PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 112-145.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jul 18, 2012
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 29, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
District of Columbia Special Election Reform Act - Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to require the Board of Elections and Ethics, in filling the following vacancies, to hold a special election in the District on the first Tuesday occurring between 70 and 174 days (currently, the first Tuesday occurring more than 114 days) after the vacancy occurs which the Board determines, based on a totality of the circumstances, taking into account, inter alia, cultural and religious holidays and the administrability of the election, will provide the greatest level of voter participation. Eliminates the specific alternative of a special election on the same day as the next general election (without eliminating the option of a special election on the same day as the next general election).
Applies this revised special election requirement to: (1) the Office of the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, (2) a Council member elected from a ward or elected at large, (3) the Office of the Mayor of the District, and (4) the Office of the Attorney General of the District.
People & committees
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] · D–DC
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 112-145.
Became Public Law No: 112-145.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
By Senator Lieberman from Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs filed written report. Report No. 112-186.
By Senator Lieberman from Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs filed written report. Report No. 112-186.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S4980)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S4980)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 448.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1085-1086)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H1085-1086)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3902.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1085-1087)
Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E147)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.3902 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.3902 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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