Council members discussed and approved an amendment-in-the-nature-of-a-substitute (ANS) to the Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act of 2025 (Bill 26‑53) that makes several substantive changes intended to reduce blight and accelerate reuse of vacant properties.

The ANS, explained by the mover, revises the register of wills provisions so only District residents may deposit wills and tightens who may examine a testator’s will (for example, court‑appointed guardians only in limited circumstances). It also clarifies transfer requirements when a testator dies outside the District. On land use and taxation, the ANS expands the list of permits that may trigger reclassification from commercial (Class 2) to residential (Class 1A) — adding demolition, shoring, and related permits — and directs the Chief Financial Officer to revoke reclassification if a property is not put to predominantly residential use within three years of the qualifying permit issuance.

On foreclosure policy, the ANS gives the Office of the Attorney General additional authority to decline to file or to dismiss foreclosure complaints where the foreclosure would cause substantial personal or economic hardship, an interested party intends to reoccupy or rehabilitate the property within one year, or proceeding would not be in the District’s interest. The ANS also requires publication in the District of Columbia Register when OAG declines or dismisses a foreclosure complaint. Finally, the ANS revises applicability so provisions without a fiscal cost can take effect immediately.

Councilmember Robert White praised the bill’s emphasis on preservation, arguing preservation helps keep neighborhoods and low-cost rentals intact. The Committee voted by voice in favor of the amendment nature of a substitute; the chair reported the ayes were unanimous on the ANS and later said the bill as amended passed unanimously in Committee.

The measure moved forward with the ANS and will be considered on the legislative agenda to follow.