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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
AN ACT
.C.ACT 26-344
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
JUNE 25, 2026
To amend TitleIof theAttorneyGeneralforthe Districtof Columbia Clarificationand Elected
Term Amendment Actof 2010 toauthorizetheuseofinterrogatoriesininvestigations;to
amend theAbuse, Neglect,and FinancialExploitationof VulnerableAdultsand the
ElderlyAct of 2000 toclarifythatinjunctivereliefmay includeaffirmativeaction;and to
amend Chapter39of Title 28of theDistrictof Columbia OfficialCode toclarifyits
applicationand provideenhanced remediestosecurecompliance,toauthorizefines,
costs,andfeesforfailuretofullycomplywithaninvestigativesubpoena,toclarifythat
FederalTradeCommissionprecedentsshouldbeinterpretedinamannermostfavorable
toconsumers,tograntadditionalconsumerprotectionenforcementauthoritytothe
Department of Licensingand Consumer Protection,to clarifythattheOfficeof
AdministrativeHearingshasjurisdictionoverappealsofactiontakenbytheDepartment
of Licensingand Consumer Protection,toclarifythatunlawfuland abusivetrade
practicesareprohibited,toprovidethatoverchargingconsumersforgoodsandservices,
failuretopostthepriceof goods,servicesand merchandise,and thefailuretocomply
with constructionindustrystandardsareunfairand deceptivetradepractices,toprohibit
retaliationforconsumercomplaintsandaidingandabettingprohibitedtradepractices,to
clarifycomplaintprocedures,toexpresslyauthorizeassetfreezesasinjunctiverelief,to
setmandatory minimum penaltiesforviolationsand recoveryof costs and feesfor
enforcementandinvestigativemeasuresinAttormeyGeneralactions,torequire
confidentialityagreementsandprotectiveordersenteredintobytheAttorneyGeneralto
permitsharingconfidentialdocumentswithlawenforcementagenciesabidingbythe
agreementorprotectiveorder,toauthorizetheuseofinterrogatoriesininvestigations,to
specifythatservicemaybemadebyanymethodreasonablycalculatedtogiveactual
notice,toallowuseofsworninvestigativestatementsforperjuryprosecutions,andto
allowtheMayortoissuerulesconcerningtheDepartmentofLicensingandConsumer
Protectionand theAttorneyGeneralto issueany otherrulesnecessaryto carryoutthe
chapter.
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
actmay be citedas the“Enhancing Consumer ProtectionProceduresAmendment Act of 2026”.
Sec.2.TitleI of theAttorneyGeneralfortheDistrictof Columbia Certificationand
ElectedTerm Amendment Actof 2010,effectiveMay 27,2010 (D.C.Law 18-160;D.C. Official
Code§1-301.81etseq.),isamendedasfollows:
(a)Section108d (D.C.OfficialCode § 1-301.88d)isamended toreadas follows:
“Sec.108d.Authoritytoissuesubpoenasininvestigationofconsumerprotectionmatters.
“(a)Inan investigationintounfair,deceptive,unconscionable,or fraudulenttrade
practicesbyorbetweenamerchantorconsumer,asdefinedinD.C.OfficialCode§28-3901,the
AttomeyGeneral,ortheAttorneyGeneral’sdesignee,may:
“(1)Subpoenaindividualsorcorporaterepresentatives;
“(2)Administeroaths;
“(3)Examineindividualsorcorporaterepresentativesunderoath;
“(4)Requireswornanswersinwritingtowritteninterrogatories;or
(5)Compelproductionofrecords,books,papers,contracts,andother
documents,verifiedby a sworn certificateof completion.
*(b)Subpoenasorinterrogatoriesissuedpursuanttosubsection(a)ofthissectionorD.C.
OfficialCode § 28-3910 shallcontainthefollowing:
“(1)Thenameofthepersonfromwhomtestimonyissoughtorthedocumentsor
materialsrequested;
“(2)The personattheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneraltowhom thedocuments
shallbeprovided;
(3)A detailedlistofthespecificdocuments,books,papers,ofobjectsbeing
requested,ifany;
“(4)Thedate,time,andplacethattherecipientistoappeartogivetestimonyor
producethematerialsspecifiedunderparagraph(3)ofthissubsection,orboth;
“(5)A short,plainstatementoftherecipient’srightsandtheprocedurefor
enforcingandcontestingthesubpoena:and
*(6)ThesignatureoftheAttorneyGeneral,ortheAttorneyGeneral’sdesignee,
approvingthesubpoenarequest.
“(c)UnlessotherwisepermittedbytheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral,onlyattorneysfor
theOfficeoftheAttomeyGeneralandtheirstaff,otherpeopleinvolvedintheinvestigation,the
witnessunderexamination,hisorherattorney,interpreterswhenneeded,and,forthepurposeof
takingtheevidence,astenographeroroperatorofa recordingdevicemaybepresentduringthe
takingoftestimony.
“(d)Inthecaseofrefusaltocomplyfullywithasubpoenaorinterrogatoriesissuedunder
thissection,theAttorneyGeneralmay petitiontheSuperiorCourtof the Districtof Columbia for
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
anorderrequiringcompletecomplianceand,whereappropriate,imposingafinepayabletothe
District.Inassessinganyfineforincompleteorinadequatecompliancewiththesubpoena,the
courtshallconsidertheincome and assetsof thepersonor entitybeingfinedtoensurethatthe
monetaryfinemeaningfullydetersinadequatecompliance.Anyfailuretoobeytheorderofthe
courtmaybetreatedbythecourtascontempt.
*(e)Anypersontowhomasubpoenahasbeenissuedunderthissectionorpursuantto
D.C.OfficialCode§28-3910mayexercisetheprivilegesenjoyedbyallwitnesses,andmay
movetoquashormodifythesubpoenaintheSuperiorCourtoftheDistrictofColumbiaon
groundsincluding:
“(1)TheAttomeyGeneralfailedtofolloworsatisfytheproceduressetforthin
thissection;or
(2)Anygroundsthatexistunderstatuteorcommonlawforquashingor
modifyingasubpoenaorrequestforinterrogatories.
“ InanyactionintheSuperiorCourtoftheDistrictofColumbiapertainingtoa
subpoenaissuedunderthissection,orpursuanttoD.C.OfficialCode§28-3910,theAttorney
Generalshallbe entitledtorecoverthecostsof theactionand reasonableattorneys’fees.”.
(b)Section108e (D.C.OfficialCode § 1-301.88e)isamended to readas follows:
“Sec. 108. Authorityto issuesubpoenasinmattersinvolvingthefinancialexploitationof
vulnerableadultsand theelderly.
“(a)Notwithstandingsection110(a),andsubjecttotherequirementsofthissection,for
thepurposesofseekingreliefundersections207and208oftheCriminalAbuseandNeglectof
VulnerableAdultsAct of 2000, effectiveNovember 23,2016 (D.C.Law 21-166;D.C. Official
Code§§22-937and22-938),theAttorneyGeneral,ortheAttorneyGeneral’sdesignee,shall
havetheauthorityto:
“(1)Subpoenaindividualsorcorporaterepresentatives;
“(2)Administeroaths;
“(3)Examineindividualsorcorporaterepresentativesunderoath;
“(4)Requireswornanswersinwritingtowritteninterrogatories;or
“(5)Compelproductionofrecords,books,papers,contracts,andother
documents,verifiedby a sworn certificateof completion.
“(b)(1)Theauthoritygrantedbythissectionmayonlybeusedinfurtheranceofseeking
reliefundersections207 and 208of the CriminalAbuse and Neglectof VulnerableAdultsAct of
2000,effectiveNovember 23,2016 (D.C.Law 21-166;D.C. OfficialCode §§ 22-937 and 22-
938).
“(2)Testimony obtainedpursuantto thisauthorityshallnotbe used in furtherance
ofa criminalinvestigationrelatedtoa violationof section203aof theCriminalAbuse and
Neglectof VulnerableAdultsAct of 2000,effectiveNovember 23,2016 (D.C.Law 21-166;D.C.
ENROLLED ORIGINAL,
OfficialCode § 22-933.01),and shailnotbe admissibleina criminalproceedingagainstthe
personwhoprovidedtheinformation.
“(c)The AttorneyGeneralshallnot have theauthoritygrantedby thissectionif an
indictment,information,orpetitionhasbeenfiledwiththecourtformallychargingthetargetof
theinvestigationwith a violationof section203a of theCriminalAbuse and Neglectof
VulnerableAdultsAct of 2000,effectiveNovember 23,2016 (D.C.Law 21-166;D.C. Official
Code § 22-933.01).
“(d)Powers grantedpursuanttothissectionshallnotbe delegatedotherthantotheChief
DeputyAttorneyGeneral,aDeputyAttorneyGeneral,oranAssistantDeputyAttorneyGeneral.
“(e)Subpoenasorrequestsforinterrogatoriesissuedpursuanttothissectionshallcontain
theinformationrequiredinsection108d(b).
“(f)UnlessotherwisepermittedbytheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneral,onlyattorneysfor
theOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralandtheirstaff,otherpeopleinvolvedintheinvestigation,thewitnessunderexamination,hisotherattorney,interpreterswhenneeded,and,forthepurposeof
takingtheevidence,a stenographeror operatorofa recordingdevicemay be presentduringthe
takingoftestimony.
“(g)Inthecaseofrefusaltoobeyasubpoenaorrequestforinterrogatoriesissuedunder
thissection,theAttorneyGeneralmaypetitiontheSuperiorCourtoftheDistrictofColumbiafor
anorderrequiringcomplianceandwhereappropriate,imposingafinepayabletotheDistrict.
Anyfailuretoobeytheorderofthecourtmaybetreatedbythecourtascontempt.Inanyaction
intheSuperiorCourtoftheDistrictofColumbiapertainingtoasubpoenaissuedunderthis,
section,theAttorneyGeneralshallbe entitledtorecoverthecostsof theactionand reasonable
attorneys’fees.
“(h)Anypersontowhomasubpoenaorrequestforinterrogatorieshasbeenissuedunder
thissectionmayexercisetheprivilegesenjoyedbyallwitnessesandmaymovetoquashor
modify thesubpoena intheSuperiorCourtof the Districtof Columbia forthefollowingreasons,
including:
“(1)The Attomey Generalfailedto followor satisfytheproceduressetforthin
thissection;
“(2)TheAttorneyGenerallackedtheauthoritytoissuethesubpoenaorrequest
forinterrogatoriesunderthissection;or
“(3)Anyothergroundsthatexistunderstatuteorcommonlawforquashingor
modificationofasubpoenaorrequestforinterrogatories.”.
Sec.3.TheAbuse,Neglect,andFinancialExploitationofVulnerableAdultsandtheElderlyActof2000,effectiveJune8,2001(D.C.Law13-301;D.C.OfficialCode§22-931et
seq.),isamendedasfollows:(a)Section207(a)(1)(D.C.OfficialCode§22-937(a)(1))isamendedtoreadasfollows:
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
“(1)A temporaryorpermanentinjunction,includingrequiringtheviolatortotake
affirmativeaction;”.
(b)Section208(a)(D.C.OfficialCode§22-938(a))isamendedasfollows:
(1)Paragraph(1)isamendedtoreadasfollows:
“(1)A temporaryrestrainingorder,includingrequiringtheviolatortotake
affirmativeaction:”.
(2)Paragraph(2)isamendedtoreadasfollows:
“(2)A preliminaryinjunetion,includingrequiringtheviolatortotakeaffirmative
action;”.
Sec.4.Chapter39ofTitle28oftheDistrictofColumbiaOfficialCodeisamendedasfollows:
(a)Thetableofcontentsisamendedbystrikingthephrase“28-3904.Unfairordeceptivetradepractices.”andinsertingthephrase“28-3904.Unfair,deceptive,orabusivetradepractices.”initsplace.(b)Section28-3901isamendedasfollows:(1)Subsection(a)isamendedasfollows:(A)Paragraph(2)isamendedtoreadasfollows:
“(2)“Consumer”means:“(A)When usedasanoun,apersonwho,otherthanforpurposesof
resale,doesorwouldpurchase,lease(aslessee),orreceiveconsumergoodsorservices,includingasaco-obligororsurety,ordoesorwouldotherwiseprovidetheeconomicdemandfor
atradepractice,orwhodonatesmoneyorgoodstoacharitablepurposeorothernon-profitorganization;or “(B)Whenusedasanadjective,describesanything,withoutexception,that:
“(@Apersondoesorwouldpurchase,lease(aslessee),orreceiveandnormallyuseforpersonal,household,orfamilypurposes,orismoneyorgoodsapersondonatesorwoulddonatetoacharitablepurposeorothernon-profitorganization;or“Gi)A persondescribedin§28-3905(k)(1)(B)or(C)purchasesor
receivesinotdertotestorevaluatequalitiespertainingtouseforpersonal,household,family,orcharitablepurposes.”.
(B)Paragraph(3)isamendedtoreadasfollows:“(3)“Merchant”meansaperson,whetherorganizedoroperatingforprofitorforanonprofitpurpose,whointheordinarycourseofbusinessdoesorwouldsell,lease,supply,ortransfer,eitherdirectlyorindirectlyandwithorwithoutcosttotheconsumer,consumergoodsorservices,orapersonwhointheordinarycourseofbusinessdoesorwouldsupplythegoodsor
ENROLLED ORIGINAL.
servicesthatareorwouldbethesubjectmatterofatradepractice.Forthepurposesofthis
chapter:
“(A)A personneednothaveacontractualrelationshipwiththeconsumer
toqualifyasamerchant;
“(B)Exceptasprovidedinsubsection(e)ofthissection,theterm
“merchant”does notincludetheDistrictof Columbia,itsagenciesor instrumentalities,or any
employeethereofactingwithinthescopeoftheemployee’sofficialduties;and
“(C)Theterm“merchant”:
“(i)Mayincludeaperson,who,intheordinarycourseof business,
providesgoodsorservicestooronbehalfofa merchantinthecourseof,relatedto,orincidental
toaconsumertransaction;
“(i)Shallincludethesuccessorsorassignsofa merchant,and
such successorsorassignsshallbe subjectto thesame claimsand defensestheconsumer had
againstany predecessor merchant;and
“(iii)Shallincludepersonsinvolvedintheconductor executionofa
charitablesolicitation.”.
(C)Paragraph(6)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“asale,leaseor
transfer,ofconsumergoodsorservices;”andinsertingthephrase“asale,lease,ortransferofa
consumer good or service,orcharitablesolicitation;”initsplace.
(D)Paragraph(7)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“realestate
transactions,andconsumerservicesofalltypes;”andinsertingthephrase“charitabledonations,
realestatetransactions,and consumer servicesof all types;”initsplace.
(E)Paragraph(10)isamendedtoreadasfollows:
“(10)“Chiefof theOfficeofEnforcement”means thesenioradministrative
officeroftheDepartment'sOfficeofEnforcementwhoisdelegatedtheresponsibilityofcarrying
outcertaindutiesspecifiedunder § 28-3905;".
(F)Paragraph(11)isrepealed.
(G)Paragraph(12)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“;and”andinserting
asemicoloninitsplace.
(H)Paragraph(13)isrepealed.
(I)Paragraph(14)(B)isamendedbystrikingtheperiodandinsertinga
semicoloninitsplace.
(J)Paragraph(15)isamendedbystrikingtheperiodandinsertingthe
phrase“;and”initsplace.
(K)A newparagraph(16)isaddedtoreadasfollows:
“(16)“Infantformulaproduct”meansafoodwhichpurportstobe,oris
representedforspecialdietaryusesolelyas,afoodforinfantsbyreasonofitssimulationof
human milk or itssuitabilityas a completeor partialsubstituteforhuman milk.”.
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
(2)Subsection(b)isamendedasfollows:
(A)Paragraph(1)isamendedtoreadasfollows:“(1)assurethatajustmechanismexiststoremedyallimpropertradepractices,byanymerchantandatanystageorrelatedornecessarypointintheeconomicprocesswhetherbefore,duringthecourseof,oraftertheoriginaltransaction;”.(B)Paragraph(2)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“;and”andinsertingasemicoloninitsplace.(©)Paragraph(3)isamendedbystrikingtheperiodandinsertingthe
phrase“;and”initsplace.(D)A newparagraph(4)isaddedtoreadasfollows:
“(4)deterthecontinuinguseofimpropertradepractices.”.(3)Subsection(d)isamendedtoreadasfollows:“(d)Inconstruingthetermsofthischapter,dueconsiderationandweightshallbegiven
to:
“(1)TheinterpretationbytheFederalTradeCommission(“FTC”)andthefederalcourtsoftheterm“unfairordeceptiveactorpractice,asemployedinsection5(a)ofAnActTocreateaFederal‘TradeCommission,todefineitspowersandduties,andforotherpurposes,approvedSeptember26,1914(38Stat.719;15U.S.C.§45(a))s““(2)Interpretativeguidance,includingtheGuidesfortheUseofEnvironmentalMarketingClaims(“GreenGuides”),16C.E.R.Part260,publishedbytheTC; and
(3)TheinterpretationbytheConsumerFinancialProtectionBureauandthefederalcourtsoftheterm"abusiveactorpractice”,asemployedinsection1031(d)ofthe
ConsumerFinancialProtectionActof2010,approvedJuly21,2010(124Stat.2005;12U.S.C.§5531(@).”.(4)A newsubsection(f)isaddedtoreadasfollows:““(P)Inanyactionbroughtunderthischapter,theburdenofproofshallbebythepreponderanceoftheevidence,unlessotherwisespecifiedinthischapter.”.
(©)Section28-3902isamendedasfollows:(1)Subsection(c)isamendedtoreadasfollows:“(c)TheDirectoroftheDepartmentofLicensingandConsumerProtectionshallexercisethepowerssetforthin§28-3905throughtheOfficeofEnforcement,andshallappointaChiefoftheOfficeofEnforcement,whomaycarryoutinvestigative,conciliatory,andotherdutiesassignedbytheDirector.”.(2)Subsections(e)and(i)arerepealed.
(d)Section28-3903isamendedasfollows:(1)Subsection(a)isamendedasfollows:(A)Newparagraphs(3A),(3B),and(3C)areaddedtoreadasfollows:
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
“GA)summarilysuspendalicenseforfailuretocomplywiththeDepartment's
ceaseanddesistorderasdeterminedbytheDepartmentinaccordancewith§28-3903a;“(B)summarilysuspendalicenseiftheDepartmentdeterminesthattradepracticesareinviolationofDistrictlawandpresentanimminentdangertothehealth,safety,orwelfareofpersonsintheDistrictinaccordancewith§28-3903a;“(3C)summarilycloseabusinessiftheDepartmentdeterminesthatthetradepracticesareinviolationofDistrictlawandpresentanimminentdangertothehealth,safety,orwelfareofpersonsintheDistrictinaccordancewith§28-3903a:”.(B)Paragraph(6)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“theinterestoftheDistrictofColumbiaconsumerpublic;”andinsertingthephrase“theinterestofconsumersinthe
DistrictofColumbia;”initsplace.(C)Paragraph(7)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“totheconsumerpublicoftheDistrictofColumbia;”andinsertingthephrase“toconsumersintheDistrictof
Columbia,”initsplace.(D)Paragraph(9)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“promotethewelfareofDistrictofColumbiaconsumers:”andinsertingthephrase“promotethewelfareofconsumersintheDistrictofColumbia;”initsplace.(E)Paragraph(12)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“andsignconsentdecrees;”andinsertingthephrase“andsignconsentdecreesandsettlementagreements;”initsplace. (E)Paragraph(17)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“Class2infraction”
andinsertingthephrase“Class| infraction”initsplace.
(c)A newsection28-3903aisaddedtoreadasfollows:“§28-3903a.Ceaseanddesistorders;summarysuspension;summaryclosure.“(a)IftheDepartment,afterinvestigation,determinesthatapersonisviolatinganyprovisionofthischapterandtheviolationhascaused,ormaycause,animminentdangertothehealth,safety,orwelfareofresidentsoftheDistrict,theDepartmentmayissueanorderrequiring
theallegedviolatortoceaseanddesistimmediatelyfromtheviolation,Theordershallbeservedbycertifiedmailordeliveryinperson.“(b)IfapersonfailstocomplywithalawfulordertoceaseanddesistfromtheDepartmentunderthissection,theDepartmentmaysummarilysuspendalicenseassetforthinthissectionwithoutahearing.“(c)IftheDepartmentdetermines,afteraninvestigation,amerchanthasviolatedaprovisioninthischapteranditsviolationpresentsanimmediatedangertothehealth,safety,andwelfareofpersonsintheDistricttheDepartmentmaysummarilyclosethebusinesswithouta
hearing.
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
“(@)IftheDepartmentordersthesummarysuspensionofa licenseorsummaryclosure
pursuantto subsection(b)or (c)of thissection,theDepartment shallpost2 noticesin
conspicuousplacesatornearthemainstreetentranceoftheoutsideoftheestablishment.
“(e)The postednoticeshallstatethatthelicensehas been suspendedortheestablishment
hasbeensummarilyclosed,theperiodofsuspensionorclosure,andthatthesuspensionor
closureisorderedbecauseofa violationofthischapteroroftheregulationspromulgatedunder
thischapter.
“(®)Anypersonwillfullyremoving,obliterating,ordefacingthenoticeshallbeguiltyof
a violationof thischapter.
“(h)Everydecisionandorderadversetoapersonshallbeinwritingandshallbe
accompaniedbyfindingsoffactandconclusionsoflaw.Thefindingsshallbesupportedby,and
inaccordancewith,reliable,probative,and substantialevidence.The OfficeofAdministrative
Hearingsshallprovideacopyofthedecisionandorderandaccompanyingfindingsoffactand
conclusionsoflawtoeachpartytoacaseortohisorherattorneyofrecord,
“(i)A personaggrievedbyafinalsummaryactionmayfileanappealinaccordancewith
theproceduressetforthin§ 2-1831.16.”.
(f)Section28-3904 isamended toreadas follows:
Ҥ28-3904.Unfair,deceptive,andabusivetradepractices.
“(a)Itshallbeaviolationofthischapterforanymerchanttoengageinanunfair,
deceptive,orabusivetradepractice,whetherornotanyconsumerisinfactmisled,deceived,or
damagedthereby.Withoutlimitingthegeneralapplicationoftheforegoing,itisanunfair,
deceptive,orabusivetradepracticeprohibitedbythischapterto:
“(1)Representthatgoodsorserviceshaveasource,sponsorship,approval,
certification,licensure,accessories,characteristics,ingredients,uses,benefits,orquantitiesthat
theydonothave;
“(2)Representthatthepersonhasasponsorship,approval,status,affiliation,
certification,licensure,or connectionthatthepersondoes nothave;
“(3)Representthatgoodsareoriginalornewifinfacttheyaredeteriorated,
altered,reconditioned,reclaimed,or secondhand,or have been used;
“(4)Representthatgoodsorservicesareofparticularstandard,quality,grade,
style,ormodel,ifinfacttheyareofanother;
“(5)Misrepresentastoamaterialfactwhichhasatendencytomislead:
“(6)Representthatatransactionconfersorinvolvesrights,remedies,or
obligationswhich itdoes not have orinvolve,or which areprohibitedby law;
“(7)Failtostateamaterialfactifsuchfailuretendstomislead;
“(8)Useinnuendoorambiguityastoamaterialfact,whichhasatendencyto
mislead;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
“(9)Disparagethegoods,services,or businessof anotherby falseor misleading
representationsof materialfacts;
“(10)Advertiseor offergoods or serviceswithouttheintenttosellthem or
withouttheintenttosellthem asadvertisedor offered;
“(11)Advertiseoroffergoodsorserviceswithoutsupplyingreasonablyexpected
publicdemand, unlesstheadvertisementorofferdisclosesa limitationof quantityor other
qualifyingconditionwhich has no tendencyto mislead;
“(12)Advertising,displaying,orofferingapriceforagoodorservicethatdoes
notincludeallmandatoryfeesorchargesotherthan:“(A)Taxesorfeesimposedbyagovernmentonthetransaction;and
“(B)Postageorcarriagechargesthatwillbereasonablyandactually
incurredtoshipthephysicalgoodtotheconsumer;
“(13)Makefalseormisleadingrepresentationsoffactconcerningthereasonsfor,
existenceof,oramountsofpricereductions,orthepriceincomparisontopriceofcompetitorsor
one’sownpriceatapastorfuturetime;
“(14)Falselystatethatservices,replacements,orrepairsareneeded;
“(15)Falselystatethereasonsforofferingorsupplyinggoodsorservicesatsale
ordiscountprices;
(16)Harassorthreatenaconsumerwithanyactotherthanlegalprocess,either
bytelephone,cards,letters,oranyformofelectronicorsocialmedia;
“(17)Cease work on,or returnafterceasingwork on,an electricalor mechanical
apparatus,appliance,chattelor othergoods,or merchandise,inotherthanthecondition
contractedfor,or to impose a separatechargetoreassembleor restoresuch an objectto sucha
conditionwithoutnotificationofsuchchargepriortobeginningworkonorreceivingsuch
object;
“(18)Replacepartsorcomponentsinanelectricalormechanicalapparatus,
appliance,chattelor othergoods,or merchandisewhen such partsorcomponents arenot
defective,unlessrequestedbytheconsumer; |
“(19)Falselystateorrepresentthatrepairs,alterations,modifications,orservicing
have been made and receivingremunerationthereforwhen theyhave notbeen made;
(20)Failtosupplytoaconsumeracopyofa salesorservicecontract,lease,
promissorynote,trustagreement,orotherevidenceofindebtednesswhichtheconsumermay |
execute;
“(21)Makeorenforceunconscionabletermsorprovisionsofsales,leases,orany
otherformofconsumercontract,agreement,ortransaction;inapplyingthisparagraph,
considerationshallbe giventothefollowing,and otherfactors:
(A)Knowledgebythemerchantatthetimecreditsalesareconsummated
thattherewasnoreasonableprobabilityofpaymentinfulloftheobligationbytheconsumer;
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL.
“(B) Knowledge by themerchant atthetimeofthe saleor leaseof the
inabilityoftheconsumertoreceivesubstantialbenefitsfromthepropertyorservicessoldor
leased;
“(C)Grossdisparitybetweenthepriceofthepropertyorservicessoldor
leasedandthevalueofthepropertyorservicesmeasuredbythepriceatwhichsimilarproperty
orservicesarereadilyobtainableintransactionsbylikebuyersorlessees;
“(D)Thatthemerchantcontractedfororreceivedseparatechargesfor
insurancewithrespecttocreditsaleswiththeeffectof making thesales,consideredas a whole,
unconscionable;and
“(E)Thatthemerchanthasknowinglytakenadvantageoftheinabilityof
theconsumerreasonablytoprotecttheirinterestsinselectingorusingtheproductorserviceby
virtueofcircumstancessuchasage,physicalormentalabilities,lackofrelevantknowledge,
readingability,ordifficultyunderstandingthelanguageoftheagreement,orsimilarfactors;
(22)Passoffgoodsorservicesasthoseofanother;
“(23)Usedeceptiverepresentationsordesignationsofgeographicoriginin
connectionwithgoodsorservices;
“(24)Representthatthesubjectofa transactionhasbeensuppliedinaccordance
witha previousrepresentationwhen ithas not;
“(25)Misrepresenttheauthorityofa salesman,representativeoragentto
negotiatethefinaltermsofa transaction;
“(26)Offerforsaleor distributeany consumer productwhich isnot inconformity
withanapplicableconsumerproductsafetystandardorhasbeenruledabannedhazardous
productundertheConsumerProductSafetyAct(“Act”),approvedOctober27,1972(86Stat.
1207;15US.C.§ 2051efseg.),withoutholdingacertificateissuedinaccordancewithsection
14(a)oftheAct(15U.S.C.§2063),totheeffectthatsuchconsumerproductconformstoall
applicableconsumerproductsafetyrules(unlessthecertificateholderknowsthatsuchconsumer
productdoes notconform),orwithoutrelyingingood faithon therepresentationofthe
manufactureroradistributorofsuchproductthattheproductisnotsubjecttoaconsumer
productsafetyruleissuedunder theAct;
“(27)Sellconsumer goods ina conditionor manner notconsistentwiththat
warrantedbyoperationof§§28:2-312through28:2-318,orbyoperationorrequirementof
federallaw;
(28)Retaliateagainstanypersonfor:
“(A)Filingaconsumercomplaintwithanyagencytaskedwiththe
enforcementoftheseprovisions;
“(B)Filingalawsuitincourtpursuanttothischapter;
“(C)Makinganymannerofcomplaint,grievance,orcommunicationtoa
companyaccusedofviolatingprovisionsofthischapter;or
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
“(D)Assistingorparticipatinginanymannerinaninvestigation,
proceeding,orhearingunderthischapter;
“(29)Materiallyinterferewith theabilityofa consumer to revieworunderstanda
termorconditionofa consumercontract,agreement,ortransaction;or
“(30)Takeunreasonableadvantageof:
“(A)A lackofunderstandingonthepartoftheconsumerofthematerial
tisks,costs,or conditionsof theproductor service;
“(B)Theinabilityoftheconsumertoprotecttheirinterestsinselectingor
usingaconsumerfinancialproductorservice;or
“(C)Thereasonablereliancebytheconsumeronamerchantpurportingto
actintheinterestoftheconsumer.
“(b)Itshallbeaviolationofthischapterforanymerchanttoengageinatradepracticein
violationof any law orregulationinthecontextofa consumer transaction,whetheror notany
consumerisinfactmisled,deceived,ordamagedthereby.Withoutlimitingthegeneral
applicationoftheforegoing,itisanunlawfultradepracticeprohibitedbythischapterto:
“(1)Violateanyprovisionof§ 28-3818;
“(2)Violateanyprovisionof§ 28-3819or,ifa rentalhousinglocator,torefuseor
failtohonoranyobligationunderarentalhousinglocatorcontract;
“(3)Violateany provisionof Chapter46 of thistitle;
“(4)Violateanyprovisionof§§32-404,32-405,32-406,or32-407;
“(5)Refusetoprovidetherepairs,refunds,orreplacementmotorvehiclesorfails
toprovidethedisclosuresofdefectsordamagesrequiredby§50-501efseq.;
*(6)Violateanyprovisionof§§ 42-2302or42-2303;
“(7)Violateany provisionofTitle 16 of theDistrictof Columbia Municipal
Regulations;
“(8)ViolateanyprovisionofChapter16Aof Title31;
“(9)Violateany provisionof Chapter33 of thistitle;
“(10)Violateanyprovisionof§ 42-2431etseq.;
“(11)Failtomake a disclosureas requiredby § 26-1113(a-1);
“(12)ViolateanyprovisionofChapter53ofthistitle;
“(13)Violateanyagreemententeredintopursuantto§28-3909(c)(6);
“(14)ViolateanyprovisionofSubchapterIIofChapter38ofthistitle;
*(15)ViolateanyprovisionofChapter54ofthistitle;
“(16)Sellorofferforsaleanyinfantformulaproductatapricegreaterthan20%
abovetheaveragepriceatwhichthatpersonsoldorofferedforsaleasubstantiallysimilarinfantformulaproductintheDistrictduringthe90-dayperiodprecedingFebruary17,2022,or,ifthe
persondidnot sellorofferforsaleinfantformuladuringthe90-day periodprecedingFebruary
17,2022,tosellor offerforsaleany infantformulaproductata pricegreaterthan20% above the
R
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
averagepriceatwhich substantiallysimilarretailerssoldorofferedforsalesubstantiallysimilar
infantformulaproductsintheDistrictduringthe90-dayperiodprecedingFebruary17,2022;
“(17)Violateanyprovisionof§ 28-3814:
“(18)ViolateanyprovisionofTitle12oftheDistrictofColumbiaMunicipal
Regulations;or
“(19)Violateanyprovisionof§ 29-102.01.
“(b)Itshallbe a violationofthis chapterfora person,whether or nota merchant,toaid
andknowinglyorrecklesslyabetthecommissionofanunfair,deceptive,abusive,orunlawful
tradepracticebyamerchant,andregardlessofwhetherthemannerinwhichthepersonaidsand
abetstheunlawfulactionisitselfa tradepractice.”.
(g)Section28-3905isamended toreadasfollows:
“38-3905.Complaintprocedures.
“(a)AninvestigationshallbeginbyfilingwiththeDepartmentacomplaintplainly
describingatradepracticeandstatingthecomplainant’s,andifdifferent,theconsumer’sname,
mailingaddress,and electronicmail address,and therespondent’sname, mailingaddress,and
electronicmailaddress,ifknown, and such otherinformationtheDirectormay require.The
complaintshallbe in,or reducedby theDirectorto,writing.The filingofa complaintwith the
Departmentshailtolltheperiodsforlimitationoftimeforbringinganactionassetforthin§12-
301 untilthecomplainthas been resolvedthrougha final orderissuedby theOfficeof
AdministrativeHearings,consentorder,or settlementagreement.
*(b)(1)Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(2)ofthissubsection,theDirectorshall
investigateeach such complaintand determine:
“(A)Whattradepracticeactuallyoccurred;and
“(B)Whetherthetradepracticewhichoccurredviolatesanystatute,
regulation,ruleof common law,or otherlawof the Districtof Columbia.
“(2)TheDirectormay,intheirdiscretion,declinetoinvestigate,inawholeorin
part,acomplaint.IftheDirectordeclinestoinvestigate,inawholeorinpart,acomplaint,the
Directorshallnotifythecomplainant,inwriting,ofthedetermination.
“(c)Incarryingoutaninvestigationanddeterminationpursuanttosubsection(b)ofthis
section,theDirectorshallconsulttherespondentand such otheravailablesourcesof
information,andmakesuchotherefforts,asappropriateandnecessary,tocarryoutsuchduties.
“(@IfatanytimetheDirectorfindsthatthetradepracticecomplainedofmay,inwhole
or inpart,be a violationof law otherthana law of theDistrictof Columbia ora law withinthe
jurisdictionoftheDepartment,theDirectormayinwritingsoinformthecomplainant,
respondent,andofficialsoftheDistrict,theUnitedStates,orotherjurisdiction,whowould
properlyenforcesuchlaw,
“(e)TheDirectorshalldeterminethatthereare,orarenot,reasonablegroundstobelieve
thata tradepractice,inviolationof a lawofthe Districtof Columbia withinthe jurisdictionof
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
theDepartment,hasoccurredinanypartorallofthecase.TheDirectormayfindthatthereare
notsuchreasonablegroundsforanyofthefollowingreasons:
“(1)Anyviolationof lawwhichmayhaveoccurredisofalawnotoftheDistrict
of Columbia or notwithinthejurisdictionof theDepartment,or occurredmore than3 yearsprior
to filingof thecomplaint;
(2)Incaseofparagraph(1)ofthissubsectiondoesnotapply,notradepractice
‘occurredinviolationof anylawoftheDistrict;
“(3)Therespondentcannotbeidentifiedorlocated,orwouldnotbesubjecttothe
personaljurisdictionofthe Districtof Columbia court;
“(4)Thecomplainant,totheDirector’sknowledge,nolongerseeksredressinthe
case;
(5)Thecomplainantandrespondent,totheDirector’sknowledge,have
themselvesreachedan agreementwhichsettlesthecase;or
“(6)Thecomplainantcannolongerbelocated.
“(f)TheDirectormayrejectanddismissanypartofacomplainttowhichoneormoreof
thereasonsstatedinsubsection(e)ofthissectionapply.TheDirectorshallinformallpartiesin
writingofthedetermination,and,ifanypartorallofthecomplaintisrejectedanddismissed,
shallspecifywhichreasoninsubsection(e)ofthissectionapplytowhichpartofthecomplaint,
and such otherdetailas isnecessaryto explaintherejectionand dismissal.
“(g)(1)TheDirector,atanytime,mayattempttosettleacomplaintforwhichreasonable
groundsarefoundinaccordancewithsubsection(e)ofthissection.
“(2)TheDepartmentshalladministerthesettlementproceedingsinamanner
determinedbytheDirectorortheirdesignee.Allsettlementproceedingsshallbeinformaland
includeallinterestedpartiesandsuchrepresentativeasthepartiesmaychoosetorepresentthem.
Suchproceedingsshallbeprivateandconfidential,andnothingsaidordone,exceptaconsent
decreeorsettlementagreement,shallbe made publicor introducedintotherecordof a courtof
‘competentjurisdictionbytheDepartmentoranypartyunlessthepartiesjointlyagreetheretoin
writing,TherepresentativeoftheDepartmentmaycallsettlementconferences.
“(3)Forpersistentandunreasonablefailurebythecomplainanttoattendsuch
settlementconferencesortotakepartinothersettlementproceedings,atthediscretionofthe
Director,theyortheirdesigneemaydismissthecomplaint.
“(4)A consentdecreeorsettlementagreementdescribedinparagraph(1)ofthis
subsectionmayonlybemodifiedbyajointagreementbetweentheDepartment,thecomplainant,
andrespondent.
“(h)(1)Ifcomplainantand therespondentareunabletoreacha settlementinaccordance
with subsection(g)of thissection,and theDirectorhasdeterminedthattherearereasonable
groundsthatthereisa tradepracticethatoccurredinviolationof Districtlaw,theDepartment
shallimposeacivilfine,penalty,orfeeinaccordancewithsubsection(i)ofthissection.
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
“(2)Appealsofa civilfine,penalty,orfeeimposedbytheDirectorpursuantto
paragraph(1)ofthissubsectionshallbeinaccordancewithChapter18AofTitle2.
“(i)(1)Civilfines,penalties,andfeesmaybeimposedforaviolationofthischapter
pursuanttoChapter18ofTitle2.
“(2)A violationof thischaptershallconstitutea Class|infractionpursuantto §
3200.1(a)ofTitle 16of theDistrictof Columbia MunicipalRegulations(16 DCMR § 3200.1(a)).
“(3)BeginningonJanuary1,2027,afineamountforaviolationofthischapter,
as setforthin§ 3201.1of Title 16of the Districtof Columbia MunicipalRegulations(16 DCMR.
§ 3201.1),shallbe adjustedaccordingtothemost recentConsumer PriceIndex forAllUrban
ConsumersintheWashingtonMetropolitanStatisticalarea,aspublishedbytheUnitedStates
Bureau of Labor Statistics,and shallbe postedintheDistrictof Columbia Registeron or after
January1of everyyearthereafter.
“@)(1)AfiertheDirector'sdeterminationastowhetherthecomplaintiswithintheDepartment'sjurisdiction,inaccordancewith subsection(e-1)of thissection,theDirectorshall:
“(A)Effectaconsentdecreepursuanttosubsection(g)ofthissection;
“(B)Rejectanddismissthecomplaintinaccordancewithsubsection(f)of
thissection;or
“(C)AdheretonotificationproceduresoutlinedinChapter18ofTitle2.“(2)
When thecaseistransmittedtotheOfficeofAdministrativeHearings,theOfficeof Enforcement
shallsignandservetherespondentwithacopyoftheNoticeofInfraction.Thecaseshall
proceedunder§2-509.TheDirectorshallbea partyonbehalfofthecomplainant.Applications
tointerveneshallbedecidedasmaybeproperorrequiredbylaworrule.Reasonablediscovery
shallbefreelyallowed.Anyfindingordecisionmaybemodifiedorsetaside,inwholeorpart,
beforea noticeof appealisfiledinthecase,orthetimeto so filehasrun out.
“(&)(1)TheDepartment,thecomplainant,ortherespondentmayfileacomplaintinthe
SuperiorCourt of theDistrictof Columbia (“Court”)fora remedy,enforcement,or assessment
orcollectionofa civilpenalty,whenanyviolationorfailuretoadheretoaprovisionofaconsent
decreedescribedinsubsection(g)ofthissection,orafinalorderfromtheOfficeof
AdministrativeHearingshas occurred.The Department shallfilea complaintintheCourt for
assessmentofacivilpenaltywhenanorderhasbeenissuedandbecomefinal.A failurebythe
Departmentoranypersontofileacomplaintorprosecuteunderthissubparagraphinregardto
anyprovisionorviolationofa provisionofanyconsentdecreeororder,shallnotconstitutea
waiverofsuchprovisionoranyrightundersuchprovision.TheCourtshalllevytheappropriatecivilpenalties,andmayorder,ifsupportedbyevidence,atemporary,preliminary,orpermanent
injunction,damages, trebledamages, reasonableattomney’sfees,consumer redress,or other
remedy.The Court may setasidethefinalorderiftheCourt determinesthattheDepartment
lackedjurisdictionovertherespondentorthatthecomplaintwasfrivolous.If,afterconsidering
anapplicationtosetasideanorderoftheDepartment,theCourtdeterminesthattheapplication
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
wasfrivolousorthattheDepartmentlackedjurisdiction,theCourtshallawardreasonable
attorney’sfees.
“(2)ApplicationtotheCourttoenforceanordershallbemadeatnocosttothe
DistrictofColumbiaorthecomplainant,
“(3)TheAttomeyGeneralfortheDistrictofColumbiashallrepresentthe
Departmentinaliproceedingsdescribedinthissubsection
“())If,atanytimebeforenoticeofappealofafinalorderissuedbytheOfficeof
AdministrativeHearingsinaccordancewithChapter18ofTitle2 isfiledorthetimetosofile
hasrunout,theDirectorbelievesthatlegalactionisnecessarytopreservethesubjectmatterof
thecase,topreventfurtherinjurytoanyparty,ortoenabletheDepartmentultimatelytoordera
fullandfairremedyinthecase,theDepartmentshallpresentthemattertotheOfficeof
AdministrativeHearings,whichmayissueaceaseanddesistordertotakeeffectimmediately,or
grantsuchotherreliefaswillassureajustadjudicationof thecase,inaccordancewithsuch
beliefsoftheDirectorwhicharesubstantiatedbyevidence.Anypersonaggrievedbyanorder
fromtheOfficeofAdministrativeHearingsmayappealinaccordancewithChapter18AofTitle
2.
“(m)(1)(A)A consumermaybringanactionseekingrelieffromtheuseofa trade
practiceinviolationofa lawoftheDistrict.
“(B)Anindividualmay,onbehalfofthatindividual,oronbehalfofboth
theindividualandthegeneralpublic,bringanactionseekingrelieffromtheuseofa trade
practiceinviolationofDistrictlaworregulationswhenthattradepracticeinvolvesconsumer
goodsorservicesthattheindividualpurchasedorreceivedinordertotestorevaluatequalities
pertainingtouseforpersonal,household,family,otcharitablepurposes.
“(C)A nonprofitorganizationmay,onbehalfofitselforanyofitsmembers,oronanysuchbehalfandonbehalfofthegeneralpublic,bringanactionseeking
relieffromtheuseof a tradepracticeinviolationofDistrictlaworregulations,includinga
violationinvolvingconsumergoodsorservicesthattheorganizationpurchasedorreceivedin
ordertotestorevaluatequalitiespertainingtouseforpersonal,household,family,orcharitable
purposes.
“(D)(i)Subjecttosub-subparagraph(ii)ofthissubparagraph,apublicinterestorganizationmay,onbehalfoftheinterestsofaconsumeroraclassofconsumers,bring
anactionseekingrelieffromtheusebyanypersonofa tradepracticeinviolationofa lawofthe
Districtiftheconsumerorclasscouldbringanactionundersubparagraph(A)ofthisparagraph
forrelieffromsuchusebysuchpersonofsuchtradepractice.
“(ii)Anactionbroughtundersub-subparagraph(i)ofthis
subparagraphshallbedismissediftheCourtdeterminesthatthepublicinterestorganizationdoes
nothaveasufficientnexustotheinterestsinvolvedoftheconsumerorclasstoadequately
representthoseinterests.
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
“(2)AnyclaimunderthischaptershallbebroughtintheSuperiorCourtoftheDistrictofColumbiaandmayrecoverorobtainthefollowingremedies:“(A)(i)Trebledamages,or$3,000perviolation,whicheverisgreater,whichshallbeadjustedforinflationusingthegreaterofeither3%annuallyorthepercentageincreaseinthemostrecentConsumerPriceIndexforAllUrbanConsumersintheWashington‘MetropolitanStatisticalarea,aspublishedbytheUnitedStatesBureauofLaborStatistics;and
“Gii)Notwithstandingsub-subparagraph(i)ofthissubparagraph,foraviolationof§ 28-3904(b)(14),aconsumermayrecoverorobtainactualdamages,whichshallnotincludedignitarydamages,includingpainandsuffering.Thisexclusionshallnotlimittheavailabilityofdignitarydamagesforviolationsofanyotherprovisionofthissection;“(B)Reasonableattomey’sfees;“(C)Punitivedamages;
“(D)Aninjunctionagainsttheuseoftheunlawfultradepractice;“(E)Inrepresentativeactions,additionalreliefasmaybenecessarytorefundtotheconsumermoney,orrestoretotheconsumermoneyorproperty,realorpersonal,whichmayhavebeenacquiredbymeansoftheunlawfultradepractice:or
“(F)Anyotherreliefwhichthecourtdeterminesproper.“(3)Any prevailingconsumerunderthischaptershallalsorecoverreasonable
attorney'sfeesandcosistobepaidbythedefendantinaccordancewiththemethodcitedin§32-1308(b),exceptthatattorney’sfeesshallnotbeconsideredcosts.
“(4)Anactionbroughtbyapersonunderthissubsectionagainstanonprofitorganizationshallbebasedonadisputearisingfroma tradepracticeandnotbasedsolelyon
membershipinsuchorganization,membershipservices,trainingorcredentialingactivities,saleofpublicationsofthenonprofitorganization,medicalorlegalmalpractice,orothersimilaractivity.
“(5)Therightofactionestablishedbythissubsectionshallapplytotradepracticesarisingfromlandlord-tenantrelations.“(6)(A)CommencementofanactionbytheAttorneyGeneralunder§28-3909,includingthemaintenanceofanactionpreviouslycommencedandpendingastheeffectivedate
oftheEnhancingConsumerProtectionProceduresAmendmentAct,passedon2ndreadingonJune2,2026(EnrolledversionofBill26-174),shallservetostayuntiltheresolutionoftheAttorneyGeneral’sactioninanycivilactionthatincludesanyclaimthatis:
“@)Madepursuanttothissubsectionbyapublicinterestorganizationoronbehalfofthegeneralpublic;and“Gi)BasedinwholeorinpartonanymattercomplainedofintheactioncommencedbytheAttorneyGeneral.
17
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
“(B)Aplaintiffthatisapublicinterestorganizationorisactingonbehalf
ofthegeneralpublicshallprovidenoticetotheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralwithin10
businessdays afterthefilingof an actionthatincludesa claimunder thissubsection.
“(7)Nothinginthischaptershallbeconstruedtopreventamerchantfrom
asserting,andtheCourtfromfinding,thatanactionbyaconsumerwasgroundlessandbrought
inbadfaithorbroughtforthepurposeofharassmentand,insuchcases,theCourtshallawardto
thedefendantreasonableandnecessaryattorney’sfeesindefendingtheactionpluscourtcosts.
“(n)TheDirectormayuseanypowergrantedtotheDepartmentin§28-3903,aseach
reasonablydeems willaidincarryingoutthefunctionsassignedtoeachinthissection.Each,
whileholdingtheprimaryresponsibilityoftheDepartmentfordecisioninacertaincase,may
joinsuchcasewithothersthenbeforetheDepartment.Nocasemaybedisposedofinamanner
notexpresslyauthorizedinthissection.EverycomplaintfiledwiththeDepartmentandwithinits
jurisdictionshallbe decidedinaccordancewith theproceduresand sanctionsofthis section,
notwithstandingthatagiventradepractice,atissueinthecase,maybegovernedinwholeorin
partbyanotherlawwhichhasdifferentenforcementproceduresandsanctions.
(0)Wheneverrequested,theDepartmentwillmakeavailabletothecomplainantand
respondentanexplanation,andanyotherinformationhelpfulinunderstanding,theprovisionsof
anyconsentdecreetowhichtheDepartmentagrees.
“(p)There shallbe establisheda Consumer ProtectionEducationFund (“Fund”).All
fines,fees,and penaltiesshallbe paidintotheFund inorderto furtherthepurposeofthis chapter
asenumeratedin§ 28-3901.
“(q)EverycomplaintcasethatisbeforetheDepartmentinaccordancewiththissection
shallproceedwithconfidence,exceptforhearingsandmeetingsbeforetheOfficeof
AdministrativeHearings,untiltheDepartmentissuesaconsentdecreeorsettlementagreement
or theOfficeofAdministrativeHearingsissuesa finalorder.
“(t)TheDirectormayfileacomplaintinaccordancewithsubsection(a)ofthissection,
on behalfof one or more consumers,or as complainant,based on evidenceand information
gatheredby theDepartment incarryingout thischapter.Personsnot partiestobutdirectlyor
indirectlyintendedasbeneficiariesof an orderdescribedinthissection,a consentdecree,or a
settlementagreement,arisingoutofa complaintfiledbytheDirector,mayenforcesuchorderor
decreeinthemannerprovidedinsubsection(j)(1)ofthissection.”.
(h)Section28-3906 isamended as follows:
(1)Thelead-inlanguageofsubsection(a)isamendedtoreadasfollows:
“(a)The Consumer ProtectionUnitisestablishedwithintheOfficeof Enforcement.The
Consumer ProtectionUnitshall:”.
(2)Subsection(b)isrepealed.
(3)Subsection(c)isrepealed.
(i)Section28-3907 isrepealed.
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
(j)Section28-3909isamendedasfollows:(1)Subsection(a)isamendedtoreadasfollows:“(a)Notwithstandinganyprovisionoflawtothecontrary,iftheAttorneyGeneralfortheDistrictofColumbiahasreasontobelievethatanypersonhasused,isusing,orintendstouseanymethod,act,orpracticeinviolationofsection28-3803,28-3805,28-3807,28-3810,28-3811,28-3812,28-3814,28-3817,28-3818,28-3819,28-3851,28-3852,28-3852.01,28-3852.02,or28-3904,andifitisinthepublicinterest,theAttorneyGeneral,inthenameoftheDistrictofColumbia,maybringanactionintheSuperiorCourtoftheDistrictofColumbiato
obtainatemporaryorpermanentinjunction:“(1)Prohibitingtheuseofthe method,act,orpractice:
(2)Requiringtheviolatortotakeaffirmativeaction,includingtherestitutionofmoney orproperty;
“(3)Freezing,whereappropriate,theallegedviolator’sassetstoensureadequate
fundsareavailabletopayrestitution,damages,andpenalties;“(4)Placinganentityinreceivership;or“(5)Dissolvinganentity.(2)Anewsubsection(a-1)isaddedtoreadasfollows:“(a-1)Inanyactionunderthissection,theAttomeyGeneralshallnotberequiredtoprovedamagesandtheinjunctionshallbeissuedwithoutbond.”(3)Subsection(b)isamendedasfollows:(A)Thelead-inlanguageisamendedbystrikingtheword“may”and.
insertingtheword“shall”initsplace.(B)Paragraph(1)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“civilpenaltyofand
insertingthephrase“civilpenaltyofnotlessthan$500and”initsplace.(C)Paragraph(2)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“civilpenaltyof”andinsertingthephrase“civilpenaltyofnotlessthan$1,000and”initsplace.(4)Anewsubsection(b-1)isaddedtoreadasfollows:
“(b-1)(1)AnyrequestbytheAttorneyGeneralforcostsandfeesshallbepresumptivelyreasonablewherethedefendantsintheactiondidnotexpendsubstantiallylessincostsandfeesthantheamountintheAttomeyGeneral’srequest.WherethedefendantsintheactionexpendedsubstantiallylessincostsandfeesthantheamountintheAttorneyGeneral’srequest,theAttorneyGeneralmaystillprovethereasonablenessoftherequestunderthesamestandardsapplicabletoaprivateplaintiff.“(2)TheAttorneyGeneralmayalsoseekreasonablecostsandfeesexpendedina
pre-suitinvestigationwherethesubjectmatteroftheinvestigationwaspertinenttothesubsequentsuitbroughtunderthissection.”
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
(5)Subsection(c)(4)isamendedbystrikingthephrase“andintheextensionofconsumercredit;”andinsertingthephrase“,intheextensionofconsumercredit,andinthesolicitationofcharitabledonations;”initsplace.(6)Anewsubsection(¢)isaddedtoreadasfollows:“(e)InanyactionbroughtunderthissectionorinaninvestigationbytheAttorneyGeneralunder§28-3910,anyconfidentialityagreementorprotectiveorderagreedtobytheAttorneyGeneralorotherwiseenteredintoorenforcedbyacourtshallpermittheAttorney
Generaltosharedocumentsdesignatedasconfidentialwithanylawenforcementagency:provided,thatthelawenforcementagencyagreestoabidebytheconfidentialityrestrictionsintheconfidentialityagreementorprotectiveorder.”.(K)Section28-3910isamendedtoreadasfollows:“§28-3910.InvestigatorypowersofAttorneyGeneralfortheDistrictofColumbia.
“(a)(1)Inthecourseofaninvestigationtodeterminewhethertoseekreliefunder§28-3909,theAttomeyGeneralfortheDistrictofColumbiamay:“(A)Subpoenawitnesses;*(B)Administeroaths;
“(©Examineanindividualunderoath;“(D)Requireswornanswersinwritingtowritteninterrogatories;and
*(E)Compelproductionofrecords,books,papers.contracts,andotherdocuments,verifiedbyaswomcertificateofcompletion,
“(Q)Serviceofanydemanddocumentissuedunderthissectionmaybemadebyfirst-classmail,electronicmail,oranyothermethodreasonablycalculatedtogiveactualnotice;provided,thattheSuperiorCourtoftheDistrictofColumbiamayexercisejurisdictionoverthe
recipienttocompelaresponseconsistentwiththedueprocessclauseoftheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates.“@3)Informationobtainedunderthissectionshallnotbeadmissibleinalater
criminalproceedingagainstthepersonwhoprovidestheinformationorevidence,exceptwithrespecttoswornstatementsthatarethemselvesthebasisforasubsequentperjuryprosecution.“(b)A subpoenaorrequestforinterrogatoriesissuedpursuanttosubsection(a)ofthissectionshallbeissuedinaccordancewith§1-301.88d.”.
Sec.5.Section401(a)oftheFraudulentVehicleTagandParkingEnforcementModernizationAmendmentActof2024,effectiveMay2,2025(D.C.Law25-325,72DCR1284),isamendedbystrikingthephrase"Sections113,114(b)and201(c)(2)shallapply"and
insertingthephrase"Section201(c)(2)shallapply"initsplace.
Sec.6.Applicability.
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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
(a)Section4(c),(4),(¢),(g),and(h)shallapplyuponthedateofinclusionoftheirfiscaleffectinanapprovedbudgetandfinancialplan.(b)TheChiefFinancialOfficershallcertifythedateoftheinclusionofthefiscaleffectinanapprovedbudgetandfinancialplanandprovidenoticetotheBudgetDirectoroftheCouncilof the certification.
(c)(1)TheBudgetDirectorshallcausethenoticeofthecertificationtobepublishedintheDistrictofColumbiaRegister.(2)Thedateofpublicationofthenoticeofthecertificationshallnotaffecttheapplicabilityoftheprovisionsidentifiedinsubsection(a)ofthissection.
Sec.7.Fiscalimpactstatement.
‘TheCounciladoptsthefiscalimpactstatementinthecommitteereportasthefiscal
impactstatementrequiredby section4aofthe GeneralLegislativeProceduresAct of 1975,
approvedOctober16,2006(120Stat.2038;D.C.OfficialCode§ 1-301.47a).
Sec.8.Effectivedate.
ThisactshalltakeeffectfollowingapprovalbytheMayor(orintheeventofvetobytheMayor,actionbytheCounciltooverridetheveto)anda60-dayperiodof congressionalreview
asprovidedinsection602(c)(2)oftheDistrictofColumbiaHomeRuleAct,approvedDecember
24,1973(87Stat.813;D.C.OfficialCode§1-206.02(c)(2)).
Lo uh —Chairman
Councilof theDistrictof Columbia
DistrictofColumbiaAPPROVED
JUNE 25, 2026
21
COUNCILOFTHEDISTRICTOF COLUMBIA.
WASHINGTON,DC,20004
[0X]ITEMONCONSENTCALENDAR
[xTACTION FirstReading,CC
[UX]VOTE DATE May 5, 2026
[X]VOICE VOTE Approved
RECORDEDVOTEONREQUEST
ABSENT
[]ROLLCALLVOTE-Resut
‘CouncilMember Aye| Nay |NV_}AB| Rec{CouncilMember | Aye|Nay |NV| AS | Rec|CouncilMember | Aye [Nay |NV |AB| Rec
ChatmanMendelson]x Frumin x Pinto
‘Allen x Henderson|x R.Wnite
Bonds x LewisGeorge|x T.white
Craword x Nedeau x
Felder x Patkar x
X=IndicateVote [ABAbsent NV-Present,NotVoting Ree-Recused
CERTIFICATIONRECORD
by AhoretarytotheCounc Date
DocketNo.826-0174
[LX]ITEM ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
[XgACTION FinalReading,CC
[X] VOTE DATE June 2,2026
[xyVolcevoTe ‘Approved
RECORDEDVOTEONREQUEST
ABSENT
[JROLLCALLVOTE-Resut
CouncilMember. |Aye| Nay |NV_|AB {Rec|CounciiMember | Aye|Nay |NV_|AB| Rec| CouncilMember | Aye|Nay |NV_|AB| Rec
ChairmanMendelson) Frurin x Pinto
‘Alen x Henderson| x white
Bonds x LewisGeorge|x white
Crawiord x Nadeau x
Felder x Parker x
X-IndlateVote ‘AB=Absont INV-Prosont,NotVoting Reo-Recused
CERTIFICATIONRECORD L
Ave‘SecretarytotheCouncil Bate