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Committee advances bill barring landlords from seeking immigration status in most rental applications
Summary
SB 599A would prohibit landlords from asking about citizenship or lawful presence except as required to meet federal subsidy rules; the House Judiciary committee moved the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation after a roll call.
The House Committee on Judiciary held a work session on Senate Bill 599A, which would prohibit landlords from inquiring about the citizenship status of tenants or household members except where necessary to comply with federal housing subsidies.
A committee member summarized the measure as directing landlords to accept any combination of six specified identity documents to verify name, birth date and physical appearance; prohibiting rejection of an application for failure to provide a Social Security number or proof of lawful presence; and prohibiting a landlord from disclosing or threatening to disclose immigration or citizenship status to harass, intimidate or retaliate.
The sponsor told the committee the bill “renders a landlord's violation subject to the landlord‑tenant act,” allows victims to seek equitable and injunctive relief and attorney fees, and declares an emergency effective on passage, with operative provisions 30 days after the effective date.
Representative Chotzin moved SB 599A to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation. The clerk called the roll. The votes recorded in the work session were: Representative Chaiti — Aye; Representative Lewis — No; Representative Mannix — Excused; Representative Trent — Yes; Vice Chair Johnson — Aye; Vice Chair Wallen — Excused; Chair Kropf — Aye. The motion passed. Representative Ruiz was named the floor carrier.
Committee materials stated the measure would have a minimal fiscal impact and no revenue impact. The committee closed the work session after the vote.
