The Convention Center Dedicated Employee Amendment Act of 2026 aims to enhance the working conditions for permanent food and beverage employees at the Washington Convention Center. The bill mandates that Events DC prohibit food and beverage service operators from limiting the overtime hours that permanent employees can work and restricts the use of temporary workers to only bona fide emergencies. This change is intended to ensure that experienced permanent employees, who rely on overtime to support their families, are prioritized over temporary workers, who often receive lower wages and lack benefits.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that prevent food and beverage service operators from maintaining policies that discriminate against hiring employees who work at other venues in the D.C. metropolitan area. The new legal language specifies that temporary employees can only be utilized under specific circumstances, such as unexpected emergencies or existing contracts that cannot be canceled. This legislation seeks to protect the rights and livelihoods of permanent employees, ensuring they have the opportunity to work sufficient hours and earn a living wage.