Council approves first-reading of PeaceDC omnibus with education and pretrial provisions; transit citation language removed

The Council of the District of Columbia approved on first reading Bill 20‑6‑187, the Metropolitan Police Department Training Academy College Credit Opportunity Amendment Act of 2025 (also called the PeaceDC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2025), after adopting amendments that change how MPD training credits are recognized and removing language that would have granted special police officers on WMATA authority to issue civil citations.

The bill, sponsored in committee by Councilmember Pinto, is intended to address four categories described by Pinto: empowering young people, preventing violence, supporting public-safety workforces and reducing recidivism. Council members debated amendments that would (1) allow a limited portion of MPD training academy credits to be certified by an accredited university and (2) remove a provision that would have expanded citation authority for WMATA special police officers (SPOs).

The MPD-credit amendment, moved by Councilmember Lewis George and described during debate as permitting up to 20 credits of the 60-credit requirement to be certified through an agreement between MPD and an accredited university, was presented as a “gap-filler” for applicants who started college but did not finish. Councilmember Allen said the amendment struck a balance between maintaining educational expectations and easing recruitment barriers; Councilmember Pinto described it as keeping the 60-credit floor while offering a pathway for otherwise qualified applicants. The amendment was accepted and approved without objection.

A second amendment, offered by Councilmembers Lewis George and Charles Allen, sought to remove the portion of the omnibus that would have authorized WMATA special police officers to issue civil citations on the transit system. Proponents of that amendment said the expansion of SPO authority had not received a public hearing, raised oversight and training concerns, and risked disparate enforcement because many SPOs are contractors and are not subject to the District’s civilian oversight mechanisms. Councilmember Pinto argued SPOs already handle serious criminal incidents on the system and that the measure was a civil, not criminal, enforcement tool intended to address widespread fare evasion. After debate, the amendment to strike the SPO citation language passed on a roll-call vote, 8 yes to 4 no.

The omnibus also includes changes to presumptions for survivor benefits for firefighters and emergency workers, adjustments to record-sealing law for lower‑level offenses, and modifications to pretrial detention presumptions for violent offenses. During debate, Councilmembers Robert White, Nadeau and McDuffie expressed concerns about expanding pretrial-detention standards without clearer data demonstrating improved public safety and warned of disproportionate impacts on communities of color. Pinto said judges and criminal justice officials had told her the presumption is a needed tool in some violent cases and noted she had narrowed the print to remove robbery without significant physical harm and second‑degree burglary.

The bill as amended was approved on first reading; the secretary reported 8 yes votes, 2 no votes and 2 members recorded as present. Councilmember Robert White and Councilmember Nadeau announced they would vote no; Councilmembers Lewis George and McDuffie were recorded as present at the roll call. Councilmember Pinto said she expects further refinements and continued committee work ahead of second reading.

Votes at Council session: • MPD-credit amendment (allowing up to 20 academy credits to be certified via accredited‑university agreement): approved (unanimous, voice vote at first reading). • Amendment to remove WMATA SPO civil‑citation authority: approved, roll-call 8 yes, 4 no. • Final vote on Bill 20‑6‑187 as amended (first reading): approved, roll-call 8 yes, 2 no, 2 present.

Councilmembers repeatedly emphasized that the changes to pretrial presumptions are limited in scope as printed, but several members requested more data and study before the second reading. Pinto said she and her staff will continue to refine language and gather further analysis between readings.

Ending: The bill advances to further consideration; Pinto and other members said they expect continued committee work and possible amendments before a final vote.