11(b)) is amended by striking the phrase “Department of Consumer and RegulatoryAffairs” and inserting the phrase “Department of Buildings” in its place.

Official Code § 42–3131.12)42-3131.12) is amended to read as follows:

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(a) The owner of a vacant building shall comply with the following maintenance requirements:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(2) Exterior walls shall be free of holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials;

“(6)All balconies, canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, and similar features shall be in good repair, anchored, safesafe, and sound;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(10) The structural members shall be free of deterioration and capable of safely bearing imposed dead and live loads;

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(2) Contact information for the person designated to manage and maintain the property;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(3)A copy of a letter or notice to properties abutting or immediately adjacent to the vacant building advising residents of the name and contact information of the person designated to manage and maintain the property;

and “(5)Any other information deemed necessary by the Mayor for purposes of effectuating this section.”.

“(2) Within 45 days after the date of the notice of final determination or within 45 days of the expiration of the time period set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection, an owner ENGROSSED ORIGINAL may file an appeal with the Real Property TaxAppeals Commission for the District of Columbia (“Real Property Tax Appeals Commission”) on the form prescribed by the Mayor;

provided, that the issuance of a notice of final determination or the failure of the Mayor to issue a notice of final determination within 60 days shall be a prerequisite to filing an appeal with the Real Property TaxAppealsTax CommissionAppeals forCommission. the District of Columbia.he Real Property TaxAppeals Commission may not extend the time to file an appeal.

“(c)AfterThe receiving a notice of appeal from an owner as required under subsection (b)(2) of this section, the Real Property TaxTaxAppeals Appeals Commission formay thenot Districtextend of Columbia shall provide by mail or electronic mail to theAdvisory Neighborhood Commission in which the vacanttime building is located, at least 15 days before any scheduled hearing on the appeal, the following information related to thefile buildingan atappeal. issue:

“(c)After receiving a notice of appeal from an owner as required under subsection (b)(2) of this section, the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission shall provide by mail or electronic mail to theAdvisory Neighborhood Commission in which the vacant building is located, at least days before any scheduled hearing on the appeal, the following information related to the building at issue:

ENROLLED ORIGINAL (l) Section 16 (D.C.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(a) No less than once a week, the Mayor shall transmit to the Office of Tax and Revenue a list of buildings:

Publication of vacant and blighted vacant building information by the Department.Department of Buildings.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(a) The Department of Buildings shall maintain, on a publicly available website, a database or list of vacant buildings.

(p)Anew(p) sectionNew sections 20 isand 21 are added to read as follows:

ENGROSSEDENROLLED ORIGINAL “(a) The Office of theAttorney General may, in the name of the District of Columbia, petition the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the appointment of a receiver to rehabilitate, demolish, or sell a vacant building, upon the occurrence of any of the following:

“(1) The vacant building is a nuisance property as defined in subsection (m)(n) of this section;

“(2) Evidence that the owner failed to comply with the vacant building maintenance requirements under section 1212, if applicable;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(4)A copy of the condemnation order issued by the Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings, if applicable;

“(2) Within 30 days after the date on which the notice was mailed, a judgment creditor or lien holder with a recorded interest in the property may apply to intervene in the ENGROSSEDENROLLED ORIGINAL proceeding and to be appointed a receiver.Acreditor or lien holder whose interest is not recorded does not have standing to intervene in the proceeding and is not eligible to be appointed a receiver.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(B) In the event that the court revokes the person’s appointment and appoints a receiver, the bond posted pursuant to paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection shall be applied to the subsequently appointed receiver’s expenses for rehabilitating, demolishing, or selling the building.

“(3)Areceiver appointed to rehabilitate, demolish, or sell a vacant building has no dutyduty, to, and is not personally liable for failingfailing, to,to maintain the property or protect the property from casualty or loss.

ENGROSSEDENROLLED ORIGINAL “(2) Borrow money for rehabilitation or demolition from an approved lending institution or through a government agency or program, using the receiver’s lien against the property as security;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(A) The applicants or proposed buyer have financial resources available to rehabilitate the property;

The receiver shall allow the Office of theAttorney General’s costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’sattorneys’fees, fees, to be paid to the extent that proceeds of a sale permit.

ENGROSSEDENROLLED ORIGINAL “(2)Areceiver may foreclose on the lien by a sale of the building at a public auction.After deducting the expenses of the sale, the receiver must apply the proceeds of the sale to the liens against the building, in order of priority.

In lieu of foreclosure, and only if the receiver has rehabilitated the building, an owner may pay the receiver’s costs, fees, including attorney’sattorneys’fees, fees, and expenses or may transfer all ownership in the property to either the receiver or an agreed-on third party for an amount agreed to by all parties to the receivership as being the property’s fair market value.

and ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(2) HaveHave: either:

and “(B) If the receiver will rehabilitate or demolish properties, have demonstrated experience and capacity tovelopto develop and supervise a viable financial and construction plan for the rehabilitation or demolition of residential or commercial properties.

or “(2)Aviolation of the property maintenance code (12G DCMR § 101G et seq.) remains unabated for at least 30 days after the issuance of a final order by the Office of Administrative Hearings.”.Hearings.

(q)Anew section 21 is added to read as follows:

The proposed rules shall be submitted to the Council for a ENGROSSEDENROLLED ORIGINAL 45-day period of review, excluding days of Council recess.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(iv) The Department of Buildings shall have the authority, as provided to OTR under subsection (f) of this section, to make redeterminations of vacancy and blight and any reclassifications that may be necessary.

“(v) The Department of Buildings shall be entitled to a rehearing to establish the proper status, vacant or blight, and tax classification of the real property under the same conditions and to the same extent as under paragraph (6) of this subsection;

ENROLLED ORIGINAL TITLE III.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL Sec.

(a) The Construction CodesApproval andAmendmentsAct of 1986, effective March 21, 1987 (D.C.

“(a) No later than 180 days after the effectiveapplicability date of thethis Vacantsection, to Vibrant Amendment Act of 2025, as introduced on January 13, 2025 (Bill 26-53), the Department shall establish an expedited permit review process for permits described in subsection (b) of this section;

provided, that the expedited permit review process shall only apply to permits for Class 3 and Class 4 properties registered as vacant.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(c) The Department shall not charge additional fees beyond the standard permit fees for eligible applicants to utilize the expedited permit review process established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.”.

“(b-13)(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the sum of the real property tax rates and special property tax rates for taxable Class 3 propertiesProperties in the District of Columbia for the tax year beginning October 1, 2027, and each tax year thereafter, shall be as follows:

ENGROSSEDENROLLED ORIGINAL “(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the sum of the real property tax rates and special real property tax rates for taxable Class 4 Properties in the District of Columbia for the tax year beginning October 1, 2027, and each year thereafter, shall be as follows:

“(3) The Department of Buildings, when certifying real properties to OTRthe Office of Tax and Revenue as vacant or blighted vacant under § 42-3131.16, shall further delineate the applicable tax rate for the applicable half tax year for each real property.

“(4) For purposes of determining the applicable tax rate under paragraphs (1) or (2) of this subsection, an exemption period or period during which real property was not properly classified shall be counted as years during which a property was registered or designated as vacant or designated as blighted vacantvacant, if:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(A) The real property receives an exemption from the tax rates established by this subsection pursuant to § 42–3131.06a(b),42-3131.06a(b), and:

or “(ii) The applicable exemption period expires and the property remains vacant or blighted vacant;

(1) Subsection (c-9) is amended to read as follows:

(A) Paragraph (2)(2)(A) is amended as follows:

(i) Subparagraph (A) is amended to read as follows:

or “(ii) Real property or a portion of real property for which a raze permit, a demolition permit, a sheeting and shoring permit, or a building permit has been issued:

ENGROSSED“(I) ORIGINALIn “(I)order Toto construct a new improvement for predominantly nontransient residential dwelling purpose;

or ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(II) To substantially rehabilitate that portion or all of an existing improvement for exclusively nontransient residential dwelling purposes.”.

(ii) Subparagraph (C) is amended by striking the phrase “designated as” and inserting the phrase “designated solely as” in its place.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL (A) Paragraph (4A) is amended by striking the phrase “under § 42- 3131.16 or § 42-3131.17” and inserting the phrase “under § 42-3131.16” in its place.

(B) Paragraph (5)(A-i)(5)(A-i), is(B), and (C) are amended to read follows:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(ii) Whenever improved real property that appears on a list compiled under § 42-3131.16 shall cease to be Class 3 or Class 4 Property, the owner shall notify the Department of Buildings within 30 days after the change in the manner as may be prescribed by the Mayor.

If the request for a change in classification is approved, the change in classification of the real property from Class 3 or Class 4 Property shall be retroactive to the half ENROLLED ORIGINAL tax year when the Department of Buildings was so notified.

“(d-3)(1) If real property changes classification to Class 1AProperty as defined in subsection (c-9)(2)(A)(ii) during the period:period of:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(A) October 1 through March 31 of the tax year, the newly reclassified Class 1AProperty, or the portion thereof used exclusively for residential purposes if already improved or assessed under § 47-829, shall be taxed at the Class 1AProperty tax rate for the entire tax year;

“(4) If change in classification to Class 1AProperty as defined in subsection (c- 9)(2)(A)(ii) of this section is determined to be erroneous because the real property was not put to predominantly residential use by the earlier of either the issuance of any new or amended certificate of occupancy (temporary or permanent) for any part of the improvement thereon, or 3 years from issuance of the building permit, or the building permit expired and was not renewed ENGROSSED ORIGINAL within one year, the Chief Financial Officer shall reclassify and tax the real property without limitation for each tax year or half tax year in which the real property was improperly classified as Class 1AProperty, subject only to subsection (d-1)(5)(A-i) of this section, if the property is determined to be Class 3 Property or Class 4 Property, or subsection (d-2) of this section.

“(5) Within 45 days from the date of the notice of denial of Class 1AProperty reclassification under this subsection, the owner may petition for an administrative review of the ENROLLED ORIGINAL rescission or denial and appeal from a final determination thereof to the same extent as if the appeal were filed under § 47-825.01a(d)(2).

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL SUBTITLE C.

(a)he(a) The table of contents is amended by adding thea followingnew atsubchapter thedesignation end:to read as follows:

Pre-foreclosurePre-complaint action notice;

Defendants.Parties;

service of process.

ServiceNotice ofby process.publication.

“(1A) “Class 3 property” shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 47–813(c-47-813(c- 9)(4)(A).

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(1B) “Class 4 property” shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 47–813(c-47-813(c- 9)(5)(A).”.

(2)Anew(2) Paragraph (4A) is redesignated as Paragraph (4B) (3)Anew paragraph (9)(4A) is added to read as follows:

“(9)“(4A) “Interested party” means any person having an interest in real property:

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(C) Who is holder of a beneficial interest in a deed of trust recorded against the property;

(c) Section 47-1332(c) is amended to read as follows:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(1)Aforbearance authorization has been approved in writing by the Mayor for the applicable tax sale;

“(2) The owner enters into a payment plan pursuant to § 47-87047-811.05 prior to the date of the tax sale;

(d)(d)Anew New subchapter V is added to read as follows:

“Sec.“§ 47-1390.

47-1390.

“(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Office of theAttorney General (“Office”) shall file a complaint with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to foreclose the right of redemption for a Class 3 or 4 property for which there is a real property tax delinquency after:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(1) The expiration of one year from the date of delinquency;

“(b) The Office of theAttorney General may decline to file a complaint with Superior CourtCourt, or may dismiss a pending complaint, if the Office ascertains, through application by an interested party:party or pursuant to the Office’s own review and investigation, that:

“(1)ENROLLED PaysORIGINAL “(1)An interested party paid the amount set forth in the pre-complaint notice provided pursuant to § 47-1391;

“(2)“(2)An Provesinterested party proves that the real property identified in the pre-complaintpre- complaint notice provided pursuant to § 47-1391 meets the definition of occupied in § 42–3131.05(8)(A);42- 3131.05(8)(A);

or“(3)An “(3)interested Proves:party proves:

or “(B) That the mailing address of the person who last appears as the record owner of the real property on the tax roll, as properly updated by the record owner by the filing of a change of address with the Office of Tax and Revenue in accordance with § 42-405, was not correctly or substantively updated by the Office of Tax and Revenue notwithstanding proper filing.filing;

“Sec.“(4) The foreclosure would result in substantial personal and economic hardship;

47-1391.“(5)An interested party has the intent and ability to return and occupy, rehabilitate, or sell the property within one year’s time;

or “(6) Proceeding with the foreclosure would not be in the best interest of the District, including because it would delay the Office’s ability to timely pursue foreclosure litigation on other nuisance properties.

(c)After declining to file a complaint or dismissing a complaint pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall publish notice of the action in the District of Columbia Register.

The notice shall contain the name of the owner, the address of the property, and the date on which the exemption from immediate sale was approved or the date on which the pending complaint was dismissed.

Ҥ 47-1391.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(a)(1)(A) No less than 90 days prior to the filing of a complaint with the Court pursuant to § 47-1392, the Mayor shall send written notice to the owner or owners of record of the property at such owner’s mailing address as updated in OTR’sthe Office of Tax and Revenue’s real property records.

The notice shall also contain the amount of real property tax due as of the day of the notice,notice and state that the owner may enter into a real property tax payment plan pursuant to § 47-87047-811.05 or pay the amount due, together with any additional interest and penalties, which may be owed prior to the filing date to halt the filing of a complaint pursuant to § 47-1392.

“(b)At any time after 60 days from the mailing of the notice required by subsection (a) of this section, the Mayor shall cause to be advertised once in not lessfewer than 2 newspapers of ENROLLED ORIGINAL general circulation in the District that are published once every 2 weeks, notice that the listed property will be subject to foreclosure proceedings due to delinquent real property taxes.

“Sec.“§ 47-1392.

47-1392.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(B) The names and last known addresses of all interested parties with an interest in the property and, if applicable, a statement that the address of a particular interested party is unknown;

“Sec.“§ 47-1393.

47-1393.Parties;

Parties.service of process.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(b)(1) Each interested party with an interest in the property shall be named as a defendantdefendant. in the complaint and shall be identified, located, and served with process as specified in § 47-1394.

“(3) Other than the methods described in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the District is not required to conduct any further investigations or to search any additional record to ascertain an address for a defendant.defendant prior to filing the complaint and undertaking the publication and notice as specified in § 47-1394.

“(c)“(c)(1) WhenNotice theto owner of a realdefendant propertymay cannot be reasonablymade ascertained,in theany unknownother ownermanner tothat theresults propertyin mayactual benotice includedof asthe apendency defendantof by the followingaction. designation:

“UnknownENROLLED ownerORIGINAL “(2) If notice is made pursuant to this subsection, the Office of (identifytheAttorney General shall file an affidavit with the natureCourt certifying the notice with a description of the interest:method of service used and the time of service.

fee“(d) simple,When leasehold, or reversionary) interest in the propertyowner (giveof a descriptionreal of the property incannot substantiallybe thereasonably sameascertained, form as the descriptionunknown thatowner appearsto on the pre-complaintproperty notice),may thebe unknownincluded owner'sas heirs,a devisees,defendant andby personalthe representativesfollowing anddesignation: their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title, and interest.”.

ENGROSSED“Unknown ORIGINAL “(d)Any complaint filed pursuant to § 47-1392 against an unknown owner shallof attach[identify to it an affidavit by the personnature makingof the searchinterest: stating at a minimum:

fee simple, leasehold, or reversionary] interest in the property [give a description of the property in substantially the same form as the description that appears on the pre-complaint notice], the unknown owner’s heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title, and interest.

“(e)Any complaint filed pursuant to § 47-1392 against an unknown owner shall attach to it an affidavit by the person making the search stating at a minimum that:

ServiceNotice ofby process.publication.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(3) The date specified in paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection may not be less than 60 days from the issuance of the order of publication.

“(InsertENROLLED ORIGINAL “[Insert description of property in substantially the same form as the description that appears in the complaint.)complaint.] “The complaint states that the property has been registered or designated as vacant or designated as blighted vacant and taxed as Class 3 or Class 4, taxes are delinquent, and the real property has not been redeemed.

“It is thereupon this...this ...

day of...., 20.., by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in the District of Columbia, once a week for 3 successive weeks, notifying all persons interested in the real property appear in this Court by the .......

day of.....,of...., 20...,20.., and redeem the real property by payment of $...

or answer the complaint or, thereafter, a final judgment will be ENGROSSED ORIGINAL entered foreclosing the right of redemption in the real property and vesting in the District a title in fee simple.

“(b)(1) Upon issuance of the order of publication pursuant to subsection (b)(a) of this section, the Office of theAttorney General shall send a copy of the order to each defendant, at the defendant’s last known address, by first class or certified mail, postage prepaid.

“(c)(1)“§ Notice47-1395. to a defendant may be made in any other manner that results in actual notice of the pendency of the action.

“(2) If notice is made pursuant to this subsection, the Office of theAttorney General shall file an affidavit with the Court certifying the notice with a description of the method of service used and the time of service.

“Sec.

47-1395.

“(2) The hearing described in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall occur at least 30 days after the filing of the complaint and 60 days from the date of the order of publication.

“Sec.“§ 47-1396.

47-1396.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(a)(1) In the event that no interested party provides an answer,answer oror, if after a hearing on the pleadings and affidavits, the Court finds that the Office of theAttorney General sent notice and a copy of the complaint to each interested party, service of process and other notice requirements have been met, and the information set forth in the complaint is accurate, the Court shall enter a judgment finding:

and “(B) The real property has been registered or designated as vacant or designated as blighted vacant and taxed as Class 3 or Class 4;

“(b) The judgment entered pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be final and conclusive on all defendants, their heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and they, or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, assigns, or successors in right, title, or interest ENROLLED ORIGINAL shall be bound by the judgment as if they had been named in the action and personally served with process.

“Sec.“§ 47-1397.

47-1397.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(1) Convey the property to a land bank;

“(1) In not lessfewer than 2 newspapers of general circulation in the District that are published once every 2 weeks, the Mayor shall publish a public notice stating the listed real property will be sold at public auction and at the place named in the public notice;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(A) He or she has the financial resources available to rehabilitate the property;

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(7) If the highest bid for a property sold pursuant to this subsection exceeds the amount of taxes due on the real property, the excess must be refunded, following payment of any recorded liens, to the owner of the record of the property.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(8)After payment is received, the Mayor shall issue a deed for any property purchased by a bidder at a sale held pursuant to this section.

Chapter 18 of Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended as follows:

(a) The table of contents is amended by adding a new chaptersubchapter designation to read as follows:

“19.“Subchapter XIX.

Vacant and Blighted Property Rehabilitation Credit.” (b)Anew“47-1819.01. chapter 19 is added to read as follows:

“CHAPTER 19.

VACANTAND BLIGHTED PROPERTY REHABILITATION CREDIT.

“47-1819.01.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “47-1819.02.

Credit Established.established.

“47-1819.03.Annual Cap.cap.

“47-1819.04.Application and Mayoral Certification.certification.”.

“Sec.(b)Anew subchapter XIX is added to read as follows:

47-1819.01.“Subchapter XIX.

Vacant and Blighted Property Rehabilitation Credit.

Ҥ 47-1819.01.

“For purposes of §§ 47–1819.0147-1819.01 through 47-1819.04, the term:

“(2) “Class 3 property” shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 47–813(c-47-813(c- 9)(4)(A).

“(3) “Class 4 property” shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 47–813(c-47-813(c- 9)(5)(A).

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(4) “Eligible development costs” means amounts paid or incurred by an eligible taxpayer after December 31, 20262026, for the acquisition, construction, substantial rehabilitation, demolition of structures located on, or environmental remediation of an eligible property.

and ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(B) Located in a qualifying census tract as determined by the Mayor as of the date of the application pursuant to § 47–1819.04.47-1819.04.

“(6) “Eligible taxpayer” means a taxpayer certified by the Mayor pursuant § 47–47- 1819.04(b) as eligible to claim the credit established under this chapter.subchapter.

“Sec.“§ 47-1819.02.

47-1819.02.

“(a) For tax years beginning after December 31, 2026, there is established a District of Columbia vacant and blighted home revitalization tax credit that may be claimed against taxes imposed under chapter 18 of this title.chapter.

“(b) The amount of the credit shall be 50% of the eligible development costs as certified by the Mayor to the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to § 47–1819.04(b).47-1819.04(b).

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(c) The credit may exceed the tax liability under this chapter18chapter, of this title, including any minimum tax due under §§ 47-1807.02(b) or 47-1808.03(b), for that taxable year and shall be refundable to the eligible taxpayer, including an organization exempt under § 47–47–1802.01(a)(3) 1802.01(a)(3) from taxation under chapter 18 of this title.chapter.

“(1) Has been approved and certified by the Mayor to the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to § 47–1819.04:47-1819.04:

“Sec.“§ 47-1819.03.Annual cap.

47-1819.03.“The Mayor may approve up to $2,000,000 in credits under this subchapter each fiscal year.

AnnualҤ Cap.47-1809.04.Application and Mayoral certification.

“TheENROLLED MayorORIGINAL may“(a) approveBefore upa totaxpayer $2,000,000may inclaim creditsa undercredit pursuant this chaptersubchapter, eachthe fiscaltaxpayer year.must apply to the Mayor requesting approval.

“Sec.“(b) If a taxpayer’s application is approved in accordance with this subchapter, the Mayor shall certify to the Chief Financial Officer the following on before December 1 of the calendar year following the end of the fiscal year in which the credit was approved:

47-1809.04.

Application and Mayoral certification.

“(a) Before a taxpayer may claim a credit pursuant this chapter, the taxpayer must apply to the Mayor requesting approval.

“(b) If a taxpayer’s application is approved in accordance with this chapter, the Mayor shall certify to the Chief Financial Officer the following on before December 1 of the calendar year following the end of the fiscal year in which the credit was approved:

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(3) That the eligible taxpayer’s application in accordance with this section was approved;

Subchapter III of Chapter 8 of Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended by adding new sections 47-861.01 through 47-861.04 to read as follows:

“Sec.(a) The table of contents is amended by adding new section designations to read as follows:

47-861.01.“47-861.01.

“47-861.02.

Tax abatements for the redevelopment of vacant and blighted commercial properties – Requirements.

“47-861.03.

Tax abatements for the redevelopment of vacant and blighted vacant commercial properties –Abatement period, abatement amount, and caps.

“47-861.04.

Tax abatements for the redevelopment of vacant and blighted commercial properties – Rules.

(b) New sections 47-861.01, 47-861.02, 47-861.03, and 47-861.04 are added to read as follows:

Ҥ 47-861.01.

Tax abatements for the redevelopment of vacant and blighted commercial properties – Definitions.

ENGROSSEDENROLLED ORIGINAL “(3) “Eligible development costs” means amounts paid or incurred for construction, substantial rehabilitation, demolition of structures, or environmental remediation of an eligible property.

“Sec.“§ 47-861.02.

47-861.02.

“(1) Eligible development costs exceed $1.5 million.million;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(2) The property owner, or its designee or assignee, demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Mayor that the abatement shall materially assist the redevelopment project and the redevelopment project would not go forward without the abatement.abatement;

“(3) The property owner, or its designee or assignee, enters into an agreement with the District that requires the owner, or its designee or assignee, to, at a minimum, contract with certified business enterprises for at least 35% of the contract dollar volume of the construction of the project, in accordance with § 2-218.46.2-218.46;

“(4) The property owner, or its designee or assignee, executes a First Source Agreement for the construction and operation of the project.project;

“(5) The property owner, or its designee or assignee, requests a letter from the Mayor stating that the proposed redevelopment project is eligible for the tax abatement, setting forth the expected amount of the abatement, as determined pursuant to § 47-861.03(a), and reserving that amount for the project.project;

and “(6) The Mayor transmits to the owner the eligibility and reservation letter requested under paragraph (5) of this subsection, subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the Mayor and subject to the adjustment of the abatement amount based on the certifications provided for in § 47-860.03(a) and the abatement cap set forth in § 47-861.03(b).

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(c) The Mayor shall transmit to OTRthe Office of Tax and Revenue (“OTR”) a copy of each eligibility and reservation letter transmitted by the Mayor to an owner pursuant to subsection (a)(5)(a)(6) of this section.

ENROLLED ORIGINAL “(d)An abatement of the tax otherwise imposed under this chapter shall not be provided for a property for which an eligibility and reservation letter was transmitted by the Mayor pursuant to subsection (a)(5)(a)(6) of this section if the project whichthat was the basis upon which the eligibility and reservation letter was issued has not received a certificate of occupancy within 24 months after the date the eligibility and reservation letter was transmitted;

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “(E) The commencement date of the abatement;

and “(F)Any other information that OTR shall require to administer the abatement.

The notice shall be written,written and shall identify the ineligible property, the date that the property became ineligible, and any other information required by OTR to terminate the abatement.

“Sec.“§ 47-861.03.

47-861.03.

“(2) Two-thirds of the applicable tax in each of the seventh7th and eighth8th tax years following the tax year during which a certification of tax abatement is issued pursuant to § 47-47-860.02(e); 860.02(e);

and “(3) Three-quarters of the applicable tax in each of the ninth9th and tenth10th tax years following the tax year during which a certification of tax abatement is issued pursuant to § 47- 860.02(e).

ENGROSSEDENROLLED ORIGINAL “(b) The total amount of tax abatements the Mayor may approve or certify under § 47- 860.02 in each fiscal year, including amounts certified in prior years, shall be capped at the following amounts, subject to the availability of funding:

“(1) For fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029, up to $2,500,000$2,500,000; million;

“Sec.“§ 47-861.04.

47-861.04.

ENGROSSED ORIGINAL “The MayorMayor, shall, pursuant to Subchapter§ I2-501 ofet Chapterseq., 5shall of Title 2, issue rules to implement §§ 47-861.01 through 47-861.03.”.

(a) ThisSections 104, 105, 106, 202(j), 202(p), 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305 of this act shall apply upon the date of inclusion of itstheir fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan.

(2) The date of publication of the notice of the certification shall not affect the applicability of the provisions identified in subsection (a) of this act.section.

The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement inof the committeeBudget reportDirector as the fiscal impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative ProceduresAct of 1975, approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat.

ENROLLED ORIGINAL Sec.

This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the ENGROSSED ORIGINAL Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto) and a 30-day period of congressional review as provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home RuleAct, approved December 24, 1973, (87 Stat.

86___________________________________ Chairman Council of the District of Columbia _________________________________ Mayor District of Columbia 45