The Smoke-Free Residential Environments Amendment Act of 2026 aims to amend the District of Columbia Smoking Restriction Act of 1979 by prohibiting smoking of any tobacco or plant product indoors in multifamily housing with two or more dwelling units, as well as within 25 feet of entrances or windows of such buildings when another person is present. The bill also mandates that landlords inform tenants of these new smoking restrictions in both new and existing leases. This legislation seeks to protect residents from the harmful effects of secondhand and thirdhand smoke, which can permeate shared spaces and ventilation systems in multifamily housing.

Key amendments to the existing law include the addition of a definition for "multifamily housing" and the requirement for landlords to provide notice of the smoking restrictions in lease agreements. The bill also clarifies that outdoor smoking is permitted closer than 25 feet from a building if no other person is exposed to secondhand smoke. These changes reflect a commitment to public health by addressing the risks associated with indoor smoking and ensuring that all residents can live in safe and healthy environments.