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 processes for facilitating these opportunities and to provide educational materials about the legislative process and how to engage with 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 residents. It includes provisions for reducing cost barriers associated with mailing testimony and mandates annual reporting on civic engagement metrics. By codifying these rights and ensuring access to necessary resources, the EASE Act seeks to create a more inclusive democratic process for all D.C. residents, regardless of their incarceration status.