Posts tagged as “the Home Rule Act”

District of Columbia Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has withdrawn the legislation revamping the district's criminal laws from the Senate, citing the Home Rule Act which requires local legislation to be transmitted to both houses. The Senate is voting this week on a Republican-backed bill that would undo the changes, and the outcome of the vote will determine the future of the proposed changes. Supporters of the bill argue that the changes are necessary to reform the criminal justice system and reduce mass incarceration, while opponents argue that it would weaken public safety and lead to an increase in crime.