DC Council Passes Emergency Bill as Crime Rates Soar

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks at a news conference in Washington, on March 15, 2021. Andrew Harnik/AP Photo

Washington, D.C. Council voted on July 11 to pass an emergency public safety bill granting judges and law enforcement officials more power as part of efforts to address soaring crime rates in the area.

The bill, known as the “Prioritizing Public Safety Amendment Act,” was put forward by Councilmember Brooke Pinto and passed Tuesday in a 12–1 vote.