As we approach the summer recess, beginning July 15th - September 15th, I would like to share with our constituents the guidelines governing our activities during this period. 

During the recess, committees are permitted to circulate notices of hearings, roundtables, and intent to move emergency and temporary legislation, including attaching drafts of the legislation and waiver requests. We may also file committee reports with the Office of the Secretary. The Mayor may continue to transmit correspondence and federal-aid highway contracts exceeding $1 million to the Council. Councilmembers have the authority to introduce approval or disapproval resolutions on contracts over $1 million, multi-year contracts, federal-aid highway contracts, or reprogrammings at any time within the Council review period. Additionally, committees may hold public hearings on these contracts, and the Chairman may call additional legislative meetings to consider urgent matters as authorized by the Recess Rules. The Committee of the Whole may also convene hearings within its jurisdiction, and legislation can still be transmitted to the Mayor for her signature.

However, please note that committees are prohibited from holding hearings or roundtables, except as specified for contracts over $1 million, multi-year contracts, or federal-aid highway contracts, unless specifically authorized by Recess Rules. Committees are also not permitted to mark up legislation, and members cannot introduce new legislation during the recess, except for emergency and temporary legislation or resolutions related to contracts or reprogramming that will be considered at a special legislative meeting. The Mayor is also restricted from transmitting new legislation to the Council unless specifically authorized.

Our office staff remains available to address any constituent concern during the summer recess. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance

Peace and love,

1. Require the Department of Corrections to provide a minimum standard of pregnancy testing, healthcare, including specialized healthcare, and medical supplies to incarcerated individuals. DOC policies regarding care available to pregnant individuals are vague and it’s difficult for incarcerated individuals and their attorneys to advocate for basic needs when the floor is so low.  
    
2. Establish a process for a pregnant individual to request the presence of a loved one while hospitalized. Currently, there is no formal process by which someone who is pregnant and in DOC custody can request a family member or friend to be present while they are in a hospital for delivery and recovery. The process is ad hoc, timelines are nonexistent and we’ve heard that communication must improve. This section includes a process to notify the approved support person before the incarcerated individual is transported to a hospital as well.
    
3. Limit the presence of DOC officers during labor, delivery, a cesarean section, or a pregnancy termination that occurs in a hospital.
    
4. Require that the incarcerated person receive counseling from a case manager about options for feeding, placement, and care of the infant after birth, and assistance with determining the placement of the infant.

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