County Councilmember Kristin Mink has introduced a bill to prohibit housing discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status.
What the bill is
Mink has introduced Bill 38-26, which would amend the County’s housing discrimination law to prohibit discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status. Before it was introduced, Councilmembers Will Jawando and Kate Stewart had cosponsored the bill. The bill was cosponsored by Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke, Shebra Evans and Laurie-Anne Sayles as it was introduced during the July 28 Council session.
Additionally, the bill would allow tenants to terminate their lease early if a tenant is being deported, detained or held for more than 30 days, or if the tenant has financial difficulties due to an occupant of the rental property being impacted by immigration proceedings.
What councilmembers have to say
“This measure will fill an urgent gap in our housing discrimination laws. Citizenship and immigration status doesn’t tell you anything about how a person is going to be as a tenant or a homebuyer,” said Councilmember Mink. “There are many other metrics that are much more informative, and it’s critical that we provide every legal protection available to our most vulnerable residents.”
“I am grateful to Councilmember Mink for introducing this bill to prohibit discrimination in the sale or rental of housing,” said Councilmember Jawando. “This is a time of great uncertainty for many of our immigrant residents, and we will continue using every tool in our toolbox to lawfully protect the rights of our residents regardless of citizenship or immigration status.”
“Housing is a human right regardless of immigration status. With the current political climate, it is crucial that, in Montgomery County, we secure the right of housing for all and prohibit housing discrimination based on an individual’s status,” said Councilmember Stewart.
There is a tentative scheduling for a public hearing on Bill 38-26 for Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m.
