The video of last night's meeting can be found here.
The synopsis is below:
Overview
The ANC 4B November Community Safety and Support Committee Meeting, led by Commissioner Tiffani Johnson, focused on the proposed SAFE Act (Bill 25-918), aimed at enhancing safety in rental properties, with a public hearing set for December 10th. Key discussions included the introduction of mandatory Security Assessments by the Department of Buildings for properties with five or more units, adjustments to the Property Maintenance Code, and the redefinition of nuisances related to gun crimes. Concerns were raised regarding potential cost implications for tenants and the necessary funding for implementation, alongside proposals for stricter accountability measures, including making certain recommendations mandatory and clarifying landlord liabilities. The meeting emphasized the importance of community input, encouraging all stakeholders to review the legislation and submit their testimonies by set deadlines, while the Office of the Attorney General was tasked with ensuring language accessibility and exploring enforcement strategies.
Introduction and Overview (09:56 - 22:45)
Commissioner Tiffani Johnson introduced the Community Safety and Support Committee meeting
Representatives from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) were invited to discuss Bill 25-918 (SAFE Act)
Public hearing for the bill scheduled for December 10th
Deadline to register for in-person/virtual testimony: December 6th, 5PM
Deadline for written testimony: December 20th, 5PM
SAFE Act Details (22:45 - 31:20)
SAFE Act aims to address safety concerns in rental properties
Current tool: Drug, Firearm, and Prostitution-Related Nuisance Act
SAFE Act proposes changes to Property Maintenance Code
Introduces Security Assessment requirement for buildings meeting certain triggers
Changes definition of nuisance regarding gun-related crimes
Security Assessments and Implementation (31:20 - 40:21)
Security assessments to be conducted by Department of Buildings (DOB)
Assessments will provide individualized recommendations
Concern raised about potential rent increases to offset security costs
Discussion on protecting domestic violence survivors during implementation
Legislation Scope and Agency Capacity (40:21 - 51:03)
SAFE Act primarily focuses on rental properties with 5+ units
DOB may need additional resources to implement the act
Potential collaboration with other agencies (DCRA, MPD) discussed
Concerns about fiscal impact and funding for FY26
Accountability and Enforcement (51:03 - 59:39)
Security assessment recommendations currently non-binding
Discussion on potential fine structure for non-compliance
Suggestion to make certain less costly recommendations mandatory
Consideration of landlord liability if recommendations are not implemented
Language Access and Community Input (01:00:13 - 01:14:45)
Question raised about translation of assessments into other languages
Suggestion to explicitly include Language Access Act compliance in the legislation
OAG encourages community members to testify at the hearing
Commissioner Johnson to submit written testimony in support of the legislation
Action items
Commissioner Tiffani Johnson
Submit written testimony in support of the SAFE Act legislation (01:07:51)
Community member
Review the legislation and submit testimony by December 20th or register to testify in person by December 6th (01:07:51)
Office of the Attorney General
Explore making certain less costly security recommendations mandatory (58:58)
Review potential enforcement mechanisms for landlords distributing assessments when asked (01:06:18)
Consider explicitly including Language Access Act compliance in the legislation (01:11:50)
Comentarios