Montgomery County Councilmember Kristin Mink (District 5) recently introduced Bill 38-26, which would amend the County’s housing discrimination law to prohibit discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status. Councilmembers Will Jawando and Kate Stewart had cosponsored the bill prior to introduction, and Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke, Shebra Evans and Laurie-Anne Sayles cosponsored the bill as it was introduced during the July 28 Council session.
In addition to prohibiting discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status, the bill would also allow tenants to terminate their lease early if a tenant is being deported, detained or held for more than 30 days pursuant to immigration proceedings, or if the tenant is facing financial hardship due to an occupant of the rental property being impacted by immigration proceedings.
“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.”
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“I am grateful to Councilmember Mink for introducing this bill to prohibit discrimination in the sale or rental of housing as well as to allow early termination of leases when an active immigration proceeding substantially affects the tenant’s continued occupancy of the rental property,” 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. “I am proud to cosponsor Bill 38-26 and thank Councilmember Mink for leading this legislation.”
A public hearing on Bill 38-26 is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m.
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