Legislation & Advocacy Hub

Our policy and political advocacy work is just one of the ways we advance civil liberties and civil rights in the District. We engage in the legislative process by testifying on bills before the D.C. Council, working in coalition with community partners and impacted communities, and conducting research to further our understanding of the issues most impacting D.C. residents.

We aim to support bills and initiatives that strengthen District residents’ Constitutional rights and civil liberties, and defeat bills that threaten them. Please use the tools and resources below to engage in our advocacy efforts!

Resources and Tools

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Jul 14, 2022

ACLU-DC Testifies in Support of Bill 24-726 – “Enhancing Reproductive Health Protections Amendment Act of 2022” and Bill 24-808 – “Human Rights Sanctuary Act of 2022”

With a lack of D.C. statehood and the upcoming midterm elections, time is of the essence to protect abortion access in the District before a new Congress is seated.

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Apr 18, 2022

ACLU-DC Testifies before the D.C. Council on Bill 24-237, the "Clean Hands" law

Debt-based license suspensions throw drivers into a cycle of poverty. B24-237 is an example of policy that reflects the economic reality of District residents—many of whom are continuing to survive a pandemic...

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Mar 30, 2022

ACLU-DC Testifies at the Budget Oversight Hearing for The Metropolitan Police Department

"District leaders must confront their biases, break the cycle, and use this critical moment to prioritize investment in prevention, community-based violence interruption and trauma services, school-based...

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Mar 2, 2022

ACLU Testimony at the D.C. Council Oversight Hearing for the Department of Corrections

This testimony urges the D.C. Council to address the inhumane conditions of the D.C. Jail facilities, the lack of transparency and accountability demonstrated by the Department of Corrections and its...

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Feb 17, 2022

ACLU-DC Testifies at Judiciary and Public Safety Performance Oversight Hearing for The Metropolitan Police Department

The ACLU-DC hopes the D.C. Council refuses to revert back to failed carceral approaches that have guided the District’s policies for too long. D.C. should strive to be an example to other jurisdictions of what...

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Oct 21, 2021

ACLU-DC Testimony before the DC Council on the Strengthening Oversight and Accountability of Police Amendment Act

The ACLU-DC supports the bill’s intent to make MPD’s disciplinary process more meaningful and to expand the role of the Office of Police complaints. But, the language lacks clarity and authority, so this...

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