D.C. Court Holds the District of Columbia in Contempt for Withholding Budget Records

On February 11, 2026, the D.C. Superior Court held the District of Columbia in contempt for failing to release public‑records in Terris, Pravlik & Millian, LLP v. District of Columbia. The ruling concerns budget‑related documents that TPM first sought in a 2019 FOIA request related to DL v. DC, a special education case related to preschoolers. The Court ordered disclosure in 2021, and the D.C. Court of Appeals affirmed in 2025, but the District still did not produce the records.

Finding noncompliance with its 2021 order, the Court directed the District to produce—and post online—complete OSSE and DCPS budget‑request materials for FY 2019–2026 within 21 days, including Form Bs and related budget-needs documentation. The District will face a $1,500 daily fine if it misses the deadline.

More information about this case is here. Contact Todd Gluckman at tgluckman@tpmlaw.com or 202-204-8482 with any questions.