Witness-support proposal draws federal, executive caution at Council hearing

Council Member Brianne Nadeau opened testimony on the Case Closure and Witness Support Amendment Act of 2025 (B26-27), telling the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety that the bill responds to low homicide closure rates and the absence of a codified witness-assistance program. Nadeau said the bill would double the statutory tip maximum in homicide cases from $25,000 to a $50,000 minimum and establish a municipal witness relocation and assistance program including housing, physical protection and identity documents; it would also require a mayoral report on existing programs.

Deputy Mayor Lindsay Appiah told the committee the executive submitted formal opposition "to B26-27," warning that mandatory $50,000 payments could be expensive and that the city should prioritize…