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DC Emergency Legislation Recap -- Passed on 4/7/2020
The DC Council introduced additional Emergency Legislation intended to address shortfalls from the initial Emergency Legislation, however there are still issues that are not addressed in this second bill, and we will continue to work with the Council to make sure our industry’s needs are met. One of the main issues that was removed from the legislation due to fiscal impact addresses much needed support for undocumented workers through a parallel UI process and a grant program. This is an issue we will continue to advocate for, and the Council has committed to continuing discussions to support this community in clear need of relief.
Both Mayor Bowser and Chairman Mendelson addressed that the DC government will need to cut $600 million for this year, an additional $600 million in the upcoming budget with overall spending at 2017 levels. Outlined below are pertinent issues addressed in the legislation.
Paid Leave: The DC Paid Leave law was amended to be in line with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Businesses with between 50 and 499 employees must offer 2 weeks of paid leave for reasons outlined in the FFCRA.
Under FFCRA employers with less than 50 employees are eligible for a hardship exemption that must be demonstrated by meeting the criteria laid out by the Department of Labor showing that the viability of your business will be jeopardized if paid leave is provided.
Mortgage relief available for Commercial Landlords: Allows for 90-day mortgage deferrals that must be passed through to commercial tenants.
- A landlord receiving a mortgage deferral on a property that has a commercial tenant shall reduce the rent charged to the commercial tenant proportional to the reduced mortgage.
- Mortgages are to develop programs which: (1) Grant at least a 90-day deferment of mortgage payments for borrowers; (2) Permanently waives any late fee, processing fee, or any other fees accrued during the public health emergency; and (3) Does not report to a credit bureau any delinquency or other derogatory information that occurs as a result of the deferral.
ANC Protest Period for ABC Licenses: The 45 calendar day protest period for ANCs to protest an ABC license changed to 60 calendar days during any public health emergency declared by the Mayor.