District of Columbia Courts and Public Defender Service Employment Non-Discrimination Act

# DC Courts and Public Defender Service Employment Non-Discrimination Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prohibit employment discrimination in Washington, D.C.'s court system and Public Defender Service based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. It would extend workplace protections to employees of these government agencies, ensuring they cannot be fired, denied promotion, or otherwise mistreated based on these personal characteristics. **Who It Affects** The legislation directly impacts employees working for D.C.'s judicial courts and the Public Defender Service (which provides legal representation to defendants who cannot afford attorneys).

The bill aims to create more inclusive workplaces within these institutions by clarifying and strengthening anti-discrimination policies. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7020 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. It was sponsored by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, the non-voting representative from Washington, D.C.