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Committee adopts amendments and advances bill barring discrimination against military status in housing, education and employment
Summary
SB 66, a bill modeled on a Department of Defense initiative to prohibit discrimination based on military status in education, housing, employment and public accommodations, was amended for definitional clarity and advanced by the committee with no recorded objections.
The House Judiciary Committee approved SB 66, which would prohibit discrimination based on military status in employment, housing, education and public accommodations.
Senate staff and witnesses said the bill reflects a Department of Defense-led effort responding to reported instances nationwide where military families—often transient because of stationing—face housing or enrollment barriers. Mr. Junkin explained the bill aims to ensure landlords and education programs cannot refuse service solely because a service member or military family may not be able to complete enrollment or tenancy due to relocation.
The committee adopted a set of six amendments (set number 3223) at the attorney general’s request to add the new definition of “military status” into related Title 51 sections and for technical clarity. Monique Blossom of the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center testified in support. Representative Bayberry and other members asked whether the bill changes existing protected classes; the answer from sponsors and staff was that the bill adds military status without removing current protections.
Representative Dickerson moved the bill favorable as amended and committee members recorded no objection; the bill advanced out of committee.
Ending: The committee cleared the bill as amended; lawmakers asked staff to ensure definitions and cross-references are complete before floor consideration.
