District of Columbia Electronic Transmittal of Legislation Act

# District of Columbia Electronic Transmittal of Legislation Act – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would allow the District of Columbia Council to send legislation to Congress electronically instead of requiring physical documents. Currently, DC laws (except emergencies) must be submitted to Congress for review before taking effect, but this process still relies on paper-based transmission. The bill would modernize this procedure by permitting electronic submission while maintaining Congress's existing oversight authority. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects DC government operations and Congress. The DC Council would gain more efficient procedures for submitting laws, while Congress retains its current power to review and potentially block DC legislation during the review period.

Residents and businesses in Washington, D.C. would experience no direct changes to their rights or obligations—this is an administrative modernization. **Current Status:** The bill is pending in committee (as of the 119th Congress) and has not yet been voted on. It was introduced by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents D.C. in Congress but cannot vote on most legislation due to D.C.'s unique political status.