Virginia Fair Housing Law; unlawful discriminatory housing practices. (HB816)

Introduced By

Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington) with support from co-patron Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Virginia Fair Housing Law; unlawful discriminatory housing practices. Adds lawful source of income to the list on the basis of which it is unlawful to discriminate in fair housing practices. The bill defines lawful source of income as any income used by a person to pay for the purchase or lease of a dwelling, including (i) public assistance, (ii) any manner of gross income, (iii) federal supplemental security income benefits, (iv) child support, and (v) any federal, state, or local housing assistance, regardless of whether the funds are paid directly to the person or to a landlord or other third party for the benefit of the person. The bill also authorizes the governing body of any county, city, or town to enact an ordinance in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Fair Housing Law, provided such ordinance includes protections against discrimination that are at least as protective as those provided by the law. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/07/2014Committee
01/07/2014Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/08/14 14101539D
01/07/2014Referred to Committee on General Laws
01/10/2014Assigned GL sub: Subcommittee #1
01/16/2014Impact statement from DPB (HB816)
01/16/2014Stricken from docket by General Laws
01/23/2014Impact statement from DPB (HB816)

Comments

VHC Admin writes:

VHC supports this bill. It is unacceptable to allow discrimination against Virginians who use a lawful source of income such as housing choice vouchers, or other public programs to help pay for rent. Families at all income levels deserve the opportunity to live in communities that offer good schools, healthy food, jobs, and transportation. Research shows that families moving from high to low-poverty areas experience tangible health, education, and safety benefits. Research also shows that such anti-discrimination housing laws increase housing voucher utilization rates, making these programs more effective and helpful to more families.