These are the new DC laws that will go into effect in 2025
Photo taken on March 25, 2020 shows the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. (Photo by Liu Jie/Xinhua via Getty) (Xinhua/Liu Jie via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - The new year is almost here and with it comes new laws for D.C. residents. Here are the changes District residents can expect to see in 2025.
Ban on right turns at red lights
Starting Jan 1., turning red at red lights in D.C. is supposed to be banned.
It’s part of the Safer Streets Amendment of 2022, which was meant to prohibit drivers in the District from turning right on red unless the District Department of Transportation determined allowing right turns on red would be safe at a particular intersection and the proper signage was displayed.
But the ban will only be enforced at about half of D.C.’s 1,600 intersections because the $385,000 that was supposed to be set aside for signs at D.C.'s borders before enforcement was set to start in 2025 was never identified, according to Sharon Kershbaum, director of D.C.'s Department of Transportation.
Home Visiting Services Reimbursement
Home visiting is an early intervention program offered in D.C. for expectant parents and families with young children. Home visitors meet with families at their homes to provide education, coaching, and counseling on specific topics that improve health outcomes for young children and their parents.
There are 17 home visit programs operating in D.C. that have helped thousands of residents. The programs are funded through a mix of federal grants, local grants, and private funding
Beginning on Jan. 1, families receiving healthcare through Medicaid, DC HealthCare Alliance or the Immigrant Children's Program will have the cost of home visits covered or be able to get a reimbursement.
Migratory Local Wildlife Protection Act
The Migratory Local Wildlife Protection Act became law in March 2023. Under the law, beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, new building permit applications for new construction or external glazing alterations will be required to use bird-friendly materials for the exterior wall envelope and fenestration up to 100 feet above grade.
This requirement includes commercial buildings, multi-unit residential buildings and institutional facilities. Substantial replacement is defined as at least 75 percent.
Recordation Tax
For tax year 2025, the purchase price for a residential property eligible for the reduced rate of recordation tax for first-time homebuyers cannot exceed $753,000.
Tax Changes
There will be a general sales and use tax rate hike beginning on Oct. 1, 2025. The rate will to increaase to 6.5 percent.
The personal income tax exemption for interest from non-D.C. state and local bonds will be eliminated. The motor vehicle excise tax exemption for electric vehicles will be repealed and excise tax rates for gas vehicles will increase.