The bill would prohibit housing discrimination based on source of income or veteran status
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A bipartisan bill expanding the protection under the Fair Housing Act has been introduced in the Senate.
Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) introduced the Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2018 to protect veterans and low-income families from housing discrimination.
The proposed legislation would prohibit housing discrimination based on source of income or veteran status. According to a press release, landlords can currently discriminate against veterans and low-income families who pay their rent through vouchers.
Congress provides vouchers to help 2.2 million veterans and low-income households live in private-market housing.
“As a fair-housing lawyer, I witnessed the pain experienced by families who were discriminated against as they searched for a home,” Kaine said. “Housing decisions should be made on a potential tenant’s merits, not harmful prejudices that hurt the nation’s veterans and families in need. The Fair Housing Improvement Act will help us continue that long pursuit to protect all Americans from discrimination.”
“Helping veterans lead lives of dignity and independence has long been among my top priorities. This bill is part and parcel to that legacy,” Hatch said. “It will put an end to the immoral housing discrimination against veterans and others who rely on veterans’ benefits, Social Security disability, or other non-wage legal income. This bill will address the fact that source of income is not a protected class under the Federal Fair Housing Act, thereby helping to remove an unnecessary barrier facing Utah families and veterans on the path to self-reliance.”
