The Ensuring Access and Supporting Engagement (EASE) for DOC Residents Act of 2025 aims to enhance civic participation for residents of the District of Columbia Department of Corrections (DOC) by allowing them to testify at D.C. Council hearings. The bill recognizes that while incarcerated individuals retain their voting rights, they are currently excluded from directly engaging with their elected representatives. The legislation mandates that DOC provide access to electronic devices and internet services, enabling residents to register as witnesses, submit written testimony, and provide oral testimony via video conference. Additionally, it requires DOC to establish educational resources about the legislative process and facilitate communication between residents and their Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC).

The bill also emphasizes the importance of individual voices in the legislative process, asserting that no single representative can adequately capture the diverse perspectives of incarcerated individuals. It includes provisions for reducing cost barriers associated with mailing testimony and mandates annual reporting on civic engagement metrics. By codifying these rights and processes, the EASE Act seeks to ensure that incarcerated residents can fully participate in the democratic process, thereby reinforcing their fundamental rights as citizens.