The District of Columbia's Constitution
A RESOLUTION
21-621
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Introduction
Intro §1 | INTRO
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Constitution and Boundaries for the State of Washington, D.C. Approval Resolution of 2016”.
Intro §2 | CONSTITUTION FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, DC
Intro §3 | SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF METES AND BOUNDS FOR FEDERAL ENCLAVE
(b)
(2) Thence south along the said eastern right-of-way of 2nd Street, N.E., to the eastern right-of-way of 2nd Street, S.E.;
(3) Thence south along the said eastern right-of-way of 2nd Street, S.E., to its intersection with the northern property boundary of the John Adams Building of the Library of Congress;
(4) Thence east along the said northern property boundary of the John Adams Building of the Library of Congress to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 3rd Street, S.E.;
(5) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 3rd Street, S.E., to its intersection with the northern right-of-way of Independence Avenue, S.E.;
(6) Thence west along the said northern right-of-way of Independence Avenue, S.E., to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 2nd Street, S.E.;
(7) Thence south along the said eastern right-of way of 2nd Street, S.E., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of C Street, S.E.;
(8) Thence west along the said southern right-of-way of C Street, S.E., to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 1st Street, S.E.;
(9) Thence south along the said eastern right-of-way of 1st Street, S.E., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of D Street, S.E.;
(10) Thence west along the said southern right-of-way of D Street, S.E., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of South Capitol Street;
(11) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of South Capitol Street to its intersection with a line extending northwestward the southwestern right-of-way of Canal Street, S.E.;
(12) Thence southeast along the said line extending northwestward the southwestern right-of-way of Canal Street, S.E., to the southwestern right-of-way of Canal Street S.E.;
(13) Thence southeast along the said southwestern right-of-way of Canal Street, S.E., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of E Street, S.E.;
(14) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of said E Street, S.E., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 1st Street, S.E.;
(15) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 1st Street, S.E., to its intersection with the southern property boundary of the former Congressional House Page Dormitory;
(16) Thence west along the said boundary of the former Congressional House Page Dormitory to its intersection with the southwestern right-of-way of New Jersey Avenue, S.E.;
(17) Thence southeast along the said southwestern right-of-way of New Jersey Avenue, S.E., to its intersection with the northeastern right-of-way of Virginia Avenue, S.E.;
(18) Thence northwest along the said northeastern right-of-way of Virginia Avenue, S.E., to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of South Capitol Street;
(19) Thence north along the said eastern right-of-way of South Capitol Street to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of E Street, S.E.;
(20) Thence west along a line extending westward the said southern right-of-way of E Street, S.E., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of South Capitol Street;
(21) Thence north along the said western right-of-way of South Capitol Street to its intersection with the southwestern right-of-way of Washington Avenue, S.W.;
(22) Thence northwest along the said southwestern right-of-way of Washington Avenue, S.W., to its intersection with the northern boundary of the railroad track right-of-way;
(23) Thence generally west along the said northern boundary of the railroad track right-of-way to its intersection with the eastern right-of way of the D Street exit ramp from Interstate 395;
(24) Thence north then northeast along the said eastern right-of-way of the D Street exit ramp from Interstate 395 to its intersection with the southwestern right-of-way of Washington Avenue, S.W.;
(25) Thence northwest along the said southwestern right-of-way of Washington Avenue, S.W., to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 2nd Street, S.W.;
(26) Thence south along the said eastern right-of-way of 2nd Street, S.W., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of the D Street entry ramp to Interstate 395;
(27) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of the D Street entry ramp to Interstate 395 to its intersection with the western right-of-way of the Virginia Avenue exit ramp from Interstate 395;
(28) Thence generally south then west along the said western then northern rightof-way of the Virginia Avenue exit ramp from Interstate 395 to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 2nd Street, S.W.;
(29) Thence south along the said eastern right-of-way of 2nd Street, S.W., to its intersection with a line extending southeastward the southwestern right-of-way of Virginia Avenue, S.W.;
(30) Thence northwest along the said line extending southeastward the southwestern right-of-way of Virginia Avenue, S.W., to the southwestern right-of-way of Virginia Avenue, S.W.;
(31) Thence northwest along the said southwestern right-of-way of Virginia Avenue, S.W., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 3rd Street, S.W.;
(32) Thence north along the said western right-of-way of 3rd Street, S.W., to its intersection with the northern right-of-way of D Street, S.W.;
(33) Thence west along the said northern right-of-way of D Street, S.W., to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 4th Street, S.W.;
(34) Thence north along the said eastern right-of-way of 4th Street, S.W., to its intersection with the northern right-of-way of C Street, S.W.;
(35) Thence west along the said northern right-of-way of C Street, S.W., to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 6th Street, S.W.;
(36) Thence north along the said eastern right-of-way of 6th Street, S.W., to its intersection with the northern right -of-way of Independence Avenue, S.W.;
(37) Thence west along the said northern right-of-way of Independence Avenue, S.W., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 12th Street, S.W.;
(38) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 12th Street, S.W., to its intersection with the northern right-of-way of D Street, S.W.;
(39) Thence west along the said northern right-of-way of D Street, S.W., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 14th Street, S.W.;
(40) Thence south then southwest along the said western then northwestern rightof-way of 14th Street, S.W., to the northwestern right-of-way of Interstate 395;
(41) Thence southwest along the said northwestern right-of-way of Interstate 395 to its intersection with the eastern shore of the Potomac River;
(42) Thence generally northwest along the said eastern shore of the Potomac River to its intersection with a line extending westward the northern property boundary of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts;
(43) Thence east along the said line extending westward the northern property boundary of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the northern property boundary of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts;
(44) Thence east along the said northern property boundary of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the northeast comer of the property;
(45) Thence east along a line extending eastward the said northern property boundary of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of Interstate 66;
(46) Thence south along the said eastern right-of-way of Interstate 66 to the eastern right-of-way of the E Street entrance ramp to Interstate 66;
(47) Thence south then east along the said eastern then northern right-of-way of the E Street entrance ramp to Interstate 66 to the point where the said northern right-of-way of the E Street entrance ramp to Interstate 66 becomes the northern right-of-way of E Street, N.W.;
(48) Thence south across said E Street, N.W., to the southern right-of-way of E Street, N.W.;
(49) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of E Street, N.W., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 20th Street, N.W.;
(50) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 20th Street, N.W., to its intersection with a line extending westward the southern right-of-way of the portion of E Street, N.W., north of Walt Whitman Park;
(51) Thence east along the said line extending westward the southern right-ofway of the portion of E Street, N.W., north of Walt Whitman Park to the southern right-of-way of the portion of E Street, N.W., north of Walt Whitman Park;
(52) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of the portion of E Street, N.W., north of Walt Whitman Park to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 18th Street, N.W.;
(53) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 18th Street, N.W., to its intersection with the southwestern right-of-way of Virginia Avenue, N.W.;
(54) Thence southeast along the said southwestern right-of-way of Virginia Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of Constitution Avenue, N.W.;
(55) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of Constitution Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 17th Street, N.W.;
(56) Thence north along the said eastern right-of-way of 17th Street, N.W., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of H Street, N.W.;
(57) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of H Street, N.W., to its intersection with the eastern boundary of the unnamed alley on the southern side of the 1500 block of H Street, N.W.;
(58) Thence generally south along the eastern boundary of the said unnamed alley to its southern boundary;
(59) Thence west along the southern boundary of the said unnamed alley to its intersection with the westernmost boundary of the property designated as Lot 810 in Square 221;
(60) Thence south along the said westernmost boundary of the property designated as Lot 810 in Square 221 to its intersection with the northern right-of-way of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.;
(61) Thence east along the said northern right-of-way of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 15th Street, N.W.;
(62) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 15th Street, N.W., to its intersection with a line extending westward the southern right-of-way of the portion of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., north of Pershing Square;
(63) Thence east along the said line extending the southern right-of-way of the portion of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., north of Pershing Square to the southern right-of-way of the portion of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., north of Pershing Square;
(64) Thence east then southeast along the said southern right-of-way of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 14th Street, N.W.;
(65) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 14th Street, N.W., to its intersection with a line extending westward the southern right-of-way of D Street, N.W.;
(66) Thence east along the said line extending westward the southern right-ofway of D Street, N.W., to the southern right-of-way of D Street, N.W.;
(67) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of D Street, N.W. to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 13'/zth Street, N.W.;
(68) Thence north along the said eastern right-of-way of 13’/2th Street, N.W., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.;
(69) Thence east then southeast along the said southern then southwestern rightof-way of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 12th Street, N.W.;
(70) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 12th Street, N.W., to its intersection with a line extending westward the southern boundary of the property designated as Lot 809 in Square 324;
(71) Thence east along the said line extending westward the southern boundary of the property designated as Lot 809 in Square 324 to the southwest comer of the said property designated as Lot 809 in Square 324;
(72) Thence northeast along the southern boundary of the said property designated as Lot 809 in Square 324 to its intersection with the southern boundary of the property designated as Lot 802 in Square 323;
(73) Thence northeast then east along the southern boundary of the said property designated as Lot 802 in Square 323 to a point where it meets the southern boundary of the property designated as Lot 808 in Square 324;
(74) Thence east along the southern boundary of the said property designated as Lot 808 in Square 324 to the southeast comer of the said property designated as Lot 808 in Square 324;
(75) Thence generally north along the eastern boundary of the said property designated as Lot 808 in Square 324 to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.;
(76) Thence southeast along the said southern right-of-way of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 4th Street, N.W.;
(77) Thence north along a line extending northward the said eastern right-of-way of 4th Street, N.W., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of C Street, N.W.;
(78) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of C Street, N.W., to its intersection with the eastern right-of-way of 3rd Street, N.W.;
(79) Thence north along the said eastern right-of-way of 3rd Street, N.W., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of D Street, N.W.;
(80) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of D Street, N.W., to its intersection with the western right of way of 1st Street, N.W.;
(81) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 1st Street, N.W., to its intersection with the northern right-of-way of C Street, N.W.;
(82) Thence west along the said northern right-of-way of C Street, N.W., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of 2nd Street, N.W.;
(83) Thence south along the said western right-of-way of 2nd Street, N.W., to its intersection with the northern right-of-way of Constitution Avenue, N.W.;
(84) Thence east along the said northern right-of-way of Constitution Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the northwestern right-of-way of Louisiana Avenue, N.W.;
(85) Thence northeast along the said northwestern right-of-way of Louisiana Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the southwestern right-of-way of New Jersey Avenue, N.W.;
(86) Thence northwest along the said southwestern right-of-way of New Jersey Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the northern right-of-way of D Street, N.W.;
(87) Thence east along the said northern right-of-way of D Street, N.W., to its intersection with the northwestern right-of-way of Louisiana Avenue, N.W.;
(88) Thence northeast along the said northwestern right-of-way of Louisiana Avenue, N.W., to its intersection with the western right-of-way of North Capitol Street;
(89) Thence north along the said western right-of-way of North Capitol Street to its intersection with the southwestern right-of-way of Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.;
(90) Thence southeast along the said southwestern right-of-way of Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. to the southwestern right-of-way of Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.;
(91) Thence southeast along the said southwestern right-of-way of Massachusetts Avenue, N.E. to the southwestern right-of-way of Columbus Circle, N.E.;
(92) Thence counter-clockwise along the said southwestern, then southern, southeastern, and eastern right-of-way of Columbus Circle, N.E., to its intersection with the southern right-of-way of F Street, N.E.;
(93) Thence east along the said southern right-of-way of F Street, N.E., to the point of beginning.
Intro §4 | TRANSMITTAL
Intro §5 | EFFECTIVE DATE
Preamble; Bill of Rights
PREAMBLE
Now, Therefore, We the People of the District of Columbia do adopt this Constitution, to be known as the Constitution of the State of Washington, D.C. (D.C. meaning “Douglass Commonwealth”), to establish the means of self-governance of the State of Washington, D.C. and to take our place, irrevocably, as a state among the states comprising the United States of America.
Art. 0 §1 | FREEDOM OF RELIGION, OF SPEECH, AND OF THE PRESS
Art. 0 §2 | RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS
Art. 0 §3 | QUARTERING OF SOLDIERS
Art. 0 §4 | SECURITY FROM UNWARRANTABLE SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Art. 0 §5 | RIGHTS OF ACCUSED IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Art. 0 §6 | RIGHT TO A SPEEDY JURY TRIAL, WITNESSES, ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
Art. 0 §7 | TRIAL BY JURY IN CIVIL CASES
Art. 0 §8 | BAILS, FINES, AND PUNISHMENTS
Art. 0 §9 | RESERVATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE
Art. 0 §10 | EQUAL PROTECTION
The Legislative Branch
Art. I §1 | LEGISLATIVE POWER
Art. I §2 | COMPOSITION; ELECTION OF MEMBERS; VACANCIES
2. Four members shall be elected on a partisan basis at large by the qualified voters of the State of Washington, D.C.
3. Sixteen members shall be elected on a partisan basis, 2 by the qualified voters of each of the 8 legislative districts of the State of Washington, D.C.
c. The term of office for Representatives shall be 4 years, and shall begin at noon on January 2nd of the year following a Representative’s election. Representatives shall be elected in accordance with the schedule established pursuant to Article VIII, Sec. 1(b) of this Constitution.
d. The Legislative Assembly may establish its committee structure by Resolution.
e. By a 4/5 vote of its Representatives, the Legislative Assembly may adopt a Resolution of expulsion of one of its Representatives, if it finds, based on substantial evidence, that the Representative took an action that amounts to a gross failure to meet the applicable standards of personal and professional conduct.
f.
(2) In the event of a vacancy in the Office of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly not caused by a vacancy in the Office of Governor, the Legislative Assembly shall select by majority vote a Representative elected at large who shall serve as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, until certification by the Board of Elections of the election of a successor in a special election to fill such vacancy.
(3) In the event of a vacancy in the Legislative Assembly of a Representative elected at large who is affiliated with a political party, the state committee of such political party shall appoint a person to fill such vacancy until certification by the Board of Elections of the election of a successor in a special election to fill such vacancy. The person appointed to fill such vacancy shall take office within 2 days of the appointment. With respect to a vacancy of a Representative elected at large who is not affiliated with any political party, the Legislative Assembly shall appoint a similarly non-affiliated person to fill such vacancy until certification by the Board of Elections of the election of a successor in a special election to fill such vacancy. Such person appointed by the Legislative Assembly shall take office within 2 days of the appointment.
Art. I §3 | QUALIFICATIONS FOR HOLDING OFFICE
(2) resides in and is domiciled in the State of Washington, D.C. and if nominated for election from a particular legislative district, resides in the district from which that person is nominated;
(3) has resided and been domiciled in the State of Washington, D.C. for one year immediately preceding the day on which the general or special election for such office is to be held; and
(4) holds no public office (other than Representative of the Legislative Assembly), for which that person is compensated in an amount in excess of actual expenses incurred in connection therewith. Nothing in this clause shall prohibit any person, while a Representative of the Legislative Assembly, from serving as an official of or delegate to a convention of a political party.
c. A Representative of the Legislative Assembly shall forfeit the office upon failure to maintain the qualifications required by this section or upon conviction of a felony.
Art. I §4 | ACTS; RESOLUTIONS; PROCEDURES; AND SPECIFIC AUTHORITIES
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, the Legislative Assembly shall use Acts for all legislative purposes.
(3) The Legislative Assembly shall hold 2 readings for all Acts, except upon declaration by two-thirds of its members of exigent circumstances, in which case such Act shall only be effective for a period not to exceed 90 days.
(4) Resolutions shall be used:
(B) to approve or disapprove proposed actions as authorized by an Act of the Legislative Assembly or of a kind historically or traditionally transmitted to the Council of the District of Columbia under the laws of the former District of Columbia. Such Resolutions must be specifically authorized by Act and must be designed to implement that Act.
c. An Act adopted by the Legislative Assembly shall be presented by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to the Governor, who shall, within 10 calendar days after the Act is presented, either approve or disapprove such Act. To approve an Act, the Governor shall affix the Governor’s signature to it, and such Act shall become law. To disapprove such Act, the Governor shall, within 10 calendar days after it is presented to the Governor, return such Act to the Legislative Assembly setting forth in writing the reasons for such disapproval. If any Act so adopted shall not be returned to the Legislative Assembly by the Governor within 10 calendar days after being presented to the Governor, the Governor shall be deemed to have approved it, and such Act shall become law unless the Legislative Assembly, when in a recess of 10 days or more, prevents its return, in which case it shall not become law.
d. If, within 30 calendar days after an Act has been timely returned by the Governor to the Legislative Assembly with the Governor’s disapproval, two-thirds of the members of the Legislative Assembly present and voting vote to reenact such Act, the Act shall become law without the Governor’s signature.
(2) If, within 30 calendar days after any such Budget Act has been timely returned by the Governor to the Legislative Assembly, two-thirds of the members of the Legislative Assembly present and voting vote to reenact any such item or provision, it shall become law.
g. By Act, the Legislative Assembly shall have authority to create or abolish any office, agency, department, or instrumentality of the State of Washington, D.C. not established in this Constitution, and to define the powers, duties, and responsibilities of any such office, agency, department, or instrumentality.
h. The Legislative Assembly, or any Committee or person authorized by it, shall have the power, as otherwise authorized by the rules of the Legislative Assembly, to investigate any matter relating to the affairs of the State of Washington, D.C., and for that purpose may issue subpoenas and administer oaths to require the attendance and testimony and the production of evidence. In conducting a lawful investigation, the Legislative Assembly or one of its Committees may seek enforcement of any subpoena it issues in the Superior Court of the State of Washington, D.C.
i. The Legislative Assembly may, by Resolution, call for an advisory referendum upon any matter upon which the Legislative Assembly desires to take action.
j. A majority of the number of non-vacant seats of the Legislative Assembly shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
k. The Legislative Assembly may establish by its rules what number of members constitutes a quorum for holding hearings or voting in a committee of the Legislative Assembly.
l. Each 10 calendar day period referenced in this section excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
Art. I §5 | SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
b. When the Office of Governor is vacant, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall act in the Governor's stead. While acting as Governor, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall not exercise any authority as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or as a member of the Legislative Assembly. While the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is acting as Governor, the Legislative Assembly shall select one of the elected at-large members of the Legislative Assembly to serve as Speaker, until the return of the elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
Art. I §6 | LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS
Art. I §7 | ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSIONS
b. No person shall hold the office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner unless that person:
(2) is a qualified voter of the State of Washington, D.C.; and
(3) has resided and been domiciled in the State of Washington, D.C. for 1 year immediately preceding the day on which the general or special election for such office is to be held.
(2) employ staff and expend public funds as authorized by the annual budget for the State of Washington, D.C. for public purposes within its neighborhood commission area; and
(3) have such other advisory powers and responsibilities as the Legislative Assembly may establish by Act.
Art. I §8 | AUDITOR
b. The Auditor may conduct audits and investigations of the accounts and operations of the government of the State of Washington, D.C. in accordance with such principles and procedures and under such rules and regulations as the Auditor may prescribe. Such audits and investigations shall include those required by law and such others as may be referred to it by the Legislative Assembly. In the determination of the auditing procedures to be followed and the extent of the examination of vouchers and other documents and records, the Auditor shall give due regard to generally accepted principles of auditing including the effectiveness of the accounting organizations and systems, internal audit and control, and related administrative practices.
c. The Auditor shall have access to all books, accounts, records, reports, findings and other papers, things, or property belonging to or in use by any department, agency, or other instrumentality of the State of Washington, D.C. necessary to facilitate the audit. Release of information by the Auditor shall be subject to the restrictions as are applicable to the agency from which the Auditor obtained the information.
d. The Auditor shall submit audit reports to the Legislative Assembly, the Governor, and other independent executive offices. Such reports shall set forth the scope of the audit and shall include such comments and information as the Auditor may deem necessary to keep the Legislative Assembly, Governor, and independent executive offices informed of the operations to which the reports relate, together with such recommendations with respect thereto as the Auditor may deem advisable.
e. The Auditor shall make such reports, together with such other material as the Auditor deems pertinent thereto, available for public inspection.
f. The Governor or independent executive offices shall state in writing to the Legislative Assembly, within an appropriate time, what action has been taken to effectuate the recommendations made by the Auditor.
g. The Auditor may be removed for cause by two-thirds vote of the Legislative Assembly. The appointment of a successor, or to otherwise fill a vacancy, shall be for a term of 6 years.
The Executive Branch
Art. II Part 1 §0 | EXECUTIVE POWER
Art. II Part 2 §1 | ELECTION OF GOVERNOR
Art. II Part 2 §2 | QUALIFICATIONS FOR HOLDING OFFICE; VACANCY; COMPENSATION
(B) resides in and is domiciled in the State of Washington, D.C.;
(C) has resided and been domiciled in the State of Washington, D.C. for 1 year immediately preceding the day on which the general or special election for Governor is to be held; and
(D) is not engaged in any employment (whether as an employee or as a self-employed individual) and holds no public office or position (other than employment as Governor), for which that person is compensated in an amount in excess of actual expenses incurred in connection therewith, except that nothing in this clause shall be construed as prohibiting such person, while holding the Office of Governor, from serving as an official or delegate of a political party.
c. The Governor shall receive compensation, payable in equal installments, at a rate of pay established by Act. The Legislative Assembly shall not reduce the salary of an incumbent Governor. Any changes in the Governor’s compensation, upon enactment by the Legislative Assembly, shall apply beginning with the next gubernatorial term after the effective date of such Act.
d. The Governor shall forfeit the office upon failure to maintain qualifications required by this section or upon conviction of a felony.
Art. II Part 2 §3 | POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GOVERNOR
b. The Governor may designate the officer or officers of the executive branch of the State of Washington, D.C., who may, during periods of the Governor’s absence from the State of Washington, D.C., or due to the temporary or partial incapacity of the Governor, execute and perform the powers and duties of the Governor.
c. The Governor shall administer the personnel functions of the executive branch of the State of Washington, D.C. except for the independent executive entities, including all laws relating to the appointment, promotion, duties, discipline, separation, and other conditions of employment of personnel in the Office of the Governor, personnel in departments of the State of Washington, D.C., and members and employees of boards, offices, commissions, and other agencies.
d. The Governor shall, through the heads of administrative boards, offices, commissions, and agencies, supervise and direct the activities of such boards, offices, commissions, and agencies.
e. The Governor may submit proposed Acts and Resolutions to the Legislative Assembly.
f. The Governor may delegate any of the Governor’s functions (other than the function of approving or disapproving Acts passed by the Legislative Assembly or the power to grant pardons) to any officer, employee, or agency of the executive office of the Governor, or to any director of an executive department who may, with the approval of the Governor, make a further delegation of all or a part of such functions to subordinates under that person’s jurisdiction.
g. The Governor shall be the custodian of the corporate seal of the State of Washington, D.C. and shall use and authenticate it in accordance with law.
h. The Governor shall have the right to be heard by the Legislative Assembly or any of its committees under rules to be adopted by the Legislative Assembly.
i. The Governor may issue and enforce administrative orders, not inconsistent with this Constitution or with any statute, to carry out the Governor’s functions and duties.
j. The Governor may, by reorganization order, reorganize the offices, agencies, and other entities within the executive branch of the government of the State of Washington, D.C. except where such reorganization is inconsistent with statute.
k. The Governor shall have plenary power to grant pardons, commutations, and reprieves, and to remit, forgive, or reduce fines and forfeitures, for all offenses against the laws of the State of Washington, D.C.
l. To advance the general welfare and provide for public safety, and consistent with federal law, the Governor may enter into compacts and agreements with other states and localities, the federal government, and federal instrumentalities; and may enter into agreements with foreign nations, cities, or businesses; provided, that any financial obligations of such compacts and agreements shall be approved by the Legislative Assembly under rules to be adopted by the Legislative Assembly.
m. The Governor shall be the primary planning authority for the State of Washington, D.C.
n. The Governor shall be the Commander-in-Chief over the National Guard of the State of Washington, D.C.
o. The Governor shall have charge of the administration of the financial affairs of the State of Washington, D.C., except authority assigned by this Constitution to the Chief Financial Officer, and shall have authority to examine and approve all contracts, orders, and other documents by which the State of Washington, D.C. incurs financial or other obligations.
Art. II Part 3 §1 | OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
b.
(2) To fill a vacancy in the position of Attorney General, the Board of Elections shall hold a special election at least 70 days, and not more than 174 days, after such vacancy occurs, unless it determines that such vacancy could be more practicably filled in a special election held on the same day as the next general election to be held in the State of Washington, D.C. The person elected Attorney General to fill a vacancy in the Office of the Attorney General shall take office on the day on which the Board of Elections certifies the election, and shall serve as Attorney General for the remainder of the term during which such vacancy occurred.
d. The Attorney General may furnish opinions in writing on the Attorney General’s initiative or when requested to do so by the Governor or the Legislative Assembly.
e. The administration, organization, and operation of the Office of the Attorney General shall be under the jurisdiction and control of the Attorney General. The Attorney General’s duties shall include supervising and directing the activities of the Office, administering the personnel functions of the Office (including all laws relating to the appointment, promotion, duties, discipline, separation, and other conditions of employment of personnel), reorganizing the Office, and approving contracts, orders, and other documents by which the State of Washington, D.C. incurs financial or other obligations for the Office of the Attorney General.
f. The Attorney General shall receive compensation, payable in equal installments, at a rate of pay established by Act. The Legislative Assembly shall not reduce the salary of an incumbent Attorney General. Any changes in the Attorney General’s compensation, upon enactment by the Legislative Assembly, shall apply beginning with the next Attorney General’s term after the effective date of such Act.
Art. II Part 3 §2 | OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
b. The Chief Financial Officer for the State of Washington, D.C. shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent, by Resolution, of the Legislative Assembly. The Chief Financial Officer shall be appointed for a term of 5 years. Any Chief Financial Officer may continue to serve beyond the appointed term until a successor takes office.
c. If there is a vacancy in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer as a consequence of resignation, permanent disability, death, or other reason, the Governor shall appoint one of the Deputy Chief Financial Officers to serve as the Chief Financial Officer in an acting capacity. The Governor shall promptly nominate a person to serve as Chief Financial Officer, for the remainder of the term during which the vacancy occurred; provided, that the Governor shall submit the nomination to the Legislative Assembly for its approval as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
d. The Chief Financial Officer may be removed only for cause by the Governor, subject to the approval of the Legislative Assembly by a Resolution approved by not fewer than 2/3 of the members of the Legislative Assembly present and voting.
e. The administration, organization, and operation of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer shall be under the jurisdiction and control of the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer’s duties shall include supervising and directing the activities of the Office, administering the personnel functions of the Office (including all laws relating to the appointment, promotion, duties, discipline, separation, and other conditions of employment of personnel), and reorganizing the Office.
f. The Chief Financial Officer shall, under the direction of the Governor, prepare the budgets and financial plans for the State of Washington, D.C. for submission by the Governor to the Legislative Assembly.
g. The Chief Financial Officer shall:
(2) prepare and submit to the Governor and the Legislative Assembly and make public annual fiscal-year estimates of all revenue for the State of Washington, D.C. and quarterly re-estimates of the revenues of the State of Washington, D.C. during the fiscal year;
(3) supervise and assume responsibility for financial transactions to ensure adequate control over revenues and resources;
(4) maintain systems of accounting and internal controls designed to provide full disclosure of the impact of the activities of the State of Washington, D.C. government, adequate financial information necessary for management purposes, effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and other assets of the State of Washington, D.C., and reliable accounting results to serve as the basis for preparing and supporting agency budget requests and controlling the execution of the budget;
(5) submit to the Legislative Assembly a financial statement containing such details and at such times as the Legislative Assembly may specify;
(6) supervise and assume responsibility for the assessment of all property subject to assessments and taxes, which includes preparing tax maps, and providing notice of taxes and special assessments;
(7) supervise and assume responsibility for the levying and collection of all taxes, special assessments, licensing fees, and other revenues of the State of Washington, D.C. and receiving all amounts paid to it;
(8) maintain custody of all public funds;
(9) apportion funds made available so as to prevent deficiencies or a need for supplemental appropriations;
(10) certify all contracts and leases prior to execution as to the availability of funds;
(11) determine the regularity, legality, and correctness of bills, invoices, payrolls, claims, demands, or charges;
(12) supervise and administer all borrowing programs;
(13) administer the cash management program of the State of Washington, D.C.;
(14) administer such payroll and retirement systems as the Legislative Assembly may by Act assign to it;
(15) govern the accounting policies and systems of the State of Washington, D.C.;
(16) timely prepare yearly, quarterly, and monthly financial reports of the accounting and financial operations of the State of Washington, D.C.;
(17) prepare fiscal impact statements on such regulations, multiyear contracts, agreements, and proposed legislation as the Governor and Legislative Assembly may require by request or Act;
(18) certify all collective bargaining agreements and nonunion pay proposals as to the availability of funds before submission to the Legislative Assembly, and prepare any financial analysis requested by the Governor of proposed terms or agreements.
Art. II Part 3 §3 | STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
2. A President and Vice President of the State Board of Education shall be elected from among the members of the State Board of Education.
2. By Act, the Legislative Assembly may establish which educational matters shall be subject to the approval of the State Board of Education.
Art. II Part 3 §4 | BOARD OF ELECTIONS.
The Judicial Branch
Art. III §1 | JUDICIAL POWER
Art. III §2 | NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT TO THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, D.C. COURTS
b. A judge appointed to the State of Washington, D.C. Courts shall be appointed for a term of 15 years, unless removed or suspended, and upon completion of such term, such judge shall continue to serve until reappointed or a successor is appointed and is sworn in. A judge who is found well-qualified by the Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure shall be reappointed.
c. The Legislative Assembly shall, by law, provide for the composition, method of selection, and procedures for the State of Washington, D.C. Judicial Nomination Commission to use in carrying out its duties under this Article.
Art. III §3 | QUALIFICATION FOR NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT; REMOVAL; COMPENSATION
2. Is an active member of the unified bar created pursuant to the rules of the State of Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals and has been active in that bar for at least 5 years; and
3. Is recommended to the Governor, for such nomination and appointment, by the State of Washington, D.C. Judicial Nomination Commission.
2. Willful and persistent failure to perform judicial duties;
3. Any other conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice or that brings the judicial office into disrepute;
4. Failure to maintain residency in the State of Washington, D.C.; or
5. A mental or physical incapacity (including habitual intemperance) that is or is likely to become permanent and that prevents, or seriously interferes with, the proper performance of that person’s judicial duties.
d. All Judges of the State of Washington, D.C. Courts shall receive compensation, payable in equal installments, at a rate of pay established by Act. The Legislative Assembly shall not reduce the salary of Judges. Any changes in the Judges’ compensation, upon enactment by the Legislative Assembly, shall apply after the effective date or the applicability date of such Act, whichever is later.
Art. III §4 | POWERS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, D.C. COURTS
Art. III §5 | DESIGNATION OF CHIEF JUDGES
Budget And Financial Management
Art. IV §1 | FISCAL YEAR
Art. IV §2 | SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL BUDGET
(B) Specify the agencies and purposes for which funds are being requested; and
(C) Be prepared on the assumption that proposed expenditures for such fiscal year shall not exceed estimated resources from existing sources and proposed resources.
(B) A multiyear financial plan of revenues and expenses, including multiyear operating and capital improvement plans for all agencies; and
(C) A summary of the budget for distribution to the general public.
c. The Governor may prepare and submit to the Legislative Assembly such supplemental or deficiency budget proposals as are necessary, including proposals to increase revenues to meet any such increased expenditure, and may prepare and submit to the Legislative Assembly for approval, by Resolution, proposed reprogrammings of budgeted amounts.
Art. IV §3 | ADOPTION OF BUDGET BY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Art. IV §4 | ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITS
Art. IV §5 | BALANCED BUDGET
Art. IV §6 | REVIEW OF CONTRACTS BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Art. IV §7 | EMERGENCY AND CONTINGENCY RESERVE FUNDS
2. The Governor may use the emergency cash reserve fund to provide for unanticipated and nonrecurring extraordinary needs of an emergency nature, including for expenses associated with a natural disaster or calamity or a state of emergency as declared by the Governor, for unexpected obligations of federal law, and for cash-flow management purposes in an amount of not more than 50 percent of the balance of the fund.
2. The Governor may use the contingency cash reserve fund to provide for nonrecurring or unforeseen needs that arise during the fiscal year, including for expenses associated with unforeseen weather or other natural disasters, unexpected obligations created by federal law or new public safety, health, welfare, or education needs or requirements that have been identified after the budget process has occurred, for opportunities to achieve cost savings, to cover revenue shortfalls experienced by the District government for 3 consecutive months (based on a 2-month rolling average) that are 5 percent or more below the budget forecast, and for cash-flow management purposes in an amount of not more than 50 percent of the balance of the fund.
Borrowing
Art. V §1 | AUTHORITY TO ISSUE AND REDEEM GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS
b. The State of Washington, D.C. may reserve the right to redeem any or all of its obligations before maturity in such manner and at such price as may be fixed by the Governor prior to the issuance of such obligations.
c. For purposes of section 1, capital projects means any physical public betterment or improvement, the acquisition of property of a permanent nature, or the purchase of equipment or furnishings.
Art. V §2 | CONTENTS OF BORROWING LEGISLATION ON ISSUING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
(2) identifying the Act authorizing each such project or category of projects;
(3) setting forth the maximum amount of debt principal that may be incurred for the projects;
(4) setting forth the maximum rate of interest to be paid on such indebtedness;
(5) setting forth the maximum allowable maturity for the issue and the maximum debt service payable in any year;
(6) authorizing the bonds to be sold at public sale or at private sale on a negotiated basis, as determined by the Governor to be in the public interest;
(7) authorizing the Governor to enter into and amend agreements in connection with the bond issue, including a trust indenture;
(8) vesting in the trustee under such a trust indenture such properties, rights, powers, and duties in trust as may be necessary, convenient, or desirable;
(9) authorizing the creation of a security interest in State of Washington, D.C. revenues as additional security for the payment of the bonds;
(10) describing the particular State of Washington, D.C. revenues that are subject to such security interest;
(11) prescribing the validity of such security interest;
(12) prescribing remedies of the bondholders in the event of a default; and
(13) specifying such other covenants, provisions and conditions necessary to issue the additional bonds as parity bonds.
c. Failure to publish the notice or any error in any publication shall not impair the effect of the Act or the validity of the bonds issued pursuant to the Act.
Art. V §3 | ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
b. The principal amount of the general obligation bonds of each issue shall be payable in annual installments beginning not later than 3 years after the date of such bonds and ending not later than 30 years after such date.
Art. V §4 | BORROWING TO MEET APPROPRIATIONS AND IN ANTICIPATION OF REVENUES
b. In anticipation of the collection or receipt of revenues for a fiscal year, the Legislative Assembly may by Act authorize the issuance of revenue anticipation notes.
c. The total amount of any general obligation notes originally issued during a fiscal year shall not exceed 2 percent of the total appropriations for the State of Washington, D.C. for such fiscal year, and the total amount of all revenue anticipation notes outstanding at any time during a fiscal year shall not exceed 20 percent of the total anticipated revenue of the State of Washington, D.C. that the Governor estimates, and the Chief Financial Officer certifies, will be credited to the State of Washington, D.C. during the fiscal year in which the bonds will be issued.
d. Any general obligation note issued under subsection (a) of this section, or any revenue anticipation note issued under subsection (b) of this section, as authorized by an Act of the Legislative Assembly, may be renewed. Any such note, including any renewal of such note, shall be due and payable not later than the last day of the fiscal year occurring immediately after the fiscal year during which the Act authorizing the original issuance of such note takes effect.
Art. V §5 | SPECIAL TAX
Art. V §6 | FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF STATE OF WASHINGTON, D.C. PLEDGED
Art. V §7 | PAYMENT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES
b. The Governor shall ensure that the principal and interest on all general obligation bonds and notes issued under this Article are paid when due, including by paying such principal and interest from funds not otherwise legally committed.
c. All amounts obligated or expended by the State of Washington, D.C. for the payment of principal of, interest on, or redemption premium for any general obligation bonds issued under this Article or issued before the effective date of this Constitution are not subject to appropriation.
Art. V §8 | REVENUE BONDS AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
(2) Any revenue bond, note, or other obligation issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be a special obligation of the State of Washington, D.C. and shall be a negotiable instrument.
(3) Any revenue bond, note, or other obligation issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be paid and secured (as to principal, interest, and any premium) as provided by the Act or Resolution of the Legislative Assembly authorizing the issuance of such bond, note, or other obligation. Any Act of the Legislative Assembly authorizing the issuance of such bond, note, or other obligation, or any delegation of such authority, may provide for:
(B) The securing of such bond, note, or other obligation by the mortgage of real property or the creation of any security interest in available revenues, assets, or other property.
(B) Any security interest created under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be valid, binding, and perfected from the time such security interest is created, with or without the physical delivery of any funds or any other property and with or without any further action. Such security interest shall be valid, binding, and perfected whether or not any statement, document, or instrument relating to such security interest is recorded or filed. The lien created by such security interest is valid, binding, and perfected with respect to any individual or legal entity having claims against the State of Washington, D.C., whether or not such individual or legal entity has notice of such lien.
(C) Any funds of the State of Washington, D.C. held for the payment or security of any revenue bond, note, or other obligation issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection, whether or not such funds are held in trust, may be secured in the manner agreed to by the State of Washington, D.C. and any depository of such funds. Any depository of such funds may give security for the deposit of such funds.
(B) All amounts obligated or expended for the payment of principal of, interest on, or redemption premium for, or to secure, any bonds issued under this section or issued before the effective date of this Constitution; and
(C) All amounts obligated or expended pursuant to commitments made in connection with the issuance of a revenue bond, note, or other obligation for repair, maintenance, and capital improvements relating to undertakings financed through any revenue bond, note, or other obligation issued under this section or issued before the effective date of this Constitution.
c. Any and all such bonds, notes, or other obligations shall be issued pursuant to an Act or Resolution of the Legislative Assembly without the necessity of submitting the question of such issuance to the registered qualified voters of the State of Washington, D.C. for approval or disapproval.
d. Any Act or Resolution of the Legislative Assembly authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds, notes, or other obligations under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this section may:
(2) Prescribe the form, terms, provisions, manner, and method of issuing and selling (including sale by negotiation or by competitive bid) such bonds, notes, or other obligations;
(3) Provide for the rights and remedies of the holders of such bonds, notes, or other obligations upon default;
(4) Prescribe any other details with respect to the issuance, sale, or securing of such bonds, notes, or other obligations; and
(5) Authorize the Governor to take any actions in connection with the issuance, sale, delivery, security, and payment of such notes, bonds, or other obligations, including the prescribing of any terms or conditions not contained in such Act or Resolution of the Legislative Assembly.
Art. V §9 | LIMITATIONS ON BORROWING AND SPENDING
b. The 17% limitation specified in subsection (a) of this section shall be calculated in the following manner:
(2) Determine the actual total amount of principal and interest to be paid in each fiscal year for all outstanding general obligation bonds (less the allocable portion of principal and interest to be paid during the year on general obligation bonds of the District of Columbia issued prior to October 1, 1996, for the financing of Department of Public Works, Water, and Sewer Utility Administration capital projects) and such Treasury loans;
(3) Determine the amount of principal and interest to be paid during each fiscal year over the term of the proposed general obligation bond or such Treasury loan to be issued; and
(4) If in any one fiscal year the sum arrived at by adding paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection exceeds the amount determined under paragraph (1) of this subsection, then the proposed general obligation bond or such Treasury loan in paragraph (3) of this paragraph cannot be issued.
Art. V §10 | TAX EXEMPTION
Art. V §11 | LEGAL INVESTMENT
Initiative; Referendum; Recall
Art. VI §1 | DEFINITIONS
b. The term "referendum" means the process by which the registered qualified electors of the State of Washington, D.C. may repeal or ratify acts of the Legislative Assembly (except emergency acts, acts levying taxes, acts appropriating funds, acts having the effect of prohibiting discrimination, or advisory referenda).
c. The term "recall" means the process by which the registered qualified electors of the State of Washington, D.C. may call for the holding of an election to remove or retain an elected official prior to the expiration of that official’s term.
Art. VI §2 | PROCESS
b. The latest official count of registered voters by the Board of Elections that was issued 30 or more days prior to submission of the signatures for any particular initiative, referendum, or recall petition shall be used for computing the signature requirements of this Article.
Art. VI §3 | SUBMISSION OF MEASURE AT ELECTION
b. The Board of Elections shall hold an election on a recall petition within 114 days of its receipt of a petition. If a previously scheduled general, primary, or special election will occur between 54 and 114 days of its receipt of a recall petition, the Board of Elections may present the recall petition at that election.
Art. VI §4 | REJECTION OF MEASURE
Art. VI §5 | APPROVAL OF MEASURE
Art. VI §6 | SHORT TITLE AND SUMMARY
Art. VI §7 | RECALL PROCESS
Art. VI §8 | TIME LIMITS ON INITIATION OF RECALL PROCESS
Art. VI §9 | WHEN AN OFFICIAL IS REMOVED; FILLING OF VACANCIES
Miscellaneous
Art. VII §1 | OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY
Art. VII §2 | CONSTRUCTION OF CONSTITUTION
b. The use of partisan or nonpartisan with respect to elections under Articles I and II shall determine only whether the name of a political party may appear next to the name of a candidate on the ballot but shall not limit the authority of the Legislative Assembly to establish any type of primary or runoff system it may find appropriate.
c. In interpreting this Constitution, the courts are not bound by the interpretation given by federal courts to identical or similar language in the United States Constitution, but shall interpret this Constitution in light of its purposes and the laws, values, and traditions of the State of Washington, D.C.
Art. VII §3 | CONSTITUTION AMENDING PROCEDURE
b. Ratified constitutional amendments take effect either on the date the Board of Elections certifies the ratification, or the date prescribed by the amendment, whichever is later.
Art. VII §4 | CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
b. The Legislative Assembly shall, by Act, establish for the Constitutional Convention procedures for the convention that shall include the election process for delegates to the Constitutional Convention, to be comprised of an equal number of delegates from each legislative district.
c. The Legislative Assembly shall appoint a Constitutional Convention Commission comprised of legal and subject matter experts with the purpose of preparing comprehensive recommendations and advice to the Constitutional Convention delegates on the subjects established by the Legislative Assembly.
d. Any amendment resulting from such a Constitutional Convention shall be ratified by a majority of the qualified voters who vote in a ratification referendum.
Art. VII §5 | OATH OF OFFICE
Art. VII §6 | EFFECTIVE DATE
Transfer of Offices
Art. VIII §1 | TRANSFER OF OFFICES
b. To provide continuity during the transition from the government of the District of Columbia to the State of Washington, D.C., the members of the Council, the Chairman of the Council, the Mayor, the Attorney General, and members of the State Board of Education and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions in office as of the effective date of this Constitution shall be deemed Representatives of the Legislative Assembly, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Governor, Attorney General, and members of the State Board of Education and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, respectively (in accordance with current boundaries), until the expiration of the term of office each such individual held immediately prior to the effective date of this Constitution. Vacancies in these offices occurring during the holdover term shall be filled as provided in Articles I, II, and VI.
c. New Representatives of the Legislative Assembly shall be elected on the same schedule as existing Councilmembers of the District of Columbia. The Board of Elections shall hold elections for newly created positions in the Legislative Assembly at least 60 days and not more than 120 days after the effective date of this Constitution, unless it determines that such positions could be more practicably filled in a special election held on the same day as the next primary or general election to be held in the State of Washington, D.C. The Legislative Assembly shall, by Act, establish the election schedule for all newly created positions; provided, that such Act ensures a staggered schedule, including between Representatives from the same legislative district.
d. The individual serving as District of Columbia Auditor as of the effective date of this Constitution shall be deemed to have been appointed as Auditor under Article I for a term to expire as of the date of expiration of the term to which he or she was appointed.
e. Positions previously held on boards, commissions, and regional bodies by members of the Council of the District of Columbia, the Chairman of the Council, or the Mayor shall be held after the effective date of this Constitution by Representatives of the Legislative Assembly, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and the Governor, respectively, to the extent consistent with this Constitution.
f. For boards and commissions, members not federally appointed and in office as of the effective date of this Constitution shall continue to serve until the expiration of that term of office held on the effective date of this Constitution.
g. The terms of federally appointed members to any District of Columbia board or commission shall expire on the 90th day from the effective date of this Constitution unless otherwise provided by law, and no vacancies shall be deemed to be created by the abolition of these positions unless the Governor or Legislative Assembly creates a new position on the board or commission.
h. The individual serving as Chief Financial Officer as of the effective date of this Constitution shall be deemed to have been appointed as Chief Financial Officer under Article II, for a term to expire on July 1 of the year in which that individual’s previously extant term would have expired.
Art. VIII §2 | CONTINUATION OF STATE OF WASHINGTON, D.C. COURT SYSTEM
b. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the Judicial Nomination Commission, and the Commission on Judicial Disability and Tenure shall continue subject to the provisions of Article III of this Constitution. Any changes in the judges’ compensation, upon enactment by the Legislative Assembly, shall apply after the effective date or the applicability date of such Act, whichever is later.
c. The term and qualifications of any judge of any District of Columbia court appointed prior to the effective date of this Constitution shall not be affected by the provisions of Article III of this Constitution. No provision of this Constitution shall be construed to extend the term of any such judge. Judges of the State of Washington, D.C. courts appointed after the effective date of this Constitution shall be appointed according to Article III.
d. Nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to amend, repeal, or diminish the duties, rights, privileges, or benefits accruing under sections 1561 through 1571 of title 11 of the District of Columbia Code, dealing with retirement, or to authorize a decrease in the level of compensation of the judges of the District of Columbia courts as of the effective date of this Constitution. The compensation received by judges of the State of Washington, D.C. courts shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.
Art. VIII §3 | PENDING ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
Art. VIII §4 | LAWS IN FORCE AND PRIOR POWERS
b. Upon the effective date of this Constitution, all of the laws then in force in the District of Columbia, including regulations and Mayor’s Orders, shall become the laws of the State of Washington, D.C. and continue in force and effect throughout the State of Washington, D.C., except as modified by the State of Washington, D.C. Admission Act, or by this Constitution, or as thereafter modified in accordance with this Constitution.
c. All powers previously vested in the Council of the District of Columbia by Congress through the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, to the extent not inconsistent with this Constitution and to the extent not thereafter having been transferred or repealed, shall be vested in the Legislative Assembly in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
d. The powers possessed by the respective Advisory Neighborhood Commissions for the District of Columbia on the day prior to the effective date of this Constitution shall be possessed by the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions for the State of Washington, D.C. on the effective date of this Constitution, to the extent not inconsistent with this Constitution, and to the extent not thereafter modified or repealed in accordance with this Constitution
e. Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, all functions previously granted to or vested in the Mayor of the District of Columbia through the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, to the extent not inconsistent with this Constitution and to the extent not thereafter having been transferred or repealed, shall be vested in the Office of the Governor in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
f. The annual compensation of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Representatives, the Governor, the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer, and the judges of the Superior Court of the State of Washington, D.C. and the State of Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals on the effective date of this Constitution shall be the annual compensation provided to the Chairman and members of the Council, the Mayor, the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer, and the judges of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals immediately prior to the effective date of this Constitution.
g. The powers possessed by the Attorney General for the District of Columbia on the day prior to the effective date of this Constitution shall be possessed by the Attorney General for the State of Washington, D.C. upon the effective date of the Constitution, to the extent not inconsistent with this Constitution, and to the extent not thereafter having been transferred or repealed.
Art. VIII §5 | PERSONNEL RIGHTS
Art. VIII §6 | DEBTS; ASSETS; RECORDS
Art. VIII §7 | RESIDENCY AND QUALIFICATIONS
Art. VIII §8 | ADJUSTMENTS
Art. VIII §9 | VOTING RIGHTS
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