Bill Text: HI HB676 | 2014 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Discrimination in Rental Transactions; Public Benefits
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2014-02-27 - Referred to CPN/EGH, JDL. [HB676 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2014-HB676-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
676 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO DISCRIMINATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that low-income individuals have an extremely difficult time finding affordable rentals in Hawaii. This situation is made more frustrating when housing vacancy advertisements discourage people from applying by advertising "no section 8 accepted." Hawaii's laws currently do not prohibit discrimination based on receipt of public benefits. However, a number of other states have prohibited this type of income discrimination. Renters who participate in government assistance programs, such as the federal Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as section 8 housing, should have an equal opportunity to find housing.
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit discrimination based on receipt of public benefits in the rental of real estate.
SECTION 2. Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§521- Discrimination; rental transactions. (a) No person shall refuse to engage in a rental transaction with another individual solely because the individual is a recipient of public assistance.
(b) For the purpose of this section:
"Rental transaction" means any part of a process or transaction for the rental or lease of premises, including advertising for the rental or lease of premises.
"Public assistance" means any government or private assistance, grant, loan, or rental assistance program, including low-income housing assistance certificates and vouchers under the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2112.
Report Title:
Discrimination in Rental Transactions; Public Benefits
Description:
Prohibits a person from refusing to engage in a rental transaction with another solely based on that other being a recipient of public benefits. Effective July 1, 2112. (HB676 HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
