Atkinson v. District of Columbia Board of Elections & Ethics

STEADMAN, Associate Judge:

Before us for expedited decision is a challenge to a proposed referendum measure to be submitted in November to the voters of the District of Columbia relating to potential liability of manufacturers, importers, and dealers of assault weapons for injury or death caused by the use of such a weapon in the District. Its disposition involves consideration of a unique feature of the legislative process in the District; namely, that a legislative act of the Council of the District of Columbia, with certain exceptions, may not take effect until at least thirty calendar days…