Congress·Reported·H.R. 3766

To prohibit the District of Columbia from requiring tribunals in court or administrative proceedings in the District of Columbia to defer to the Mayor of the District of Columbia's interpretation of statutes and regulations, and for other purposes.

District of Columbia: Ending Court Deference to the Mayor

May 13·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Next up: The House

This bill was reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on May 12, 2026, and is now waiting for a vote by the full House of Representatives. While the bill has successfully moved through the committee stage, it is not guaranteed a floor vote because House leadership must decide when to schedule it. The bill is currently active as it waits for the next step in the legislative process.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Unlikely to pass

While it has support in the House, bills that override D.C. local laws often face strong opposition in the Senate and are rarely signed into law.

Key Points

This bill stops D.C. courts from having to follow the Mayor's or a city agency's explanation of laws. It ensures that judges make their own decisions about what a law means.
If a city rule is confusing, judges sometimes have to agree with the city's explanation. This bill would end that practice and require judges to be neutral when hearing cases.
It also cancels a 2025 D.C. law that forced courts to side with the city government in these situations. This would return the legal rules to how they were before that local law was passed.
This change would mostly affect people or businesses who sue the D.C. government. It gives them a more level playing field because the judge will not start the case by favoring the city's view.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

3 milestones6 actions

May 13, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 565.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

May 13, 2026House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-650.

Dec 2, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 19.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Dec 2, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Jun 5, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

To prohibit the District of Columbia from requiring tribunals in court or administrative proceedings in the District of Columbia to defer to the Mayor of the District of Columbia's interpretation of statutes and regulations, and for other purposes.

Bill NumberHR 3766

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 565.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)

R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.