Prince George's County Council Legislative Session – Tuesday, September 8, 2026

The Prince George's County Council convened on September 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Committee Room 2027, with Chair Krystal Oriadha presiding and eight other members present. The session included multiple proclamations, extensive public testimony primarily opposing a recently granted permit for ICE office expansion, legislative actions on housing and zoning bills, and a public information session for Police Accountability Board candidates.

Proclamations & Commencement

• Shirley Diggs was recognized for her 29 years of service with Prince George's County Public Schools.
• Clinton Hardware was recognized for 80 years of family partnership and service in Clinton.
• House of Soul was recognized as a Black-owned business in Lanham.
• BCAUSEICAN was recognized for intergenerational technology training.
• My Neighbor’s Keeper Alliance U.S.A. was recognized for youth empowerment through mentorship and education.

Consent Calendar

• Approved County Council Minutes from September 1, 2026.
• Introduced and referred several bills without debate:
  • CB-112-2026 (Fair Election Fund post-election retention) – referred to GOFP.
  • CB-113-2026 (Tenant relocation rights disclosure) – referred to PHED.
  • CB-114-2026 (Tenant rights education and accessibility) – referred to PHED.
  • CB-115-2026 (Expedited health and safety enforcement in rental housing) – referred to PHED.
  • CB-116-2026 (Stormwater management revenue obligations up to $38.5 million) – referred to TIEE.
• Introduced resolutions:
  • CR-092-2026 (requiring at least one evening meeting per month) – referred to GOFP.
  • CR-093-2026 (requiring countywide listening tours each year) – referred to GOFP.
• Motion to adopt consent agenda passed 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan Taylor, James Dawkins, Amy Rogowski, Nancy, Christine, Diana McFadden, Chrissy Wilkin, Julie, Heather Cronk, Sarah Harper, Laura Usher, Nicholas Sudogama, Louise, Rodney, Kathy Bartolomeo, Dimitri Kiriyev, Trent Leon Learman, and Alan testified.
• The overwhelming majority spoke in opposition to the permit granted for ICE office expansion at 6505 Bellcrest Road in Hyattsville. Speakers described ICE as a “paramilitary terror group,” cited racial profiling, fear in the community, a chilling effect on school attendance (Northwestern High School reported an 11% drop in Hispanic student enrollment), and called on the County Executive to rescind the permit. Many noted the council’s previous statements against ICE and urged the council to act.
• James Dawkins raised concerns about automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and Flock cameras, but Vice Chair Olson clarified that the county does not have a contract for Flock cameras; private entities may use them. The council will investigate further.
• Amy Rogowski testified about the county shelter’s failure to spay/neuter animals as required by code, citing specific cases (dog Dexter and dog Roz) and a parvo quarantine issue. The council noted they had increased the budget for that program.
• Chair Oriadha thanked the public and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to fighting the ICE expansion, noting that three council members have immigrant families personally affected.

Discussion Items

• First Reading of Bills (Consent additions): CB-117-2026 (property tax cap for elderly), CB-118-2026 (air conditioning in rental units), CB-119-2026 (independent Office of Inspector General), CB-120-2026 (rent stabilization for senior housing), CB-121-2026 (affordable housing search portal), CB-122-2026 (orphans court judges compensation) were introduced and referred.
• Second Reading – CB-074-2026 (Accessory Dwelling Units): The PHED committee reported favorably with amendments. The bill aligns with state law, defines accessory dwelling units, and establishes development regulations. Councilmember Adams-Stafford thanked the task force. The bill was introduced.
• Second Reading – CB-071-2026 (Home Occupation and Home Businesses): The PHED committee reported favorably with amendments. Sponsor Councilmember Dernoga explained three categories of amendments: one technical (moving language from definition to standards), one substantive (clarifying employee parking distance to 400 yards and limiting to two vehicles), and one changing civil fines from mandatory to non-mandatory. Amendments were adopted (9-0). The bill was introduced with additional sponsors.
• Public Hearing & Enactment – CB-070-2026 (Places of Worship Use Regulations): No speakers. The council suspended rules, enacted the bill (9-0).
• Public Hearing & Enactment – CB-073-2026 (Sign Height Standards): No speakers. The council enacted the bill (9-0).
• Introduction & Adoption – CR-094-2026 (Sister City with Kumasi, Ghana): Introduced and, with suspension of rules, adopted (9-0).

Key Outcomes

• Votes/Enactments:
  • Consent agenda adopted (9-0).
  • Amendments to CB-071-2026 adopted (9-0).
  • CB-070-2026 enacted (9-0).
  • CB-073-2026 enacted (9-0).
  • CR-094-2026 adopted (9-0).
• Referrals: CB-112 through CB-116, CB-117 through CB-122, CR-092, CR-093, and CR-095 (accessory dwelling unit resolution) were referred to appropriate committees.
• Police Accountability Board Candidates: Public information session held. Twelve candidates introduced themselves (Katherine, Sharon Fantuzy, Anise Hagler, Tyrese McAllister (absent), Dr. Andrea Coleman (absent), Lance Moore, Gary Queen, Benjamin Harris, Blanche Sharp, Dion Smith, Robin Young (absent)). The council will consider applications.
• Proposed Correspondence: A letter to the County Executive regarding the FY2028-FY2030 Local Impact Grant multi-year spending plan (allocating $12,174,300) was approved (7-0-1, with one member not voting? Actually roll call showed 7-0-1? It says "Motion carries 70. Excuse me, 701." This likely indicates 7 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention? Given the confusion, the exact tally is uncertain, but the motion passed.)
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned with reminders for upcoming committee meetings.

Public Concerns & Council Response

• The council repeatedly acknowledged public opposition to the ICE permit and stated they are exploring all legal options to rescind it, including ongoing meetings with legal counsel. They noted that the permit was issued by the County Executive’s administration, not the council, and they are pressing for revocation.
• Vice Chair Olson confirmed the county does not have a Flock camera contract and will look into legislative options regarding private use.
• The council expressed support for stronger enforcement of spay/neuter laws at the shelter and directed staff to follow up with the administration.